Janice Schakowsky: “Economically, support for the arts and humanities just makes sense. The arts industry contributes nearly $4 billion into…”

“Economically, support for the arts and humanities just makes sense. The arts industry contributes nearly $4 billion into our economy, and provides more than $1.3 million full-time jobs. Furthermore, the arts industry returns $3.4 billion to the Federal Government in taxes, and arts education improves life skills, including self-esteem. It costs each American the equivalent of a postage stamp to support the National Endowment for the Arts. In turn, last year the NEA awarded over $83 million in grants nationwide, and over $1.7 million in my home State of Illinois. There we have the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois Humanities Council providing critical leadership and support and development of programs that touch the lives of thousands and thousands of Illinoisans. For example, there is the Lyra Ensemble in Chicago, the only professional performing arts company specializing in the performance, research, and preservation of Polish music, song, and dance. Another project is the Beacon Street Gallery Theater, a program that supports the uptown youth and cultural heritage preservation program. This initiative promotes cross-cultural understanding, strengthens intergenerational ties, enhances literacy, and builds job readiness. These kinds of programs deserve our support.”