Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, in the past we were upset by the actions of the NEA, but that has changed completely to a very positive program, and with congressional oversight. Last year, the Congressional Arts Caucus sponsored an amendment to increase funding of the NEA and the NEH. Even though the amendment was bipartisan, it was dropped during conference. This year, the Congressional Arts Caucus again wants to stress the importance of the arts to our districts and call upon the House to increase the funding for the National Endowment for the Arts by $10 million and the National Endowment of the Humanities by $5 million. According to a 2002 study of 3,000 local arts organizations across America, the nonprofit arts industry generates $134 billion in economic activity. That is for last year. This includes $24.4 billion in tax revenue, which covers the costs many times over. Not only do governments gain economically from the arts, but almost 5 million Americans have full-time jobs in the arts industry. In 2002, my congressional district received grants for NEA for both the Penland School of Crafts and Lenoir-Rhyne College, contributing greatly to the local communities in our lives. Both the NEA and NEH have new programs with strong bipartisan support that will not only enhance the two agencies but will also bring a new understanding of American history and culture.”