Searching through on National Art Education Association's website, I came across the advocacy tab and a recent post about the funding for NEA going into 2016. The U.S. House of Representatives Interior Appropriations Subcommittee had approved the budget of $146 million going into the fiscal year. If it to be approved by Congress, it would be the 5th year in a row that they had received level funding. There was a link under it that said "Call On Your Senator To Support Arts Education", which lead to a pledge center in the Americans for the Arts non profit organization. They set you up with a basic outline, and can edit what is already given or completely erase it. But I just decided to build off of it and send it to Trent Franks, one of our two Senators in Arizona. Below is what was in my letter:
Senator Franks, As your constituent, I urge you to increase or support a budget of $146 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in the FY 2016 Interior Appropriations bill to preserve citizen access to the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of the arts and to advance creativity and innovation here at home. The arts mean jobs for our district! The nonprofit arts industry generates $135.2 billion annually in economic activity, supports 4.13 million full-time equivalent jobs in the arts and related industries, and returns $9.59 billion in federal income taxes. Earlier this year, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the NEA announced the latest figures on the arts and cultural sector's contributions to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), proving that the arts are a significant part of the GDP. Arts and culture activity produced $698.7 billion in goods and services annually or 4.32% of GDP - more than both the construction or transportation sectors. Grants through the NEA are widely distributed to strengthen arts infrastructures and to ensure broad access to the arts. The NEA makes grants in every congressional district. Furthermore, the NEA distributes 40 percent of its program dollars to state arts agencies, on the condition that each state devotes its own appropriated funds as well. In partnership with the NEA, state arts agencies have awarded 22,000 grants to more than 18,300 organizations, schools, and artists in nearly 4,800 communities across the United States. The NEA improves access to the arts, supports artistic excellence and fosters lifelong learning through grants, partnerships, research and national initiatives. The current level funding of $146 million amounts to just 45 cents per capita, as compared to 70 cents per capita in 1992. I am counting on you as my Representative to support at least level funding of $146 million for the NEA. On top of this, I have seen the impact art therapy and programs make in schools and around the community. I personally work with these people and organizations who will directly receive this funding if it is to pass, and it will be put to great use. The future is in a creative mind, and by funding art programs it allows children who will soon run this country extend their minds and hearts to innovate. I have high hopes that the NEA will have the opportunity to help the future of America with this funding, and will truly impact many peoples lives in medical treatments and early development. Sincerely, Lauren Schuster Link to American for the Arts Action Fund: http://www.artsactionfund.org/about/about-us |
AuthorLauren Schuster. Art Activist and Enthusiast. ArchivesCategories |