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Congress & Congress
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
Congress of the United States
bouse of Representatives
Mashington, DC 20515
January 22, 1996
Dear Mr. Speaker:
As long time supporters of continued federal funding for the
arts and humanities, we are desply concerned about continued
current year funding for the NEA and NEH after January 26.
As you know, the Interior Appropriations conference report
passed by both the House and Senate in December produced cuts of
39 percent and 36 percent respectively for NEA and NEH. Cuts in
the NEA are already being felt by state arts education programs
for school children, small town symphony orchestras, theaters,
and museums. Similarly, local programming, such as the kind found
at libraries and museums, are being threatened with the cuts in
NEH, as are the critical preservation programs that help maintain
our nation's historic documents and artifacts.
We are concerned that further cuts in NEA and NEH,
particularly in view of the agreement we made last summer, would
undermine good faith efforts to ensure a smooth transition from
the current federally-subsidized arts and humanities structure to
alternative sources of financing.
The NEA has made a good faith effort to prioritize its
needs. For example, NEA is working to reduce the need for
appropriated funds through the development of expanded giving to
the arts by corporations and other private sources. NEA is also
improving existing partnerships with states and local communities
as well as exploring innovative ways of generating earned income
for the arts.
The federal investment made by these two small agencies over
the past thirty years has given many Americans the real
opportunity to appreciate the countless benefits provided by the
arts and humanities in their communities -- something they might
never have experienced without this minimal assistance. We
believe that if NEA and NEH funding can be continued at least at
the level passed by the conference committee last year, it will
help ensure that the arts and humanities will be there for future
generations to enjoy.
We stand ready to meet with you to discuss alternative
funding mechanisms that will continue the existence of the NEA
and NEH.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Part Lago
tephen How
MileCate
fin see
Dany J.John
lanie Mallle
Marge Bankema
Ban Gilma
J-Lanh
Stone Gunderson
Dong Bash
Mide Forber
Salley JaDax
Jin Walsh
Tom Dauss
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
Vol. 1 No. 5
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
AMERICAN
ARTS
DECEMBER 1996/JANUARY 1997
ALLIANCE
105TH CONGRESS PREPARES TO BEGIN NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The House and Senate both held
than they have in the past. There
bipartisanship which marked the
recent organizational meetings to
is simply too small a gap in the
rhetoric immediately following the
choose political party leaders, vote
numbers of Democrats and
November elections will translate
on committee chairs, and assign
Republicans in Congress for the
into action in the next Congress.
the new members of Congress to
extremists in either party to be
The public stance so far taken by
committees.
politically viable.
congressional leaders and
newcomers alike has generally
Even though most committee
Congressional moderates will
been conciliatory. However,
assignments have been completed
therefore hold an important swing
despite the pledge of
(see listings below), they will not
vote on many key legislative
bipartisanship, the arts community
be official until after the new
initiatives. Once again, moderates
will undoubtedly face an uphill
members of Congress are sworn in
have banded together in informal
battle on many arts-related issues,
this January. At that time,
coalitions which will meet
not the least of which will be
subcommittee appointments will
regularly to discuss their
preserving the National
also be announced.
legislative agendas and to craft
Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
their own proposals on key issues.
While Democrats picked up a few
The future of the NEA is likely to
extra seats on some committees as
The two principal "moderate"
be dealt with once again within the
a result of the smaller Republican
groups in the House are called the
context of the annual
majority in the next Congress, the
"Tuesday Lunch Bunch"
appropriations cycle. Some
overall party composition of the
(composed of Republicans), and
members of Congress are certain
committees has not changed very
"Blue Dogs" (composed of
to want to uphold the agreement
much.
Democrats). In the Senate, the
made by the House in the last
primary moderate group is called
Congress to discontinue funding
Moderates Could Flex New
the "Breaux-Chafee Group," in
for the agency after the current
Political Muscle
recognition of Sens. Breaux (D-
fiscal year ends on September 30,
LA) and Chafee (R-RI) who serve
1997.
One thing, however, does seem
as its leaders.
clear -- congressional centrists, or
The start of a new Congress marks
moderates, are expected to wield
For a complete listing of moderate
an important opportunity for the
significantly more political power
members of Congress who have
American Arts Alliance and the
affiliated themselves with one of
arts community in general to
these groups, contact the Alliance
educate new lawmakers on the
In This Issue
or your service organization.
importance of a federal role in the
arts. It also offers a challenge to
Congress Set to Begin New Session.
1
Hope Remains for Bipartisan
build solid political support for the
New Committees Take Shape
2-3
Action
policies important to the arts
New Tax Credit Proposal Expected. 4
community.
IRS Issues Guidelines.
4
NEA and Benton Foundation Launch
Many Congressional observers
Arts Internet Site
4
remain hopeful that the spirit of
September 10, 1996
MEMORANDUM FOR LEON PANETTA
FROM:
MELANNE VERVEER
RE:
FY '97 NEA Appropriations
I understand that Jane Alexander has requested to talk to
you about NEA's FY '97 appropriations. Jane believes that there
is strong support for an add-on in the Senate. Senators Bennett
and Jeffords intend to offer an amendment to increase the House-
passed $99.5 million level by $5 to $15 million, if and when the
Interior appropriations bill reaches the Senate floor. NEA
believes Gorton will take the amendment. Nevertheless, there
won't be time to conference that bill, and it seems certain
Interior will be in a C.R.
The Administration originally asked for $136 million for NEA
in FY '97. The House-passed Interior appropriations bill
provided $99.5 million. Although the $99.5 million is level
funding from FY '96, it represents a 39% cut from FY '95.
Jane hopes that a likely C.R. will include a $20 million
increase and believes it would be accepted in the context of the
overall C.R. negotiations if the White House asks for it and
stands by it.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 30, 1995
Ms. Jane Alexander
Chairman
National Endowment for the Arts
The Nancy Hanks Center
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20506
Dear Jane:
Thank you for your recent letter expressing concern about the funding level and
content restrictions in the Interior Appropriations Bill that would affect the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA). We share your concern regarding the funding issue. A
statement opposing the severe funding cuts for NEA has been included in the most recent
correspondence regarding the Interior Bill from the Office of Management and Budget to the
Committee on Appropriations. With respect to the language issues, as you may know, the
Office of Management and Budget recently cleared, and the Department of Justice forwarded,
a letter to Congressman Yates that questioned the constitutionality of the restrictions.
