This item was first published in the New York Foundation for the Arts' newsletter, 'Current', available at: www.nyfa.org BUSH BUDGET RECOMMENDS FLAT FUNDING FOR THE NEA; $25 M INCREASE FOR THE NEH WASHINGTON, DC – In his FY04 budget, President Bush has requested $117 million for the NEA, a small increase for administrative expenses from his FY03 request of $116.489. (The final 2003 budget is as yet still unresolved) NHA-ANNOUNCE reports that the President recommended an increase of $25M for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), primarily to support 'We the People', an initiative to promote the study of the nation's history, institutions, and culture. He also recommended a $32 million increase over FY 2003 request for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Federal agency which supports the nation's museums and libraries, including a $15 million increase for the Library State Grants program, a $10 million increase for the 21st Century Librarian initiative, and a $5 million increase for IMLS museum programs.