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 May 1, 2026

Treasury Announces Form 990 Transparency Initiative

On April 23, the Department of the Treasury announced plans to revise Form 990 to “improve transparency, strengthen tax administration, and provide clearer reporting on certain activities of tax-exempt organizations.” These activities include government grants and contracts, as well as fiscal sponsorships. Treasury and the IRS expect to publish proposed regulations and provide an opportunity for public comment before any reporting changes are finalized. Treasury and the IRS will consider administrative feasibility, proportionality, and reporting burden as the proposal is developed. We will share more details when they become available.

Department of Homeland Security shutdown ends – FY27 Appropriations

The President signed a bill funding most of the Department of Homeland Security on April 30, effectively ending an 11-week partial shutdown. The Senate-passed bill, which the House of Representatives cleared on a voice vote, funds all of the vast department — covering the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency and more — with the exception of ICE and CBP. Congress plans to fund those agencies through a separate filibuster-proof reconciliation bill in the coming weeks. With FY26 appropriations funding finalizing, attention is turning to the FY27 appropriations processes, which is already underway with many upcoming markups and hearings scheduled. Also, given the upcoming congressional recesses and opportunities to meet with Members of Congress in their home districts, this is an excellent time to consider scheduling meetings and emphasizing the importance of federal funding for the arts – and send a message to them right from our website!

New Resource – FAQs on Artistic Freedom

Launched by the National Coalition Against Censorship, the FAQs and answers are drawn from their Collective Courage Conversation Series, which has addressed issues of the legal landscape of artistic freedom under executive orders and the NEA assurance of compliance; issues of art censorship on college campuses; and more. 

Issued April 24, 2026

IRS CEO Testifies on Investigations into Nonprofits

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bisignano testified before the Senate Finance Committee on April 15, where he faced questions by policymakers about significant staff reductions at the agency, implementation of the major tax bill enacted in 2025, and possible investigations into nonprofits. When questioned by Senator Warnock (D-GA), Bisignano testified that neither the president, vice president, nor any White House staff have asked the IRS to investigate any specific taxpayers or nonprofits, and that if such a request were made, the IRS would report that activity to the committee.

Bisignano confirmed that nonviolent protests and litigation against the Administration are not grounds for IRS investigations. Bisignano previously testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, where he was asked about President’s directive to the IRS to investigate nonprofits accused of domestic terrorism. Bisignano promised lawmakers at the time that the IRS would not initiate audits, investigations, or revocations of tax-exempt status based on political targeting. Update courtesy of National Council of Nonprofits.

New research from NEA: The Great Connector: How Arts Participation Renews Civic and Community Engagement

The National Endowment for the Arts just released a new research report closely examining links between arts participation and broader community engagement. By analyzing statistical data from three nationally representative surveys, the report enlarges public understanding of whether and how taking part in arts events and activities can build social and civic muscle. Key findings include:

•  Arts participants experience a nearly fourfold increase in their likelihood of civic and community engagement, relative to non-arts participants. This difference holds even after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

• Adults who participate in multiple modes of arts activity (e.g., consuming art via attendance, reading, or digital media; creating and performing art; and supporting artists and arts organizations) show the highest levels of civic and community engagement, when compared to adults who do only some of these arts activities, or who do none of them at all.

• Educational attainment is a key factor that drives the relationship between arts participation and positive social behaviors. The strength of the relationship is greatest among adults with at least a bachelor’s degree

• The robust, positive association between arts participation and civic/community engagement is broadly shared across key sociodemographic groups

Across data sources and populations, participating in the arts remains a strong indicator of civic/community engagement and social support. At a time when large proportions of Americans are disengaging from civic and community life, the arts may offer a lifeline to enhance their social connections and improve their perceptions of well-being.

Issued April 17, 2026

Jury Finds that Live Nation Acted as a Monopoly and Overcharged Ticket Buyers

On Wednesday, a federal jury in Manhattan found that Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, operated as a monopoly that harmed consumers and overcharged ticket buyers. The decision came after four days of deliberations. The decision is in favor of the argument made by 33 states and the District of Columbia, which accused Live Nation of unfairly controlling too many aspects of the live entertainment industry at the expense of venues, artists and fans after the company settled an earlier antitrust suit with the U.S. Department of Justice. The verdict has the potential to reshape the live music industry in the United States. A broader overview of the case from NPR can be found here.  After the jury reached a decision, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ordered both parties to meet with each other and "the United States" to propose a schedule for the next steps, according to the Associated Press.

Issued April 10, 2026

Updates on Two Court Cases in Favor of IMLS 

Earlier this week, a federal court approved the administration’s request to withdraw its appeal of an earlier ruling by a federal judge, which struck down the administration’s attempt last year to dismantle the agency through an executive order. This order prompted a lawsuit filed in April by the Attorneys General of 21 states. In May, Rhode Island district court judge John J. McConnell Jr. officially ordered a halt to the executive order aimed at dismantling IMLS. That ruling was followed in November by a decision that permanently prohibits the administration from taking further steps to eliminate the agency.

Also announced this week, The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ensures the agency will continue carrying out its congressionally mandated work. Under the settlement, the agency will continue awarding grants, conducting research, and operating programs that support libraries and museums across the country. The agreement also confirms that previously terminated grants have been reinstated, agency staff reductions have been reversed, and the administration will not take further steps to implement the executive order targeting IMLS. More from the ALA press release. 

Key Advocacy Issues

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