Legislative Advocacy 2027

MAAE Concerns for Amendment 5

Missouri voters have an opportunity to vote on HJR173 approach the statewide vote to amend the Missouri constitution.

"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to: phase-out the individual income tax based on revenue growth; reduce personal property and other local taxes when local revenues increase; modify the sales and use tax to eliminate income tax and reduce local taxes; and protect local funding for public schools and other purposes?" 

MAAE has several concerns. The resolution:

• Provides no plans for replacing lost revenue which provides funding support for schools, roads, health and human services Missouri needs to remain strong?

• This loss in funding support for education may have a negative impact on arts programs in Missouri schools.

• Will likely result in significant rise in sales taxes paid

• Dismantles protections for sales tax for real estate and other services

Missouri Legislator Lookup 

From Americans for the Arts Action Fund:

House Proposes Cuts to Arts Education Funding

The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill passed out of the House Appropriations Committee, and this included key funding for arts education and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Department of Education’s funding dropped by $8 billion compared to FY2026, falling to $70.7 billion. ​​​​The bill would negatively impact K-12 education by cutting $2 billion from Title I Grants and completely eliminating Title II Part A funding for educator professional development.

Specifically, the House has included the following appropriations for arts education funding streams: 

• $0 for the Assistance for Arts Education grant program 

• $16.53 billion for Title I Part A (funding for education for low income students)

• $0 for Title II Part A (funding for professional development for educators, including arts educators)

• $1.385 billion for Title IV Part A (funding for student support services and academic enrichment)

• $1.33 billion for Title IV Part B (funding for 21st century community learning centers)

You Can Take Action!

This is just one step in the appropriations process and we can make a difference as the Senate considers arts funding. Arts advocates recognize the importance of adequately funding arts education, museums, and libraries. Please join us in telling your Members of Congress to increase funding for arts education and the Institute for Museums and Library Services.

Take action here.