Booker, Velázquez Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Support Music Education for More Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07) reintroduced two pieces of legislation that aim to support and provide students with more access to music and arts in our schools. The first piece of legislation is the Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM) Resolution, which would support music in schools by affirming the importance of music education, highlighting the benefits students receive from its instruction, and recognizing the hard work of music educators across the country. The second piece of legislation is the Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education Act of 2026 (GAAME ACT), which would further incentivize federal funds to be used to improve access to music and the arts for disadvantaged and low-income students, taught by certified arts and music educators.

"For generations, music and the arts have strengthened our schools across our state and country helping students build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills," said Senator Booker. "Unfortunately, nearly four million students, especially low-income and underserved students, don't have access to music or art programs because of a lack of funding. These two pieces of legislation affirm music's vital role in our schools and will direct federal resources to expand arts and music education so that every child in New Jersey and nationwide has access to the benefits of music and arts programs."

"Access to music and arts education shouldn't depend on a student's zip code or family income. Music builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and opens doors that stay open for a lifetime," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "As federal arts funding faces unprecedented cuts, we have a responsibility to fight for the programs and educators that make a difference in classrooms across the country. I'm proud to join Senator Booker in introducing these bills to invest in music education and the students who benefit from it."

"Every student, regardless of socioeconomic status or zip code, deserves access to a well-rounded arts and music education," said Senator Padilla. "Study after study shows that arts and music are vital to a holistic education, boosting cognitive development, fostering emotional intelligence, and leading to significantly higher college graduation rates. This effort reaffirms our commitment to addressing the large disparities low-income communities face as we build the next generation of California's nationally leading creative workforce."

The GAAME Act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to encourage the use of Title I funds to:

1. Increase the number of certified music and arts educators available.

2. Purchase instruments, sheet music, supplies, and other essential equipment.

3. Provide ongoing, high-quality professional development for certified music and arts educators.

4. Expand access to sequential, standards-based music and arts programs taught by certified educators.

"The New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) proudly supports the Music in Our Schools Month Resolution and the Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education (GAAME) Act. Music education is not an enrichment or a luxury; it is an essential component of a well-rounded education. By encouraging the use of federal Title I funds to expand access to certified music and arts educators, instructional resources, and sequential standards-based programs, this legislation helps ensure that all students, regardless of their zip code, have equitable access to high-quality arts education. We believe this is a huge step toward strengthening opportunities for students across our state and nation," said Yale Snyder, President, New Jersey Music Educators Association.

"Education in music and the arts is essential. They are sources of human connection, illuminate the richness of the cultures and histories that enrich our nation, and are directly correlated with stronger performance across other disciplines. All students deserve access to such fundamental parts of a strong education," said Carin Berkowitz, CEO, New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

"Arts and music education give young people a powerful way to discover their voices, build confidence, and connect with the world around them. At the Count Basie Center for the Arts, we see how access to the arts can inspire students, support their overall health and well-being, and open doors to opportunity. We're proud to support efforts like the Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education (GAAME) Act and the recognition of Music in our School's Month, which help ensure that more students have the chance to experience the life-changing power of the arts," said Adam Philipson, CEO and President, Count Basie Center for the Arts.

"At a time when districts face fiscal pressure and students confront unprecedented challenges, sustaining arts education is an investment in our nation's future," said Wendy Liscow, Executive Director of Arts Ed NJ. "The GAAME Act of 2026 and the Music In Our Schools Month Resolution affirm that creativity, expression, and cultural connection belong in every classroom. When students have consistent access to a robust arts education, schools are stronger, communities are more connected, and young people are better prepared for what lies ahead. We are proud to stand alongside leaders across the nation to ensure the arts remain accessible to every student."

"The NJ Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) applauds Senator Cory Booker's recognition of the critical necessity of arts education to foster student growth, enhanced learning, creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for the arts that students can enjoy throughout their lives. As educational leaders, we see firsthand the magical transformation that music and arts education brings to our students and classrooms, and we know that music and arts education strengthens achievement, improves attendance, and supports students' social and emotional development. We are pleased to endorse the Guaranteed Access to Art and Music Education Act of 2026, which will link federal funding to New Jersey's efforts to ensure high quality arts education, help districts expand access for disadvantaged and low-income students, and ensure that instruction is delivered by certified educators," said Karen Bingert, Executive Director, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.

"Art Educators of NJ (AENJ), proudly stands in support of our colleagues across all artistic disciplines, including the resolution of Music in Our Schools Month. We recognize the invaluable role that music plays in the development of our youth and we are thrilled to celebrate the creative journey of New Jersey's young artists. Together, we champion the importance of the arts in education and the endless possibilities it brings to our future creators," said Tamika Diaz, President, Art Educators of New Jersey.

"Music education in schools cultivates creativity, discipline, collaboration, and resilience-skills that extend far beyond the classroom-while fostering a lifelong appreciation of music that enriches personal well-being and supports students' success in all areas of life. I include myself in this category - I would not be leading the largest performing arts organization in New Jersey without the early music instruction I was so fortunate to receive. The GAAME Act would multiply this success by ensuring equitable access to high-quality music instruction throughout the nation, and we are thrilled that U.S. Senator Cory Booker is advancing legislation that will support this opportunity for our community," said Terry D. Loftis, President & CEO, New Jersey Symphony.

"Music education helps young people find their voice and build the cognitive and skills they need to succeed academically and socially, and music educators make that possible every day. At Wharton Arts, we see that impact in our classrooms and rehearsals across our programs. As we celebrate Music In Our Schools Month, we thank Senator Booker and Representative Velázquez for championing efforts to expand access so every student can experience the transformative power of music education," said Erika Fanelle, Trustee, Interim Executive Director, Wharton Arts.

The GAAME Act and MIOSM Resolution are endorsed by the New Jersey Symphony; Art Educators of New Jersey; New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA); Arts Ed NJ; Count Basie Center for the Arts; New Jersey Council for the Humanities; Wharton Arts; and the New Jersey Music Educators Association.

The Music In Our Schools Month Resolution and GAAME Act are cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

To read the full text of the GAAME Act, click here.

To read the full text of the Music In Our Schools Month Resolution, click here.