The US House on Friday (May 15) passed the HEROES Act, their next version of COVID-19 relief. The bill includes $10 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The $10m is split just like the $75m included in the first CARES Act – 40% will go directly to state arts agencies and regional organizations (e.g. South Arts), while the other 60% will be available for direct grants by the NEA to eligible organizations.
The bill also includes $540 billion to be dispersed to states, and another $375 billion to local municipalities and counties. These funds could provide additional arts support based on guidance issued by the federal government, and by the policies of each state / city / county.
The HEROES Act passed the House, and now heads to the Senate where it is expected to be rewritten, delayed, or stalled due to difference between the House (led by Democrats) and the Senate (led by Republicans).
