WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The House Democratic leadership, on Jan. 15, 2009, released the details of an $825 billion economic stimulus package with $275 billion in tax breaks and $550 billion in spending.
The proposal includes a $50 million allocation for the National Endowment for the Arts), with the stipulation that 40 percent of such funding be distributed through state and regional arts agencies, the balance to go out in direct grants from the NEA. The proposal further stipulates that all funds must be awarded by Sept. 30, 2010, using existing grant-making procedures.
The funding and tax proposals outlined by the leaders go to the tax-writing and appropriations committees in the House this week, after the presidential inauguration, to draft the legislation embodying the proposals offered. Similar action needs to be taken by the Senate before a final piece of legislation is ready for the President's signature.
