NEA requests $200 million for arts in 2010

The Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 placed an extra $50 million into arts projects around the country, a “lifeline” to many non-profit groups supporting communities and education projects. However, many opponents have spoken out against projects, such as rebuilding theaters, calling this spending “ear-marked” and “pork-barreled.” The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment & Related Agencies held a hearing today to discuss the value of investing in the arts; the overwhelming agreement was that this investment is of utmost importance, as Rep. Platts (R- Pa.) explained, “The arts enrich and improve the lives of all who encounter them.”

Historically, federal funding for the arts steadily increased, reaching an all-time high in 1992 with $176 million. Since then this funding has declined. The current FY2009 budget for arts is $155 million. The hearing today proposed increasing the federal allocation for the arts to $200 million in 2010.

The hearing focused on art’s benefits to many aspects of life. Testimonies were provided on how art improves communities, individual lives, and education; in addition, it was stated that art has economic benefits of creating appealing places to live and conduct business, generating jobs and investments. “The arts must not be taken for granted,” explained Robert Lynch of Americans for the Arts, “they are not only integral to our lives but to our economy.”

Grammy nominated musician Josh Groban provided testimony, explaining the fundamental value of supporting arts education. “Learning piano isn’t just about being able to produce notes in a melodic and harmonic structure... It is about the personal discipline that is hours of practice. Trust me on this one, there is no better place than the theatrical production to test the characteristics of humility, work ethic, patience, the value of teamwork, and commitment to a common goal. We have only our current financial situation to turn to for an examination of what happens when those values are not learned.”

Veterans Affairs Health Dept. Undersecretary addresses House Appropriations Subcommittee

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs met today to discuss the FY2009 budget for Veterans Affairs.

Chairman of the committee Chef Edwards (D-TX) briefly introduced the panelist and commended the efforts of Veterans Affairs in providing medical treatment for injured vets.

Undersecretary for the Health Dept. of Veterans Affairs Michael Kussman spoke on the President's FY2009 budget which sets aside $41.2 billion for Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care—a $2.3 billion increase over the 2008 budget. He spoke of the need to implement recommendations offered by the Dole-Shalala Commission which he said provide a powerful outline to ensuring that military personnel injured during the “Global War on Terror” receive the necessary aid and medical assistance. He said the 2009 budget request will achieve two main goals of the VA: 1. to provide “timely, accessible, and high-quality health care [to their] highest priority patients,” and 2. to advance “collaborative efforts with the Department of Defense (DoD).” He also promised to provide “compassionate care” for veterans suffering from mental health issues such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He said that VA expects to treat about 5,771,000 patients in 2009. Kussman also said that in April 2006, over 250,000 “unique” patients were waiting more than 30 days to receive their treatment but that as of January 2001, that figure has been reduced to just over 69,000.