I know this has been a difficult year for the Arts Endowment. Your efforts on behalf
of the agency are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jon
cc:
Harold Ickes
Melanne Verveer
Ken Apfel
Larry Haas
ECEIVE
NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT
OCT I 3 1995
FOR
THE
September 22, 1995
ARTS
SEP 28 1995
Leon Panetta
Chief of Staff
The White House
The Federal agency
Washington, D.C.
that supports the
visual, literary and
performing arts to
Dear Leon:
benefit all Americans
The Interior Bill, which emerged from Conference this week reduces the
Office of the
appropriations of the National Endowment for the Arts by almost 40%, from
Chairman
162.4 million to 99.5 million.
More disturbing to me, however, is passage of two Helms amendments
Arts in Education
which will surely result in costing the American taxpayers millions of dollars in
lawsuits should they become final.
Challenge &
Advancement
The legislation contains content restrictions on Arts Endowment funding
Dance
which were added without any discussion of their substantive meaning and reach.
Design
Legislating on any appropriations bill is always inappropriate. The restrictions
Expansion Arts
themselves raise serious constitutional questions. Under existing law, the Arts
Endowment does not fund obscene material and judges applications strictly on the
Folk & Traditional
Arts
highest standards of artistic excellence and merit. No additional content
restrictions on this appropriations bill are appropriate or necessary.
International
Literature
The National Endowment for the Arts serves an important mission to
Local Arts Agencies
extend the reach of the arts to all Americans and to encourage and recognize the
very best of artistic achievement. I want the agency funded at a level that allows
Media Arts
it to carry on its valuable functions.
Museum
Music
Thank you for any help you can give us.
Opera/Musical
Theater
Sincerely yours,
Presenting
State & Regional
Twe Jane Alexander
Theater
Chairman
Visual Arts
cc:
Harold Ickes
Melanne Verveer
The Nancy Hanks Center
48461
1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20506
202/682-5400
Correspondence Unit Tracking System
Routing Form
Currently Routed To:
HR
Status: OPEN
OMB Control Number:
48461
Action Date:
10/13/95
1
Correspondent:
CHAIRMAN JANE ALEXANDER
we write
been
Routing Number:
Subject:
NEA (NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS), APPROPRIATIONS, REDUCTION,
CONCERN
Lead To:
HR
to
Info Copies:
DO, DD, DDM, GC, WONG, AD/COM, PAD/HR, AD/B, AD/LRD
Handling:
REGULAR
membrary
SHORT SUMMARY OF MATERIALS
Draft reply to Jane Alexander, Chairman of the NEA, regarding her letter to the Chief of Staff voicing concern about the
HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS
administration
the
Interior Appropriation Bill provisions for reduced funding and content restrictions for the NEA.
Coordinate With:
Response Due To:
PAD/HR By:
10/26/95
For: DRAFT RESPONSE FOR THE SIGNATURE OF THE COS
Jetogrist
-
10/27/95
DISPATCH INFORMATION
jul it
Dispatched:
Signed Date:
K
Route To
Sign Off
Signed By/For
Date/Time
Comments
White HR For BW10/20
Sign
For white
10/24 ED Branch,
10/25/95 9:20A
Mustain/Fairhall
jsm
UF
PAD/HR
Sign
For
For
Apfel
GC
Sign
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AD/LA
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For
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DRAFT
Ms. Jane Alexander
Chairman
National Endowment for the Arts
The Nancy Hanks Center
1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20506
Dear Jane:
Thank you for your recent letter expressing concern about the funding level and content
restrictions in the Interior Appropriations Bill that would affect the National Endowment for the
Arts (NEA). We share your concern regarding the funding issue. A statement opposing the
severe funding cuts for NEA has been included in the most recent correspondence regarding the
Interior Bill from the Office of Management and Budget to the Committee on Appropriations.
with respect to the layuage sours, as you may know,
We also share your concerns regarding the content restrictions contained in the proposed
bill The Office of Management and Budget recently cleared, and the Department of Justice
forwarded, a letter to Congressman Yates that questioned the constitutionality of the
restrictions.
I know this has been a difficult year for the Arts Endowment. Your efforts on behalf of
the agency are greatly appreciated. Please be assured that we will do all we can to retain a level
of funding for NEA that allows it to continue its important cultural, educational, and artistic
mission.
Sincerely
Leon E. Panetta
Chief of Staff
DAW It
cc:
Harold Ickes
Melanne Verveer
Ken Apfel
Diart Please for use
Larry Haas
5.5
Thank
147
1 party, whenever the court determines such award is appro-
2 priate.".
3
(168)SEC. 333. Notwithstanding any other provision
to the National
4 of law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated pur- Endowmer
5 suant to this Act may be used to promote, disseminate,
for the
Arts
6 sponsor or produce materials or performances which deni-
7 grate the objects or beliefs of the adherents of a particular
8 religion.
9
(169)SEC. 334. Notwithstanding any other provision
10 of law, none of the funds made available to the National
11 Endowment for the Arts under this Act may be used to pro-
12 mote, disseminate, sponsor, or produce materials or per-
13 formances that depict or describe, in a patently offensive
14 way, sexual or excretory activities or organs.
15
(170)SEC. 335. Public Law 94-158 is modified to ex-
16 tend the scope of the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to
17 include exhibitions originating in the United States and
18 touring the United States for indemnification subject to the
19 availability of funds.
20 (171)SEC. 336. ENERGY SAVINGS AT FEDERAL FACILITIES.
