WASHINGTON,
D.C. -- For many years, under the wise guidance and leadership of my predecessor,
Congressman Sydney Yates, Congress understood the cultural and economic
importance of federal funding for the arts. Congressman Yates almost
single-handedly protected the arts, and was awarded for his tireless efforts
by President Clinton in 1993 with the Presidential Citizens Medal.
There
is no question that education about the arts and humanities not only creates
well-rounded human beings, but more responsible citizens who contribute
to the richness of our cultural heritage. That is why I am pleased
that Congress increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts
by $10 million and the National Endowment for the Humanities by $5 million.
Unfortunately,
NEA funding was cut by more than 40% in 1995 and, for the most part, has
yet to recover, despite overwhelming evidence that the arts contribute
greatly to our society and culture. A recent study released by the
Arts Education Partnership provides hard evidence that exposure to the
arts improves students’ critical skills in math, reading, language development,
and writing. Furthermore, other studies suggest that for certain
populations, including students from economically disadvantaged circumstances,
students needing remedial instruction, and younger children, arts education
is especially helpful in boosting learning and achievement.
The
humanities play an equally valuable role in the education of children and
adults. In particular, state humanities councils, which receive NEH
funding, have been working for nearly 30 years to educate citizens about
our history and culture and stimulate dialogue about contemporary issues
of concern. Collaborating with libraries, museums, religious institutions,
schools, senior centers, historical societies, and community centers, state
humanities councils have served as the single most reliable source of local
support for programs that educate citizens for civic life, thereby strengthening
the fabric of our democracy.
My
district in Illinois greatly benefits from NEA and NEH funding. In
2001, the 9th Congressional District received over $180,000 from the NEA
through a wide variety of grants. That same year, Illinois received
$4.6 million in NEH funding, making Illinois the 4th largest recipient
of NEH funds in the country. My constituents reap the benefits of
this funding in many ways, including humanities classes for low-income
adults, art programs for youth, and children’s literature projects.
If
we are to preserve these programs, and other similar programs all over
the country, it is critical that we provide adequate funding for the NEA
and NEH. |