Tell your Senators to Support Increases in Arts Funding!
Studies have shown that children who have the opportunity to participate in arts programs do better in other subjects and are less likely to participate in high-risk behavior.
Sadly, programs like these are suffering. But we have an exciting chance to revive them!
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, bringing the arts to all Americans and providing leadership in arts education. It has also helped the arts become accessible to more Americans, which in turn has increased public participation in the arts.
At the end of June, the U.S. House of
Representatives approved a major funding increase of $35 million for the NEA in the FY 2008 Interior Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2643) which brings its funding level up to $160 million. This would help restore the agency to its former budget of $176 million!
Now, we must make sure that this crucial piece of legislation is passed in the Senate. Send a message to your Senators urging them to support this funding increase for the arts!
Dear Senator,
The U.S. House of Representatives set a major funding increase of $35 million for the National Endowment for the Arts. As your constituent, I urge you to make sure the Senate matches this funding level, bringing the budget of the NEA up to $160 million, when they consider the Senate Interior Appropriations bill (S.1696).
Additionally, the National Endowment for the Humanities was also given enough of an increase to match the NEA at $160 million, which I also urge you to support.
Thank you for supporting the arts in your state.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