21
(a) REDUCTION IN FACILITIES ENERGY Costs.-The
22 head of each agency for which funds are made available
23 under this Act shall take all actions necessary to achieve
24 during fiscal year 1996 a 5 percent reduction, from fiscal
HR 1977 PP
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE PRESIDENT STATES UNITED
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
October 19, 1995
THE DIRECTOR
Honorable David R. Obey
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Obey:
The purpose of this letter is to provide the
Administration's views on H.R. 1977, the Department of the
Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, FY 1996, as
approved in conference. As you revise the conference bill, your
consideration of the Administration's views would be appreciated.
The Administration has worked closely with both Houses to
identify the most troublesome and, in some cases, the most
egregious aspects of this bill, with the goal of arriving at a
bill that serves specific, vital interests and that could be
signed by the President. We recognize the efforts of the
conferees to restore funding partially for programs serving
Native Americans, to make other adjustments in funding, and to
attempt to correct legislative riders.
Unfortunately, the effort has fallen considerably short,
and several significant funding and language issues remain to be
improved upon, if the President is to sign this bill.
Specifically, on the basis of funding shortfalls and significant
concerns with certain legislative riders that have been
thoroughly discussed with the conference committee, the Vice
President stated on September 22nd that if Congress sent the
President the FY 1996 Interior Appropriations Bill as approved by
the conference committee, the President would veto it.
Funding Issues
The first funding issue that must be addressed is restored
funding to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) budget. The
conference action has yielded an increase of $86 million,
bringing funding to the Senate level. However, the conference
mark would still leave the program about $136 million short of
the House mark of $1,683 million, which was already $48 million
below the FY 1995 enacted level. The most significant effect of
this action remains the crippling reductions targeted at tribal
priority allocation programs, which support essential tribal
government, law enforcement, housing improvement, general
assistance, Indian child welfare, adult vocational training, road
maintenance, and other reservation programs. The
Administration's view is that funding must be substantially
restored for these programs.
Another significant funding issue that must be addressed
concerns the conference committee's severe cut to the President's
request for the Department of Energy's energy conservation
programs. In the conference report, the conservation programs
are funded at $553 million, which corresponds to a net
appropriation of $536 million after deducting offsetting
collections. This is $187 million, or 26 percent, below the net
FY 1995 enacted level of $723 million, and 38 percent below the
President's request. The State grants program, State Energy
Conservation Program, and especially the weatherization programs
have also been severely reduced --- to $141 million, which is 47
percent below the FY 1995 enacted level. Funding for these
programs must also be restored significantly in order to reach
acceptable levels.
In addition to the language issues addressed below, the
President will not sign an Interior Appropriations bill unless
funding for these programs is significantly restored without
harming other high-priority programs, or, unless there is an
overall agreement between the Congress and the Administration on
budget priorities that addresses the Administration's fundamental
concerns about spending priorities both in this bill and
elsewhere.
Language Issues
The conference committee has chosen to continue the
inclusion of numerous legislative riders in the bill that the
Administration finds seriously objectionable. Despite efforts to
address some of these concerns, several of these provisions are
so serious that the Administration sees no way to remedy them,
short of removing them altogether, so that the President could
sign this bill. The most serious provisions are:
the failure to continue a mining patent moratorium,
and, instead, to incorporate the highly objectionable
Senate language that would direct the Secretary of the
Interior to accelerate action on pending patent
applications and grant surface patents at fair market
value, ignoring the much more valuable sub-surface
values;
the Tongass (Alaska) forest management provisions that
adopt the offensive Senate language and include
sufficiency language. These provisions would dictate
the use of a 1992 forest plan that ignores the most
2
recent scientific information, and would make permanent
one provision of the emergency timber programs adopted
in P.L. 104-19, the FY 1995 rescission bill;
the Interior Columbia River Basin provision that would
terminate comprehensive planning for the management of
these public lands by prohibiting the publication of
the final Environmental Impact Statement or Record of
Decision and limiting the contents to exclude
information on fisheries and watersheds. It would also
risk a return to legal gridlock and our ability to move
forward with timber harvesting, grazing, mining, and
other economically desirable activities by eliminating
current review procedures that are aimed at keeping
management actions out of the courts;
the transfer of management authorities of the Mojave
National Preserve from the National Park Service to the
Bureau of Land Management, thus directly attacking the
intent of Congress embodied in the landmark 1994
California Desert Protection Act; and
the inclusion of Senate language making permanent the
protocol for identification of marbled murrelet nests
that was included in the FY 1995 rescission bill,
thereby limiting our flexibility to use new scientific
information. We have urged Congress not to amend the
salvage provisions as we implement the requirements of
the rescission bill.
These highly objectionable provisions must be dropped.
In addition, the Administration has previously expressed
concern about other legislative riders, including the moratorium
on future listings under the Endangered Species Act, the
Department of Energy efficiency standards one-year moratorium,
the 90-day moratorium on grazing regulation implementation, and
the provision affecting the Lummi Tribe and seven other self-
governance tribes in Washington State. An additional funding
issue concerns the severe cuts (nearly 40 percent) to the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment
for the Humanities (NEH). These significantly reduced funding
levels would jeopardize NEA's and NEH's ability to continue to
provide important cultural, educational, and artistic programs
for communities across America. The Administration will continue
to work with the conferees to address these concerns.
3
While the Administration appreciates the significant efforts
that have gone into the development of the current FY 1996
Interior conference bill, the funding issues and the most
egregious legislative riders addressed here must be resolved in
order for the President to sign this bill. We will continue in
our efforts to work closely with the conferees towards this
mutual goal.
Sincerely,
Oice m. Rivlin
Alice M. Rivlin
Director
Identical Letters Sent to Honorable Bob Livingston,
Honorable David Obey, Honorable Ralph Regula,
Honorable Sidney R. Yates, Honorable Mark O. Hatfield,
Honorable Slade Gorton, and Honorable Robert C. Byrd
4
SEP-25-1995 14:22
P.02
NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT
FOR
THE
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
ARTS
BUDGET UPDATE
-The FY 96 Interior Appropriations conference report would provide the NEA
The Federal agency
$99.5 million, a cut of 39 percent from the FY 95 level of $162.4 million. The
that supports the
visual, literary and
cuts will force major reductions in staff and grant-giving to artists and institutions
performing arts to
throughout the country.
benefit all Americans
--Other agencies funded by the Interior bill were cut on average only 15 percent.
