GAAME Act of 2026
Key claim: The GAAME Act of 2026 would explicitly allow Title I federal education funds to be used for arts and music programs in both school-wide and targeted assistance schools.
Abstract
(HR7855 · 119th Congress) Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education Act of 2026 or the GAAME Act of 2026 This bill specifies that funds that support the instructional needs of elementary and secondary students from low-income families (i.e., Title I funds) may be used for arts and music programs. First, the bill specifies that schools operating school-wide programs may include descriptions related to arts and music education in their comprehensive plans. Such a plan may include a description of (1) how sequential, standards-based arts education taught by certified educators and providers meet the challenging state academic standards, and (2) how sequential, standards-based music education taught by certified educators align with the challenging state academic standards. Second, the bill specifies that schools operating targeted assistance programs may use funds for arts and music programs that address the academic needs of students. This assistance may include providing support for certified educators, professional development, supplies, instruments, and other expenses. Latest action (2026-03-05): Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Why this matters
Title I is the largest federal K-12 funding stream for schools serving low-income students, and its permissible uses shape what interventions districts can prioritize. By explicitly naming arts and music as allowable uses in both school-wide and targeted assistance models, the GAAME Act would signal to LEAs that these programs count toward Title I academic-need strategies, potentially shifting funding decisions without changing overall appropriations.