Political Quotes

“on May 13, 1998, the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee unanimously supported Bill Ivey's nomination to be the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). As a member of this committee, and as a Tennessean, I believe Bill Ivey will bring a much needed, new voice to this agency. Many people in my home State have viewed the NEA as an elitist agency. Bill Ivey brings a new vision with a perspective of the real world. In fact, a newspaper in Tennessee noted that the 'Country Music Foundation director would provide 'Heart of America' leadership.' Bill Ivey has been the Director of the Country Music Foundation in Nashville, Tennessee since 1971. He has played an integral role in the Nashville music community. He has taught at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music and has written a variety of essays on America's musical traditions. The National Endowment for the Arts has come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Both the American people and Congress have questioned its stewardship of the taxpayers' dollar. Through committee work and the appropriations process, many innovative reform options have been considered, but few have been adopted. Bill Ivey offers the prospect of a fresh start for the National Endowment for the Arts so that all Americans will have pride and a stake in its activities.”