--The House continues to maintain its position that all funding for the NEA be
terminated after next year (FY 97). The Senate continues to support funding
Arts in Education
indefinitely. The appropriations conference report contains language spelling out
this "agreement to disagree" between the two houses and indicates that the issue
Challenge a
Advancement
should be resolved by the legislative committees in the House and Senate.
Dance
--The appropriations conference report also includes two content restriction
amendments which were offered by Senator Helms without any discussion of their
Design Arts
substantive meaning and reach. The restrictions are unnecessary given the existing
Expansion Arts
statutory prohibition on funding obscene materials, and the Endowment's
commitment to funding only projects which meet the highest standards of artistic
Folk a
excellence and merit. Furthermore, the restrictions raise serious constitutional
Traditional Arts
questions.
International
--The conference report also eliminates most grants to individual artists (painters,
Literature
photographers, composers, choreographers etc.). However, writers including
Local Arts Agencies
playwrights, the Heritage Fellows and Jazz Masters grants were excepted from the
prohibition.
Media Arts
Museum
--The appropriations conference report still must clear the House and Senate, but
on Friday, September 22, the Vice President announced that the President would
Music
veto the bill (largely because of the mining, timber and other environment-related
riders on the bill).
Opera/Musical
Theater
--NEA hopes the President will mention his concern about unnecessary content
Presenting &
restrictions on the NEA as part of his veto message.
Commissioning
State a Regional
--With respect to reauthorization, the phase-out bill pending in the House and the
five year reauthorization pending in the Senate will almost certainly be put off
Theater
until next year.
Visual Arts
The Nancy Hanks Center
1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington. DC 20506
202/682-5400
NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT
FOR
THE
September 22, 1995
ARTS
Leon Panetta
Chief of Staff
The White House
The Federal agency
Washington, D.C.
that supports the
visual, literary and
performing arts to
Dear Leon:
benefit all Americans
The Interior Bill, which emerged from Conference this week reduces the
Office of the
appropriations of the National Endowment for the Arts by almost 40%, from
Chairman
162.4 million to 99.5 million.
More disturbing to me, however, is passage of two Helms amendments
Arts in Education
which will surely result in costing the American taxpayers millions of dollars in
lawsuits should they become final.
Challenge &
Advancement
Dance
The legislation contains content restrictions on Arts Endowment funding
which were added without any discussion of their substantive meaning and reach.
Design
Legislating on any appropriations bill is always inappropriate. The restrictions
Expansion Arts
themselves raise serious constitutional questions. Under existing law, the Arts
Folk & Traditional
Endowment does not fund obscene material and judges applications strictly on the
Arts
highest standards of artistic excellence and merit. No additional content
restrictions on this appropriations bill are appropriate or necessary.
International
Literature
The National Endowment for the Arts serves an important mission to
Local Arts Agencies
extend the reach of the arts to all Americans and to encourage and recognize the
Media Arts
very best of artistic achievement. I want the agency funded at a level that allows
it to carry on its valuable functions.
Museum
Music
Thank you for any help you can give us.
Opera/Musical
Theater
Sincerely yours,
Presenting
State & Regional
Dave Jane Alexander
Theater
Visual Arts
Chairman
cc:
Harold Ickes
Melanne Verveer
The Nancy Hanks Center
1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20506
202/682-5400
147
1 party, whenever the court determines such award is appro-
2 priate.".
3
(168)SEC. 333. Notwithstanding any other provision
to the National
4 of law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated
Endowmer
5 suant to this Act may be used to promote, disseminate,
for the
Arts
6 sponsor or produce materials or performances which deni-
7 grate the objects or beliefs of the adherents of a particular
8 religion.
9
(169)Sec. 334. Notwithstanding any other provision
10 of law, none of the funds made available to the National
11 Endowment for the Arts under this Act may be used to pro-
12 mote, disseminate, sponsor, or produce materials or per-
13 formances that depict or describe, in a patently offensive
14 way, sexual or excretory activities or organs.
15
(170)SEC. 335. Public Law 94-158 is modified to ex-
16 tend the scope of the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to
17 include exhibitions originating in the United States and
18 touring the United States for indemnification subject to the
19 availability of funds.
20 (171)SEC. 336. ENERGY SAVINGS AT FEDERAL FACILITIES.
21
(a) REDUCTION IN FACILITIES ENERGY Costs.-The
22 head of each agency for which funds are made available
23 under this Act shall take all actions necessary to achieve
24 during fiscal year 1996 a 5 percent reduction, from fiscal
HR 1977 PP
Sep.20. 1996 10:38AM
ASSOC OF RESEARCH LIBRARY WASHDC
No. 5491 P. 2/2
The
NHA
National Humanities Alliance
20 September 1996
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Melanne:
I write in hopes that, despite your very full plate, you will be
willing to try to persuade the White House negotiators on the
omnibus spending bill to include the National Endowment for the
Humanities and its sister agencies on the list of issues to be
negotiated with Congressional leaders.
This year, as with last the "Statement of Administration Policy"
on the FY-97 Interior bill included a paragraph on NEH and the
other cultural agencies. Unfortunately, as far as I have been
able to determine, that status didn't carry to the negotiation
table. From what I can tell now, that scenario is being repeated.
As you know, Senator Gorton has almost singlehandedly handed NEH a
10% decrease for FY-97 when we already suffered a 40% decrease
between FY-95 and FY-96. We would minimally like to be restored
to the present level of $110 million but of course would be
delighted to have the President's negotiators push for the number
proposed in the President's budget of $136. Anything in between
would be gratefully used to move NEH back toward being able to
support the best that it is offered. No serious charges beyond
vague Culture War cant has been directed at NEH yet the agency
stands to lose more than almost any other agency including NEA.
The arts endowment is a special problem. Although they have
recognized that the House was unlikely to accept it, a bipartisan
group of Senators is seeking to amend the Interior bill to at
least symbolically demonstrate support for the retention of the
NEA. The Omnibus legislation would appear to be a situation where
an increase for NEA would be more likely to be sustained when the
bill is voted upon.
