Political Quotes

“I understand the need to adequately address arts funding and commend the Chairman's leadership in securing $500,000 above last year's appropriations for our nation's museums and libraries. However, this is still $500,000 short of the House funding level to continue the great work done by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). As the Chairman knows, federal funds play an important role in assuring that Americans have access to excellent museum services. 8,000 museums and 120,000 libraries throughout the country have benefited from Congressional support of IMLS. IMLS programs affect a broad segment of Americans and not an elite few. It helps small, rural museums gain access to resources such as database technology development by the larger museums. IMLS improves public accessibility of museums, while allowing local communities to decide on the content and programs of their own museums. Additional funding will allow IMLS to provide technological improvements, making museum and library collections available online and accessible to learners of all ages. I ask you to urge the Senate conferees to recede to the House position on IMLS funding and support a relatively modest $500,000 increase in the IMLS budget so museums and libraries across the country will be able to extend their educational services, expand teacher training, preserve our cultural heritage for our posterity and increase access to valuable resources for America's children.”