William L. Clay: “if the National Endowment for the Arts is terminated and a State block grant is enacted, local communities will suffer…”

“if the National Endowment for the Arts is terminated and a State block grant is enacted, local communities will suffer tremendous losses, educationally, culturally and economically. Under the block grant, less than $50 million would be directed to the States for school-based art education programs. Currently, there are approximately 51 million students enrolled in primary and secondary schools. Thus, under the block grant each child would receive less than $1 for arts education activities. Dispensing funds in such piddling amounts is tantamount to throwing that money away. During its 31-year history, the NEA has fostered the placement of thousands of artists-in-residence in our public schools and has allowed for the creation of literacy programs and children's festivals. In partnership with the Department of Education, the NEA assists over 100 national arts and education organizations to implement arts education in the curriculum. The NEA has also assisted universities in providing training for teachers and faculty, including national research on the effects of arts education on cognitive learning. The block grant would eliminate funding to universities, as well as lifelong learning programs that serve our Nation's adults, senior citizens, and disabled citizens. In addition to improved quality of life and education, the NEA has made a very positive contribution to our Nation's economy.”