I realize that negotiation of the type underway operate far from
the usual arguments about the value of a particular agency to the
American people and the quality of civic life. Nonetheless, I
would be pleased to provide such argumentation should it appear
appropriate.
Thank you in advance for once again doing what you can NEH et al
Yours sincerely
Th
John Hammer
nn
20030
202/877
0884
The
NHA
National Humanities Alliance
13 August 1996
MEMORANDUM
TO: NHA Members and Friends
FR: John Hammer
RE: NEH in the Waning Days of the 104th Congress
On August 3, Congress left behind a flurry of just completed
legislation as it departed Washington for campaigning,
conventions, and just plain vacations. The fate of the FY-1997
budget for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) was
left unresolved but basically the agency is likely to end up with
an appropriation of somewhere between $99.5 million and $110
million either through a completed appropriations or, as is
increasingly likely, through a Continuing Resolution along with
other incomplete appropriations bills as Congress rushes to return
to the campaign trenches. At this point there are several straws
in the wind that may affect NEH's funding for the coming fiscal
year and general health in the near term.
O The House leadership is determined to phase out the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at the end of FY-97.
Several of the Senators who are very supportive of NEH, feel that
first priority should be given to delivering a forceful signal to
the House that the Senate strongly supports NEA. Because line
items to reduce to produce funds for an amendment are very tight,
schemes to increase the arts endowment almost necessary come from
the same sources needed to restore NEH's funds;
O While the phase out intent for NEH is vaguer -- especially
since it has now been fairly well established on the record that
NEH was not considered at all in the deal that permitted the
endowments to receive FY-96 appropriations. That arrangement,
which was entered into among Ralph Regula (R-OH), chair of the
Interior and Related Agencies Subcommittee (i.e., the
appropriators for the NEH, NEA and other cultural agencies), the
House GOP leadership, and most other GOP House members, promised
that the arts endowment would be phased out along the schedule
included in a "reauthorization" bill that cleared the House
Economic and Educational Opportunities Committee (EEO), which
called for the phase out of NEA in two years and NEH in three
years. The EEO bill, known as the Goodling bill has not been
taken to the House floor and many observers have long doubted that
the leadership would bring this bill up because of its likely
defeat. (See next point) - Nonetheless, while perhaps not as
ardently felt as it is for NEA, the House leadership appears to
want NEH phased out and is likely to take steps in that direction
in the coming months. Note: The recently adopted GOP platform
21 Dupont Circle NW
Washington, DC 20036
TEL 202/296-4994 FAX 202/872-0884
Internet [email protected]
NHA Memorandum (8/13/96)
page 2
far the 1996 presidential campaign calls for termination of
federal funding in several areas including the arts and
humanities.
O The ranks of the GOP moderates has grown during the life of
the 104th Congress with much of the growth coming from freshmen
who have stepped back from their early positions of voting in
lock-step with the House leadership. Early signs point to an even
wider center when the new House gathers in January. On the other
hand, Senate retirements by moderates in both parties suggest that
the Senate may be somewhat less friendly to NEH than the present.
o Finally, the longer term appropriations picture is clouded
by the deficit deduction agreements between the Clinton
administration and the Congress. Discretionary spending
initiatives and regular on-going support are likely to be
increasingly difficult no matter which party controls the houses
of Congress and the White House.
But, regardless how the election and future events unfold, the NEH
has suffered a good deal of damage at the hand of the 104th
Congress. The agency entered FY-1995 (a month before the 1994
Congressional elections) with a budget of $177 million and robust,
highly competitive programs -- As William G. Bowen of the Mellon
Foundation characterized it, the largest single supporter of the
humanities in the nation. A $5 million rescission from the FY-95
budget, followed by a 36% cut resulted in a FY-1996 of $110
million (with government shutdowns and confusion to boot) left the
agency still critically important both for the public and the
humanities community. But the disproportionate reductions NEH has
suffered have a high price both now and in the future in all areas
of NEH activity. For example, in FY-1996:
O NEH's seminars and institutes for high school and college
teachers will support participation of 1,400 teachers who in turn
will reach 220,000 students with intellectually reinvigorated
instruction, That means 200,000 fewer student than were reached
in FY-95 when 2,600 teachers participated;
O NEH's projects to preserve fragile books, newspapers,
documents, and artifacts held in the nation's libraries, museums,
and other cultural institutions have been at the forefront of the
effort to save such materials. The FY-96 reductions have forced
NEH to make fewer and smaller grants. As a result, 20,000 brittle
books and 230,000 disintegrating pages of historically significant
newspapers will not be microfilmed. In addition, 130,000 objects
of archaeological, ethnographic, and/or historical importance to
the nation will not be preserved;
NHA Memorandum (8/13/96)
page 3
O In its program for preparation of scholarly editions of
presidential and other important historical figures, NEH's support
is central to projects searching out and drawing together key
documents from thousands of repositories in virtually every state.
Due to the FY-96 cuts, NEH was forced to end the special Editions
Program for these papers. This means that the 40 on-going
editions projects will compete with 400 collaborative research
projects for no more than 20 awards. Unless a less draconian
budget situation can be arrived at, no more than 3 or 4 of the on-
going presidential projects will continue to receive NEH funding;
O NEH support for museum exhibitions, television and radio
programming, and other public activities have been substantially
reduced. This mean that NEH may not discover the next Ken Burns
who brought such documentaries as "The Civil War" and
(forthcoming) "The West", or the next Henry Hampton, who brought
us "The Great Depression" both of whom got their start with NEH
funding;
O Finally, the support of scholarship is the fundamental
underpinning for all other activities supported by the NEH because
all of the endowment's projects: film, library, museum, state
humanities council, high school or college institute, draw upon
scholarship in one form or another. NEH is especially important
as the largest single source of support for humanities scholarship
and research. Support for scholarly research was especially hard
hip by the sharp reductions in FY-96 because Congress, with little
or no animus toward scholarship, nonetheless moved to lessen the
impact of the reductions on state programs and preservation. This
form of relative shelter had the unintended effect of further
squeezing all other NEH programs.
