New York, NY (February 9, 2011) – The Creative Coalition today expressed concern regarding spending cuts proposed by the Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations. In an outline of proposed funding cuts for the current fiscal year, Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) would cut back funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) effective immediately. The proposal calls for current fiscal year funding that is approximately $12 million lower than last year and $6 million lower than President Obama requested for this fiscal year. The Endowment supports vital programs in all 50 states, providing critical funding for nonprofit arts organizations and programs designed to give children increased access to arts.
“We’re obviously disappointed that the Chairman has proposed cuts in the already modest support for the arts,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “We are gratified, however, that so many thoughtful Republicans and Democrats agree that the NEA is a worthwhile program deserving of support. We know these are tough fiscal times, be we can’t lose sight of the incredibly important economic and cultural impact that the arts have on our nation. Calls by some in Congress for still deeper cuts in the arts just aren’t responsible. The arts are a key driver of job growth and community revitalization, and it just doesn’t make sense to cut support for the arts if you’re trying to get our economy going again.”
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to consider this funding proposal next week as part of its debate on the continuing resolution to fund the government for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Please take a moment to call or write your member of Congress. Let your representative know that you support federal funding for the arts and oppose all efforts to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts. Call the Capitol at (202) 225-3121 and ask to speak with your representative’s office. To reach your representative by email, click here. (https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml)
The Creative Coalition is the premiere nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating and mobilizing its members on issues of public importance. Actors Dana Delany and Tim Daly serve as the organization’s Co-Presidents.
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Press Contacts:
Dennis St. Rose
The Creative Coalition
212-512-8570
DStRose@TheCreativeCoalition.org