Mr. Schiff: Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill submitted by Representatives Slaughter, Shays, Dicks, and Leach, to increase funds for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
As a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus, and former chair of the California Legislature's Joint Committee on the Arts, I have had the opportunity to see first hand the tremendous role that the arts play in the education and development of our children. Several academic studies have demonstrated the connection between music, dance, visual arts, and the development of the human brain. It is a fact that arts education cultivates critical thinking skills that are so important in this information-age economy. Children who learn to read music or to play an instrument show improved proficiency in mathematics and sciences.
Today, I am proud to support an increase of $10 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and a $3.5 million increase in funds for the National Endowment for the Humanities.
One of the initiatives under the NEA, American Masterpieces, produces new collaborations of classic American operas, plays, ballets, musicals, and choral works. These joint ventures allow local companies to offer new productions of the highest quality at affordable costs. This is just one of the many great initiatives provided by the NEA.
Additionally, I support an increase of $5 million for We the People, an important initiative to strengthen understanding of our national heritage. This innovative program benefits students, teachers, and Americans of all ages.
Arts is not only about appreciation and enjoyment, it is also a strong component of our economy. A recent study from Americans for the Arts found that the nonprofit art industry alone generated $134 billion in economic activity, including full time jobs, household income and tax revenues. More than $80 billion of this is spent by audiences who enthusiastically attend events in their local communities.
In my own district, there are more than 2,700 arts-related businesses and more than 32,000 jobs in visual arts, design, performing arts, film and television, and educational arts. I am proud to host an annual Congressional Arts event in my district that allows high school students to showcase their artistic talents to the community. I have constantly been impressed with the artistic vision and creativity of our young people. This vision and creativity should be fostered, not discouraged.
By supporting the arts and humanities, the federal government has the ability to act as a partner with state and local efforts to bolster the quality of life as well as economic and educational opportunities in our communities.