Congress is still debating federal funding for public media.

Recently, a Continuing Resolution was signed into law, which funds the government through November 21, 2019.

This gives lawmakers additional time to finalize the Fiscal Year 2020 spending levels, including public media funding.

So, our fight to protect federal funding for public media continues.

Here’s the current funding status:

• The Senate: released a draft bill proposing the same funding amount as last year
• The House: approved a spending package containing the first funding increase in 10 years

We are advocating for the first boost to public media funding in 10 years because healthier stations make communities stronger, smarter and safer. Additional funding will allow your stations to continue providing the programming you depend on while expanding essential local services in education, public safety and civil discourse.

You have helped communicate this important message – sending 158,000 communications to Congress this year – which has strengthened our efforts to secure increased funding.

However, there’s more work to be done.

Lawmakers have left Washington, D.C. for a two-week recess. When they return, the House and Senate could compromise on final funding levels.

When public media funding is considered, every viewer and listener will need to urge their lawmakers to support increased funding for public media.

You’ve been with us every step of the way, and we are so thankful.

We’ll let you know when it’s time to raise your voice again. In the meantime, you can subscribe for updates.