Across Massachusetts, schools have been underfunding the arts as budgetary priorities shift to preserving STEM, language arts, and history classes. But according to Nina Kraus, professor of neurobiology at Northwestern University, at least two years of exposure to music enhances the brains capacity to identify syllables that sound similar, which is helpful in educational settings. The arts have psycological benefits and it is essential to keep teaching the arts in schools. 

Massachusetts legislature proposed several acts to help make an arts education more equitable. In May 2025, the Massachusetts government proposed the Lowell Mason Arts Education Equity Act (HD.4442) which would ensure equitable arts access for students across Massachusetts. Once passed, this act will require all school districts to designate a 1% increase to the Chapter 70 funding exclusively for arts education. 

If you want to support an equitable arts education in Massachusetts, please sign this petition to urge MA legislators to pass this act and spread the word! Thanks so much!