In its consideration of funding for NEH and certain other federal
cultural agencies, the 104th Congress has been especially fond of
the idea that there are dozens of alternatives to federal funding.
Leaders of the House of Representatives have suggested that NEH
can endure large reductions because foundations and others will
pick up the slack. A 1996 report for the President's Committee on
the Arts and the Humanities entitled Looking Ahead: Private
Sector Giving in the Arts and Humanities, researched and written
by Nina Kressner Cobb had two significant findings with regard to
NEH:
O The private sector cannot fill the void of financial
support for the humanities should the federal presence cease to
exist; and
NHA Memorandum (8/13/96)
page 4
O The NEH is still the single largest source of support for
the humanities nationwide compared to the private sector and to
other units of government.
NEH is central to the health and vitality of the humanities
enterprise. The losses of the last two years will take years to
recoup. Even when the zeal of the reformers of the 104th Congress
has cooled -- and many think that process is well along -- the
politics of the deficit, and the other reduced programs with
compelling claims on the federal budget, suggest a long recovery
period at best.
ID:
SEP 25'96 16:53 No 004 P.02
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
The Nancy Hanks Center
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20506-0001
202/682-5400
Office of the Chairman
MEMORANDUM
September 24, 1996
SENT BY FAX (456-1121)
ON 9/24/96
To:
Leon E. Panetta
Chief of Staff to the President
From:
Jane Alexander
Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts
Re:
FY 97 NEA funding
I appreciate your requesting a $10 million increase for NEA in the
CR/Omnibus bill.
The value of this symbolic victory for the cultural community - should we
be successful - goes way beyond the dollars involved. It represents a political
victory for the White House and the Democrats in Congress. The arts are a big
industry, and many organizations and jobs continue to be threatened by the recent
cut-backs.'
Reps. Gingrich and Armey continue to oppose any increase for NEA. I
understand they accepted the proposed increase for the Humanities Endowment,
which confirms my belief that their opposition to us has nothing to do with the
budget, and everything to do with punishment.
I'm working very hard to buck up our Senate supporters including Senators
Hatfield, Bennett, Jeffords, Kennedy, Pell, Leahy and others.
You have been a strong and consistent supporter. I hope you will continue
to stand by us as this moves forward during the days ahead.
Date Lean!
JUL-17-1996 14:33
202 682 5668 P.02
Brademar
MEET PRESS
RUSSERT
MR. RUSSERT: Do you think President Clinton's honest?
Sunday, July 14, 1996
SEN. LOTT: You know. all I know is he says that he wants to ger welfare reform. but when we send
it to him, he vetoes it.
SEN. DASCHLE: Well. that's because it's an extreme bill, Trent.
SEN. LOTT: He says he wants a balanced budget amendment, but when we send it to him. he vetoes
it. I mean, it's hard for me to justify when he's saying one thing, and he's doing another. Because if
his words and his actions don't match, now. Tim. now how do you describe that?
SEN. DASCHLE: If the Republicans would come to the middle, the president wouldn't have any trouble
signing these bills. It's when they go off the deep end on the right that the president has no choice but
to veto the bills. Go to the middle and you'll see signatures. The minimum wage is a very good
example.
MR. RUSSERT: Let me close on an issue that there is a discussion, debate within the Republican Party.
Senator Lott. the Republicans in the House have said they will cut off all funding for the National
Endowment of the Arts next year. Cut it off, period. Eliminate, totally. There are some Republicans
in the Senare that are saying. "No. no, no."
We want language guaranteeing that funding for the National
Endowment for the Arts will go forward.
Where do you stand?
SEN. LOTT: Well. first of all. I think you need to note that the House does provide funding this year
for the National Endowment for the Arts, and Senator Slade Gorton in the Senate has done a good job
on that.
MR. RUSSERT: But should it continue beyond this year?
SEN. LOTT: I think that support for the arts from the people's taxpayers' dollars should be phased out
over a reasonable period of time. I think that should be done in the private sector. I support the arts and
music. I love the music and the arts and Mississippi has more than its fair share. But to have the federal
government as the prime source of financial support, I think, is questionable.
SEN. DASCHLE: I think that's extremism again. I don't see any reason why the American people
working as a community can't foster the arts. I think that's in part what this country's all about. It isn't
just how strong our economy, but what kind of people we are. And I think the American people, through
their government, ought to have the opportunity to encourage and to find ways with which to ensure that
we have a flourishing arts community in this country.
SEN. LOTT: You know, I don't impugn Tom Daschie's integrity when he disagrees with me, but when
he disagrees with me. he calls it extremism. I gave a very calm, rational answer to a good question and
I don't appreciate his response.
SEN. DASCHLE: Well, I must say, I wasn't-this isn't anything personal because, Trent, it's a very...
SEN. LOTT: Well. I mean, you said that was extremism. I mean, I don't think.
SEN. DASCHLE: It was. Well, I believe it is extremism.
(CONT.)
-2-
JUL-17-1996 14:33
202 682 5668 P.03
Meet the Press (NBC News) - Sunday, July 14, 1996
SEN. LOTT. Jeez.
SEN. DASCHLE: I don't know what eise to call it. It's extreme when you say you're going to abolish.
entirely. the arts program in this country
SEN. LOTT: I didn't say that. I didn't say that at all.
SEN. DASCHLE: I think that's extremism. You said there would not be any federal funding.
SEN. LOTT: See. there again. he's putting words in my mouth that I didn't say.
MR. RUSSERT: Right To be continued. Gentlemen. I hope you can get together tomorrow morning.
SEN. LOTT: We'll try it, Tim.
SEN. DASCHLE: We will. You bet
MR. RUSSERT: Senator Lon. Senator Daschle. thanks very much for a most interesting discussion.
SEN. DASCHLE: Thanks.
MR. RUSSERT: Coming next. a roundtable with the political odd couple James Carville and Mary
Matalin and then our MEET THE PRESS Minute. with the late John Chancellor.
