Political Quotes

“I rise in support of the Bennett-Jeffords- Reed amendment. For the past 34 years, the National Endowment for the Arts has served the public good by nurturing the expression of human creativity, supporting the cultivation of community spirit, improving our children's education, and fostering the recognition and appreciation of our nation's artistic accomplishments. The arts and humanities have an immense positive impact on the lives of all Americans. Children and adolescents in particular benefit tremendously from artistic expression. Studies show again and again that comprehensive arts education programs in schools with at-risk student populations improve academic achievement; student self-assurance; creative and critical thinking skills; attendance; as well as student and parent attitudes about school. And yet, we as a society have consistently underfunded arts education and community arts programs at the local, state and federal level. In recent years, Congress has exacerbated this situation by dramatically reducing funding to the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA has not seen a budget increase in 8 years--not since 1992, when the agency had a budget of $175.9 million. In 1996, the NEA's budget was slashed by 40% to $99 million, and it has remained near that level ever since. This year, the President requested an increase of $52 million for the NEA, nearly all of which would have been used to pay for a major new initiative called Challenge America.…”