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February 12, 2020
Federal budget repeats recent history, proposing elimination of NEA
With bipartisan support from Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) received an increase for fiscal year 2020 for a total funding level of $162.25 million, while the Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) program fund at the U.S. Department of Education actually received a $1 million increase for a total funding level of $30 million.
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February 12, 2020
Did your orchestra pay taxes on transportation benefits? Refunds now available!
The 21% Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) on parking and commuting benefits that was created by comprehensive tax reform signed into law in December 2017 has now been retroactively repealed.
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February 12, 2020
Reminder! IRA Rollover is a key giving incentive
Many orchestras have received significant new contributions since the IRA Charitable Rollover provision was made permanent in 2015, allowing individuals age 70-1/2 and older to make direct, tax-free transfers of up to $100,000 per year (up to $200,000 for married couples) from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) to qualified charities.
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February 12, 2020
Tap into League visa services amidst a wave of changing rules for guest artists
The League provides specialized assistance in navigating the complex visa requirements for guest artists.
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January 23, 2020
UBIT Rules and New Requirements
Thanks to advocacy by the League and our member orchestras, in partnership with the broader nonprofit sector, the FY20 spending and tax package signed into law on December 20, 2019 retroactively repealed the UBIT on parking and commuting benefits. This means that orchestras that have paid the tax are eligible for a refund.
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December 4, 2019
Engage With Policymakers
Raising your voice about key issues before Congress is essential. Contacting Congress is easy to do, and your communication with elected officials will ensure that communities nationwide continue to benefit from orchestral music.
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August 5, 2019
Assessment Board Announces Plan to Eliminate Nation's Arts Report Card
In late July, the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) announced its intention to narrow the breadth of subjects assessed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), eliminating the next Nation's Arts Report Card, the only nationally-reported measurement of what students know and are able to do in the arts.
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July 8, 2016
Federal funding: your summer homework with elected officials
Given that this is an election year, the House and Senate are taking a long summer recess, which makes the prospects uncertain for the federal budget to be completed. Bills that are of importance to the orchestra community are on the move, and here is the latest on where things stand for...
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January 4, 2016
Cultural Diplomacy Opportunity: Musicians May Apply Now
Orchestra musicians interested in participating in international cultural diplomacy should take note of two application deadlines at the U.S. Department of State. The 2016-2017 season of American Music Abroad is currently accepting applications until January 24, 2016.
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November 5, 2015
Tips for Traveling by Air
Musicians have long encountered difficulty and uncertainty when traveling with musical instruments by air. Immediately following the events of September 11, 2001, a national coalition of concerned organizations including the League of American Orchestras and the American Federation of Musicians, began influencing policy and crafting tips for making reservations, packing instruments, and calmly dealing with last-minute problems.