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California lawmakers and cultural leaders warn federal cuts threaten state arts, museums and libraries
Summary
At a joint informational hearing, state lawmakers and arts leaders said recent federal actions and proposed budget cuts to the NEA, NEH and IMLS have already disrupted grants and programs across California and urged state action to shore up funding and services.
A joint informational hearing convened by Senator Ben Allen and Assemblymember Christopher Ward drew arts leaders, museum directors, filmmakers and union representatives to warn that recent federal actions are disrupting programs and jobs across California's creative economy.
Speakers told the Joint Committee on the Arts and the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism that federal grant terminations and a proposed FY 2026 budget that would zero out the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) have already forced organizations to pause projects and lay out contingency plans.
Why it matters: testimony cited canceled or at-risk grants that fund education programs, documentaries, museum exhibits and library services that reach rural and urban communities alike. Erin…
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