A persuasive advocate should be up to date on the key issues affecting the opera sector.

Read the latest news on advocacy efforts prepared by OPERA America's director of government affairs and civic practice — and check back for regular updates.

Review the key issues affecting opera and the arts with resources and downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Action Group.

Advocacy Updates

Issued July 2, 2026

Department of Education issues revised list of Professional Degrees after Court Order

A new list released on June 29 by the Education Department includes 29 degree programs designated as "professional programs" for the purposes of applying the updated loan limits enacted on July 1st, representing an increase from the previously announced 11 programs. Last week, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction against the Department’s policy, ruling that the agency lacked the authority to define professional programs independently. As litigation progresses, the final determination may lead to further revisions of the list. Students enrolled in programs classified as professional may now borrow up to $50,000 annually or up to $200,000 over their lifetime. Other graduate students are subject to lower borrowing limits, with a maximum of $20,500 per year and $100,000 in total. Prior to July 1, graduate students could borrow up to the cost of attendance for their program; however, that loan program was discontinued by Congress effective July 1. Update courtesy of Inside Higher Ed.

Congressional Task Force on Institutional Abuses

Members of Congress have been assigned to serve on the newly created Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses. Members include: Chair Gill (R-TX), Ranking Member Simon (D-CA) and Reps. Jordan (R-OH), Biggs (R-AZ), Cloud (R-TX), Donalds (R-FL), Jack (R-GA), Min (D-CA), Walkinshaw (D-VA), and Pressley (D-MA). The Task Force will focus on “institutions that work to abuse and undermine historic pillars of American government and society, including illegal [diversity, equity, and inclusion] policies, the abuse of immigration and social welfare programs, and efforts by foreign actors and dark money groups to suppress Americans’ free speech.” Chair Gill shared that the task force intends to focus on nonprofits. Update courtesy of the National Council of Nonprofits.

Ruling on Department of Education’s proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

On June 30, a federal court vacated a final rule from the Department of Education which would have allowed the Secretary of Education to disqualify government and nonprofit employers by imposing additional conditions for eligibility based on EO 14235. “Congress unequivocally prescribed the requirements for PSLF-eligible public service jobs. The statute does not vest any discretionary authority in the Secretary to disqualify employers (and consequently borrowers) or to alter unambiguous requirements set forth in… the repayment provision or the statutory definition of ‘public service jobs,’” the court wrote. “Consequently, the Final Rule is unlawful because it permits the Secretary to disqualify statutorily eligible employers upon determining that they have a ‘substantial illegal purpose.’ The Final Rule plainly contradicts the unambiguous text of the PSLF Statute and exceeds the scope of the Department’s authority because Congress does not require such a hurdle and did not specifically instruct the Department to impose it.”“The Final Rule is contrary to law and promulgated in excess of statutory authority, is arbitrary and capricious, and violates the First Amendment. I therefore hold it unlawful and set it aside. The Final Rule is vacated,” the court concluded. Update courtesy of National Council of Nonprofits.

Issued June 26, 2026

FY2027 Appropriations Process Update

While all 12 FY27 appropriations bills have passed through the House Appropriations Committee, the next step, voting in the full House of Representatives, has yet to be scheduled. This includes the nearly 35% cut for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) that is proposed in the FY27 Interior Appropriations bill language. The proposal also specifies $72 million of the $153 million “for grants-in-aid to States” which would shift the current formula in which state and region allocation which is calculated to be 40% of the NEA’s grant dollars. The Senate Appropriations Committee bill language and action will take place in the coming weeks. 

Ongoing advocacy with both chambers is essential to maintaining the bipartisan support that sustains arts funding. The next few weeks when Congress is in home districts and states is a great opportunity for in-person engagement with your elected officials. You can prepare for meetings with the assistance of OPERA America’s advocacy toolkit and reach out directly to urge Congress to protect NEA funding! 

New Department of Education Interagency Agreements

On June 16, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced four new interagency agreements (IAAs) following the 10 agreements implemented over the past year. According to the press release, The Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) will partner with ED on special education and rehabilitative services, and The Department of Justice will partner with ED on civil rights enforcement, student privacy protection, and training and advisory services.   

Issued June 12, 2026 

Artist Visa Provision Included in House FY27 Department of Homeland Security Bill

The House FY27 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill was approved by the full House Appropriations Committee, including the following language that was requested by Rep. Leger Fernandez (D-NM03) and Rep. Salazar (R-FL27) in a letter finalized in March. While there are many steps to the final passage of the bill, the inclusion of this language in House action is a helpful message from the Hill to USCIS.

Timely O and P processing, p.97 

Nonimmigrant Visa Petition Processing.—The Committee reminds USCIS to meet the agency’s statutory obligation to adjudicate I–129 petitions for O and P nonimmigrant visas for extraordinary ability in the arts within 14 days of receiving a petition.

Fix The Tix Launches Fan Action Center to Combat Predatory Ticket Resale

On June 8, Fix the Tix and Fan Alliance launched the Fix the Tix Fan Action Center, a new digital hub designed to help live entertainment fans take immediate action when they encounter misleading, fraudulent, or exploitative ticket resale practices.

Through the Fan Action Center, fans can:

• Request a refund directly from ticket resale platforms

• Contact local, state, and federal consumer protection and policymakers with customizable advocacy messages

• Share their experience on social media to raise awareness and hold bad actors accountable

• Learn how to avoid deceptive ticket listings and safely purchase tickets in the future

The platform also educates fans about common predatory resale tactics, including speculative ticket listings (tickets that the person offering the tickets does not have), price gouging, and impersonation of official ticketing sites, while encouraging safer purchasing through primary ticketing channels. Independent venues, often the front line for frustrated fans, will now have a constructive way to respond in real time, redirecting frustration into action. 

Issued May 29, 2026 

Office of Management and Budget Actions on Federal Funding to Nonprofits

On May 28, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released proposed regulations on federal financial assistance. Among the many changes listed in the 412-page document, OMB’s proposal follows executive actions last year centered on better aligning federal financial assistance with the Administration’s policy priorities. A detailed summary will be sent once it is available.

Also, earlier this month, OMB sent a memo to federal agencies asking each department to submit a report of grants and other spending related to 49 nonprofit organizations during fiscal years 2024 and 2025, as well as the projected spending total for fiscal year 2026. The nonprofit organizations listed in the memo are largely organizations that engage in advocacy work related to immigration, civil rights, and humanitarian aid. Several foundations, including some that do not accept federal grants, were included on the list. The memo asked agencies to provide reports by May 29. Update courtesy of the Council on Foundations. 

Key Advocacy Issues

Prepare to take action by reviewing the key issues with online resources and downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Advocacy Group