Action Alert: Urge Congress to Support FY26 Education Funding

🚨 Now is the Time to Call for Federal Funding for Education 🚨

Last month’s federal education funding freeze is over—but schools are far from out of the woods. The Trump administration reportedly plans to send Congress a “rescissions” proposal aiming to cut current-year federal funds Congress approved in March. The list could include unspent formula grant dollars; competitive grants that haven’t yet been awarded; and funding streams the Trump administration already canceled earlier this year.

If lawmakers don’t approve the proposal within 45 days of receiving it, federal law says the administration would have to spend the money as Congress originally specified. But there’s another wrinkle: Trump administration officials have publicly floated attempting an unprecedented “pocket rescissions” strategy of proposing cuts after Aug. 15, giving Congress less than 45 days to weigh in before the funds expire altogether on Sept. 30.

Arts Education is Especially At Risk!

These funds help schools provide music, theatre, visual arts, and other creative learning opportunities that support students’ emotional well-being, confidence, and academic achievement. Without this funding, entire arts programs could disappear—especially in under-resourced schools.

This is urgent—but you can help protect it.

Here’s how:

Take 1 minute to tell Congress: Support Education Funding in FY26 Budget.
A pre-written letter is ready for you. Send it as is—or personalize it with your story. The action page below makes it quick and easy.

Share how it impacts you
Are you a parent, educator, or advocate? Your voice matters. Real stories help lawmakers understand what’s truly at stake. Ways to share:

Post on your social media and tag your legislators – tag @artsednj and @artsednow4all too so we can share it
Tell US about how important arts education is to YOU and we’ll find ways to amplify it! https://artsednow.org/share-your-story/

Thank you for standing up for students. Together, we can protect the future of public education—and ensure the arts remain part of every child’s education.