As the federal government drafts an economic relief package to provide emergency relief to American workers and businesses, it is critical that arts and cultural institutions—along with their employees—are supported in this package. In a package of nearly $2 trillion, we are urging Congress to include $4 billion in relief for nonprofit museums and cultural institutions and their workers. We are also urging Congress to adopt a temporary "universal charitable deduction" that will help incentivize more charitable giving at a time when we project a steep decline.  
 
Already, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the arts and culture sector. It is projected that museums across the nation are collectively losing at least $33 million a day because of closures. The American Alliance of Museums estimates that 30 percent of museums—mostly in small and rural communities—will not be able to re-open without swift financial support from the government. Imagine what the United States would look like without the arts. 
 
Museums provide important educational, cultural, and economic value to our communities and country. American Alliance of Museums and Oxford Economics estimate that museums contribute $50 billion to the U.S. economy and $12 billion in tax revenue. Beyond that, museums support 726,000 jobs across the country, providing local employment to Americans in every state.  
 
Without urgent action, our nation’s arts and culture will be damaged for years to come.