(Announcements)
MR. RUSSERT: And we're back on MEET THE PRESS. Here they are. James Carville, Mary
Matalin Welcome back.
MS. MATALIN: You notice the closer we get to the elections, the more stuff we bring to substantiate
our
MR. CARVILLE: Yeah. there's a sp--there's a sterling operation.
MR. RUSSERT: All right. All right.
MR. CARVILLE: Man, the fax machine is about to burn up.
MR. RUSSERT: All right. Mary Matalin. the Dole campaign. Even his closest friends have told me
over the last week things have not gone well.
MS. MATALIN: Look. Tim. you know. you've been following polities for a long time. The
Washington Post reported this morning the Dole team has nine policy people. the Clinton team has 1.9
million people working for it. The entire government. a fully funded DNC, a fully funded re-election
committee, no primary opposition. a White House that is spitting out policy objectives once a week.
regardless of what the costs are and regardless of any intention to implement them.
MR. RUSSERT: George Bush had all that.
BURRELLE'S INFORMATION SERVICES / (202)783-5810/(800)456-2877
TOTAL P.03
6-03-1995 1:51AM
FROM
P.2
MAR 22 '96 10:42
P.2
Congress of the United States
house of Representatives
Washington, BC 20515
March 5, 1996
The Honorable Newt Gingrich
Speaker of the House
U.S. House of Representatives
H-230, The Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Newt:
As the House works on a continuing resolution to fund the remaining appropriations for the rest of
this fiscal year and begins hearings on the appropriations bills for FY 1997, we ask you to
level. consider maintaining funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at a sustainable
The NEA supports countless programs that enrich communities across the nation. From arts
education projects to local theaters, museums, operas and orchestras, the NEA enhances the lives
of all of our constituents. Without the NEA, all but the largest and most culturally supportive
cities could find themselves unable to support many of the arts institutions they have come to
treasure.
Not only does the NEA provide funding for very worthwhile projects, but it also encourages
increased support for the arts from private citizens, public and private organizations, states and
communities by requiring non-federal matching funds for most grants. The NEA is working to
increase private and corporate support for the arts to make up for the reduced role the federal
government will play in funding cultural activities.
We strongly encourage you to provide funding for the NEA at such a level that it may continue to
make its important cultural contribution to our communities.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
JimilRamstad Ramota
Many J.Jahnan
6-03-1995 1:52AM
FROM
P.3
MAR 22 '96 10:43
P.3
Addright
Sigher How
Mire Caste
Puk Layro
yea Jain
Skilly
Jan Mayers
ID:
JUN 05'96 11:33 No.002_P.02
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Mashington, BC 20515
May 22, 1996
The Honorable Newt Gingrich
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
H-232 the Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Speaker:
We are writing to urge the leadership's support for continued funding of the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Last year Congress reduced NEA funding to $99.5 million. a 39
percent reduction exceeding the cuts imposed upon many other agencies in government. As the
Interior Subcommittee considers their FY 1997 funding allocations, we want to express our
support for a minimum of $99.5 million for the NEA.
This year's cut in funding already is affecting the arts as statos are having to our back
education programs. Museums, orchestras, dance companies, opera and professional theaters also
are scaling back community education and outreach programs for children and families. Further
outs could adversely affect many organizations in our districts which depend upon a combination
of private and public funding to supplement earned income. Evidence has shown that income
from ticket sales, memberships, etc. falls to cover the cost of all but the most commercial arts
projects.
The thirty year federal investment made by the NEA has given many Americans the real
opportunity to experience the art created in their own communities. The funding has made
possible the placement of thousands of artists-in-residence in our public schools, children's
festivals literacy programs, grants to museums, galleries and orchestras, dance touring, folk and
music festivals, mobile Shakespeare festivals and hundreds of other projects.
Rural areas, in particular, depend on NEA support since they do not receive large
corporate and foundation contributions. For example, when nobody else was interested in
supporting a gathering of western cowboy poets, the NEA did. Now, the annual gathering in
Elko, Nevada, is a major event in the cultural life of the west, attended by thousands of people
from all over the country. The NEA helped start the Utah Sundance Festival for independent
filmakers, and it continues to support the Fourth of July folk festival on the Mall in Washington,
D.C.
ID:
JUN 05'96
11:33 No.002_P.03
The NEA has made efforts to prioritize its needs and substantially reduce its
administrative costs through restructuring. They also are improving existing partnerships with
states and local communities as well as exploring innovative ways of generating income for the
arts.
Recognizing the continuing importance of the work that this small agency is doing, we
stand ready to meet with you to discuss alternative funding mechanisms that will allow it to
continue its work.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Rull Lazo
Marge Roukema
lanie Morella
Stude
Namey Ladmon
Mise Satle
Jan Ranta
WayneT Gilstrest
Sen Gilman
Staphen Horn
Im Davis
ID:
JUN 05'96 11:33 No. 002 P.04
Bob Frank Mile Fasher
Jon D.Fap
Ct 6 Table Saley
Aus Houghton J Walt
Octe Blute
Sucrokelly
** Carl
James Greenwood
Brian! Albray
B
April 12, 1996
TO:
Arts Advocates
AMERICAN
FROM:
American Arts Alliance
ARTS
RE:
Activating Support in the Business Community
ALLIANCE
As we work to make our voice heard in Congress, it becomes increasingly clear that
lawmakers rightfully look first to their constituents for direction. With your help, we
ADVOCATES FOR THE ARTS
can demonstrate to key lawmakers that business people in their communities strongly
support the arts and humanities.
The Cultural Advocacy Group, a consortium of over 50 national arts and humanities
service organizations united in support of the federal role in our country's cultural life,
is working to remind lawmakers that, nationwide, American business relies on the arts
and humanities for economic vitality.
Member Organizations:
Last summer, as the fight to preserve federal support for the arts and humanities
American
reached a fever pitch, over 1,000 business leaders sent a message to Congress that
Symphony
Orchestra
businesses depend on their local cultural organizations to provide economic, as well as
League
cultural and social benefits. Many arts advocates gathered the names of business people
in support of federal funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National
Association
Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum Services. The resulting
of Art
Museum
petitions were delivered to congressional offices and was an influential factor in our
Directors
attempts to save cultural funding.
