Our colleagues of color—and many communities served by the orchestras we represent—are living with deep pain and fear, subjected to the threat of police violence, to the risks inherent in serving as essential workers in a time of crisis, and to ongoing oppression in a society scarred by racism. There is an urgent need for White people and predominantly White organizations to do the work of uprooting this racism.
Congress is working on its fourth package of federal relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be making decisions about policies that will affect orchestras, musicians, and the communities they serve.
Thank You: Ongoing Advocacy is Essential; House Action Marks Start of Weeks of Negotiations Ahead; Bi-Partisan Support Grows for Nonprofit Sector Relief; Paycheck Protection Program Update
As Congress re-groups on next steps in crafting a package of new and renewed COVID-19 relief programs, a dizzying array of details on existing programs has been announced in the past week.
Federal emergency funding provided in the CARES Act is now available to states through block grants and emergency relief resources intended to support the new costs of adapting to learning needs amid the COVID-19 crisis. Funds are primarily targeted to Title I schools, and state and local education policy leaders are given opportunities to choose how to direct these COVID-19 relief resources.
As of last week, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced it awarded almost $30 million to the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia and several territories including Puerto Rico, for re-granting in order to preserve jobs and facilities costs.
Congress and the White House are taking final action on a narrowly-tailored “interim” COVID-19 relief bill.
An executive order issuing a Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants was signed by President Trump on April 23, barring the issuance of new green card status for many individuals for a 60-day period.
Congress Acts on New Funds for PPP and SBA Loans; Executive Order Halts Immigration, Calls for Review of Nonimmigrant Programs; Arts Education and Teaching Artistry Amid the COVID-19 Crisis; NEA Awards CARES Act Funding to States
In This Issue: White House to Defer to States on Re-Opening; League Calls on Congress to Expand COVID-19 Relief; Weighing In on the Fine Print of Loan Programs; Reminder! League Federal Relief Resources