Arts advocates press to preserve 1% for art program as LB445 evolves; LB560 clears committee to help creative districts

Nebraska Arts Council staff and allied advocates told the council on March 12 that they are closely tracking two bills at the State Legislature that could materially affect arts funding.

LB445: 1% for art language under negotiation

Staff reported that LB445, a broader construction-related bill, previously included a provision to repeal the state—s 1% for art program. Arts Council representatives and partners testified in opposition to that repeal and have been negotiating with the bill sponsor, Senator Von Gillern. Mike (staff) said the senator indicated he would supply an amendment and that discussions are ongoing about clarifying eligibility rules rather than outright repeal. “My goal is to do as little damage to the program as possible and yet still maintain the program,” Mike said during the meeting.

The council—s lobbyist and partners have been working to define potential amendment language that would narrow qualifications or otherwise reduce implementation cost while keeping an arts-set-aside in some form. Staff cautioned that final language was not available at the time of the meeting and that the situation could change as the bill moves through the process.

LB560: tourism cash fund and creative districts

Council staff and Nebraskans for the Arts reported voter- and legislator-facing progress on LB560, a bill that would free up unused tourism cash-fund money—about $500,000—to create an opportunity for grant funding that can be used by creative districts and other communities for marketing and personnel. Mike said LB560 moved out of committee with an 8–0 vote and was noncontentious, improving its prospects of advancing quickly.

Council and partner representatives said they planned to testify before the Appropriations Committee with district leaders and other supporters to emphasize economic and community benefits. Staff said they are coordinating testimony and will monitor committee calendars and legislative language.

Federal-level update

Council staff also reported on federal issues affecting grantees, including changes and questions at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Staff said guidance communicated to state grantees has not changed for the State Arts Partnership (SAP) grants that flow to the council, and they had drawn down federal funds through June 30 to protect grantee payments while federal guidance remains uncertain.

What the council will do next

Staff committed to informing council members when amendments or decisive changes are filed and urged local advocates to sign up for the council—s new action portal to log communications with legislators. The council plans to continue direct conversation with the bill sponsor and to rally local creative-district testimony at hearings.

Note: the council did not vote on legislative positions during this meeting; staff reported monitoring and advocacy activity and ongoing negotiations.