Advocacy
As State Legislative Calendars Adjust to Prioritize Coronavirus Response, Here’s the Status of the 12 Art Therapy Bills
April 9, 2020 | Clara Keane
While the priority across the country is to protect the public and make sure other crucial legislation like state funding gets passed, most every other issue, like art therapy licensure, will have to wait for an unknown amount of time. This reality does not take away from the incredible progress we have made in our legislative efforts this year, thanks to the hundreds of art therapy advocates across the country that are paving the way for the future of the profession! Let’s take a moment to recap and celebrate the victories and the progress made this year.
New Art Therapy License Enacted in Virginia and DC Bill Approaches the Finish Line
April 9, 2020
Even as legislatures pivot to focus most of their energy on legislation responding to the pandemic and other critical issues like state budgets, we’ve had some victories for art therapists. Licensure throughout the DMV (DC-MD-VA) region is within reach, with a new license enacted in Virginia and a licensure bill in Washington, DC passing the Council!
What the CARES Act Means for Art Therapists
March 31, 2020 | Clara Keane
The President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act (H.R. 748), the largest economic stimulus package in U.S. history on March 27th. This third relief package invests over $2 trillion in stimulus funds to support state governments, businesses, and individuals through this crisis.
Art Therapy Legislation to Watch in 2020
January 2, 2020
As most state legislatures prepare to begin their 2020 legislative sessions in January, we wanted to share some bills to watch this year and also recap the art therapy victories and advancements of 2019!
Nebraska Art Therapy Sunrise Review is Underway
October 3, 2019
Congratulations to the Nebraska Art Therapy Licensure Coalition for submitting their 65-page (184 including appendices!) questionnaire to initiate the sunrise review (407 Credentialing Review) by the Department of Health and Human Services to determine the need to regulate art therapy in Nebraska!
We Joined 600+ Mental Health Advocates on Capitol Hill
September 19, 2019
“Be strong, be loud, and be assertive for those you serve.” – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-6)
This week, the AATA joined the National Council of Behavioral Health and over 600 mental health advocates for Hill Day 2019! The advocacy training was packed with strategies, tips, and inspirational moments preparing advocates for meetings with their elected officials the following day.
Victory in Connecticut: Art Therapy License Enacted
June 27, 2019
We are proud to announce that a distinct art therapy license has been enacted in Connecticut! On June 26, 2019, Governor Ned Lamont signed the state budget, which included licensure for art therapists.
The NEA Once Again Faces Proposed Elimination: Join Us in Requesting a $12.5 Million Increase
March 28, 2019 | Advocacy
On March 18, President Trump released his FY 2020 budget recommending, for the third consecutive year, complete termination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Corporation for Public Broadcasting. In the last two fiscal years, Congress has firmly rejected this proposal − opting instead for minor increases.
Creative Forces Veteran Testifies on behalf of the AATA before U.S. House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee
February 28, 2019 | Advocacy
On Tuesday February 26, 2019 Christopher Stowe Master Gunnery Sergeant, USMC (ret.) testified on behalf of the AATA alongside Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. They urged the subcommittee to fund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $167.5 for FY 2020, a $12.5 million increase from FY 2019.
Sunrise Reviews Commence in Connecticut and Nebraska
October 25, 2018 | Advocacy
The AATA is pleased to share that state agencies in Connecticut and Nebraska have approved applications to conduct studies on into the need to regulate art therapy. These comprehensive studies to determine the need and the appropriate level of regulation of a profession, commonly referred to as “sunrise reviews,” are prerequisites for the legislature to consider licensing a new profession and are now required at varying degrees in 14 states .