Critical OMB Proposal Could Devastate Arts Funding in New Jersey

On August 8th, the U.S. Senate voted 90 to 6 to approve a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government open and funded through December 11. 

The CR includes a key bipartisan provision temporarily blocking the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from finalizing proposed sweeping changes to overhaul federal grantmaking. The CR must now head to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was expected to publish its Final Rule, potentially on or near September 1, to overhaul federal grantmaking. Nearly 500,000 public comments were submitted during the 45-day comment period, 86 percent of which opposed the proposal. If implemented, the proposal would pose significant financial risk and instability for arts organizations and community programs, making it more difficult for them to provide vital services to communities. Senior political appointees would be authorized to approve all discretionary grants, and grants can be suspended or terminated at any time if deemed misaligned with federal priorities. Urge your senators to oppose these rules.

What's at Stake for New Jersey Arts

This proposal directly threatens the stability and independence of New Jersey's arts ecosystem. The regulations could affect funding from multiple federal sources that support our cultural institutions, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ distribution of federal funds, and broader funding streams supporting creative workers, education programs, and community cultural initiatives.

Take action now

It’s critically important that as many voices as possible are raised against this rule. Contact Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim to ask for their help in protecting nonprofit grantees and the communities they serve.