Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, many critics for the national endowments believe funding given to the NEA goes only to museums in big cities. As a former member of the National Council, I can assure the Members that rural communities receive more funding than ever through Challenge America and arts education programs. Challenge America is a major NEA initiative that was newly funded by Congress in fiscal year 2001. The legislation provided $7 million for arts education and public outreach activities. One of the challenges of the Challenge America program is to target areas of this country that have been underrepresented among NEA grant recipients. This year, 400 small grants will be provided for these underserved communities. Of the funding appropriated for NEA by Congress, more than 40 percent is directed to State and regional art agencies, which in turn make grants and offer services to community-based arts organizations in our communities. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.”