Mike Simpson actually said...

The American taxpayer looks at it as their tax dollars. They don't care if it goes to the NEA, the local people, or who it goes to.

To me, it is not only wonderful for the arts, but it is wonderful for the economies of every community that we bring it to.

I went down to the Smithsonian the other day--and have any of you seen the art collection down there;

This has a direct, demonstrable effect on local economies.