LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: February 2, 2015
The Administration released its FY 2016 spending blueprint . . .
On February 2, 2015, the Administration released its FY 2016 spending blueprint that contains some $3.99 trillion, including funding for public broadcasting. Several regulatory issues have been identified for the priority list for the year.
BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS
The budget document (see page 21 of pdf) includes funding for public broadcasting and continues the unique, advance two-year appropriation process that has been a hallmark of federal support. The FY 2016 budget proposes an advance appropriation of $445 million to CPB for FY 2018. An additional $40 million is provided to CPB in FY 2016 to support the first phase of a multi-year $197 million deployment of the next generation public TV interconnection system.
Two longtime supporters of public broadcasting are on the Appropriations Committee. Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) returns as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) will be the top ranking Democrat. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) will serve as the new Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, which has primary responsibility over public broadcasting's annual federal funding. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) will serve as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee.
In the other important committee position with funding responsibilities, Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming will chair the Senate Budget Committee with Democrat Bernie Sanders of Vermont holding the top Democratic slot on this committee. Republicans added two members to the Senate Budget Committee, including Senators Bob Corker (TN) and David Perdue (GA).
The Community Voices Initiative remains at the center of advocacy efforts for NPR. Additionally, Protect My Public Media's efforts, blog, e-mail and social media activity accrued nearly 4,000 new "likes" on Facebook and nearly 1,000 Twitter followers. Over 646,000 emails have been sent to Congress in support of federal funding for public media and 500 testimonials were added to the Protect My Public Media website. Stations are encouraged to post web banners on their homepages, Re-tweet and share Protect My Public Media content, air promos and more. Sign up to become a part of PMPM.
Stations and community members are encouraged to communicate with their legislators and let them know the importance of public media.
BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS
The budget document (see page 21 of pdf) includes funding for public broadcasting and continues the unique, advance two-year appropriation process that has been a hallmark of federal support. The FY 2016 budget proposes an advance appropriation of $445 million to CPB for FY 2018. An additional $40 million is provided to CPB in FY 2016 to support the first phase of a multi-year $197 million deployment of the next generation public TV interconnection system.
Two longtime supporters of public broadcasting are on the Appropriations Committee. Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) returns as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) will be the top ranking Democrat. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) will serve as the new Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, which has primary responsibility over public broadcasting's annual federal funding. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) will serve as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee.
In the other important committee position with funding responsibilities, Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming will chair the Senate Budget Committee with Democrat Bernie Sanders of Vermont holding the top Democratic slot on this committee. Republicans added two members to the Senate Budget Committee, including Senators Bob Corker (TN) and David Perdue (GA).
The Community Voices Initiative remains at the center of advocacy efforts for NPR. Additionally, Protect My Public Media's efforts, blog, e-mail and social media activity accrued nearly 4,000 new "likes" on Facebook and nearly 1,000 Twitter followers. Over 646,000 emails have been sent to Congress in support of federal funding for public media and 500 testimonials were added to the Protect My Public Media website. Stations are encouraged to post web banners on their homepages, Re-tweet and share Protect My Public Media content, air promos and more. Sign up to become a part of PMPM.
Stations and community members are encouraged to communicate with their legislators and let them know the importance of public media.