Early this morning, Congress unveiled the Conference Report of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and this afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the final version of the bill by a vote of 246-183. The Senate is expected to vote on the final version of the bill later tonight.

What’s important about these final votes, and the actions coming out of the Conference today, is that the final bill DOES include $50 million in direct support for arts jobs through National Endowment for the Arts grants. The exclusionary Coburn Amendment language banning certain arts groups from receiving any other economic recovery funds has also been successfully removed.

The exciting news comes in a mixed bag. Zoos and aquariums are unfortunately barred from the final bill, which deserves attention. According to American Association of Museums President Ford W. Bell, “It is also disheartening that zoos and aquariums will be prohibited from competing for most economic stimulus funds made available through this bill. Zoos and
aquariums have tremendous public benefit for environmental education and wildlife conservation, and contribute greatly to our nation’s economy by spurring tourism.”

Today’s news proves that the power of grassroots action drove elected officials on Capitol Hill to seek a compromise. As of today, nearly 350 people participated in the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s email letter-writing campaign to Senate offices, particularly Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter, to voice their disappointment over the Coburn Amendment. That’s well over 700 letters sent to Senate offices. The immediate action you
demonstrated is proof that we can create a big arts movement in the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond in 2009.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding the final passage of the bill, and issues popping up at the municipal and state levels.