Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Ninth District, IL
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Press Release
 
JULY 17, 2002
 
SCHAKOWSKY APPLAUDS INCREASED FUNDING FOR NEA AND NEH
 
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.

 
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