Association
of Performing
As Congress begins debate over NEA, NEH, IMS funding this year, we face new
Arts
Presenters
challenges to reinforce our message to Congress that the health of cultural institutions
ultimately affects all Americans.
Dance/USA
To accomplish our goals, we will gather names of business supporters. Our efforts will
OPERA
America
target those legislators who will play a critical role in the final legislation, including:
Theatre
SENATORS
REPRESENTATIVES
Communications
Group
Ted Stevens (R-AK)
Jim Kolbe (R-AZ-5th)
Fred Upton (R-MI-6th)
Nancy Kassebaum (R-KS)
Gary Franks (R-CT-5th)
Bob Franks (R-NJ-7th)
Representing
Pete Domenici (R-NM)
Tillie Fowler (R-FL-4th)
Bill Zeliff (R-NH-1st)
2,600 Non-profit
Arts Institutions
Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY)
Newt Gingrich (R-GA-6th)
Steve Schiff (R-NM-1st)
Mike DeWine (R-OH)
Jan Meyers (R-KS-3rd)
Joe Skeen (R-NM-2nd)
Slade Gorton (R-WA)
Bob Livingston (R-LA-1st)
John Kasich (R-OH-12th)
Peter Blute (R-MA-3rd)
Martin Hoke (R-OH-10th)
Vernon Ehlers (R-MI-3rd)
Ralph Regula (R-OH-16th)
Peter Hoekstra (R-MI-2nd)
Jim Bunn (R-OR-5th)
Joe Knollenberg (R-MI-11th)
Curt Weldon (R-PA-7th)
As a constituent of one of these legislators, we are relying on you to help
collect names.
1319 F Street, NW
Please contact your vendors and other business supporters and ask them to sign the
Suite 500
attached letter. The enclosed "Tips for Success" suggest ways to make light work of this
important activity. After you have collected names on the enclosed petition sheets, please
Washington, DC 20004
return your forms to the Alliance by MAY 24.
202.737.1727
Fax 202.628.1258
Tips for Success
Business Petition Campaign
Cultural Advocacy Group
Thank you for helping the Cultural Advocacy Group send Congress the message that American business
enthusiastically supports federal funding for the arts and humanities. This targeted campaign will demonstrate to
key legislators the vital role of the arts and humanities in the economy.
Here are some suggestions to help you gather signatures:
Begin by approaching business people involved with your organization, such as board members and
trustees, volunteers, donors, and business vendors. Some types of businesses to approach are:
Restaurants
Civic leaders
Landscapers
Printers
Real estate companies
Mailing houses
Chambers of Commerce
Bookstores
Photographers
Business Executives
Hotels
Taxicab companies
Tour and bus companies
Hardware stores
Electricians
Parking lot operators
Courier services
Drivers
Banks
Theater owners
Accountants
Travel agents
Lawyers
Civic leaders
Caterers
Plumbers
Dry cleaners
Florists
Coffee houses
Retail shops
Contractors
Retirement communities
Graphic designers
Suppliers
Carpenters
Grocery stores
CEOs aren't the only ones who benefit economically from the arts -- their employees do too. We encourage
you to gather the signatures of clerks, secretaries and taxi drivers as well as executives.
If you have a volunteer base, consider recruiting a volunteer to work with you on this effort. A business
person with strong chamber of commerce or other civic connections may be highly effective in gathering
names.
Contact other arts and humanities organizations in your community and recruit their help. We will gladly
accept names from all supporters!
Encourage those business people who show the greatest commitment to also write or call their lawmakers
(see the supplemental sample letter, attached). Ask them to include their phone numbers on the petition in
case more information is needed about how the arts and humanities impact businesses. Perhaps they might
also agree to post the letter and petition at their business to collect additional signatures.
Be creative in your approach to collecting signatures! Those organizations that collected many names in our
last effort did so in a variety of ways. One organization was able to distribute copies of the letter and gather
signatures at a weekly Rotary Club meeting attended by over 300 business people! Another recruited
signatories at a local chamber of commerce meeting. Look at the business pages of your local paper for
events that might attract business people and provide great opportunities to collect names.
[This letter will be addressed to targeted legislators.]
The Honorable
United States Senate/United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510/20515
Dear Senator/Congressman
As members of the business community, we urge you to give your full support to the National
Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum
Services. These agencies play an important role in the economic, cultural and educational life of our
community and our state.
The arts and humanities:
generate at least four additional dollars in revenue for restaurants, hotels, retail,
transportation and parking for every one dollar invested in them.
employ more than two million people throughout the country.
yield $3.4 billion annually through federal taxes.
leverage up to $12 from private and public sources for every one dollar of federal
money.
The arts and humanities also:
make a substantial contribution to the economic vitality of our community and state.
help us attract the employees we need to operate our business.
improve education for our children and help them achieve better grades and higher
SAT scores.
increase understanding among the diverse cultures in our community.
help us attract tourists, conventions and meetings to our region.
enhance the quality of life in our community and state.
The arts and humanities are essential to business and are a key component of the financial well-
being of our nation. Federal support is critical to assist us in building public-private partnerships for
the arts and humanities in our community and throughout the country. We urge you to vote for
maximum federal funding for these three federal agencies.
Sincerely,
PLEASE NOTE: The following is a sample letter to be adapted by those who wish to send an individual letter to their
member of Congress in addition to signing onto the business petition letter. The writer is encouraged to add specifics as
appropriate.
Date
The Honorable
United States Senate/United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510/20515
Dear Senator/Congressman.
I am writing to ask that you support maximum funding for the National Endowment for
the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum Services in
the FY1997 appropriations bill. The arts and humanities have been valuable components for
creating vital communities with a healthy business climate, and these cultural agencies have been
critical catalysts in this growth. I ask that you support continued funding of these agencies and
resist any attempt to diminish or eliminate them.
The arts and humanities are a major industry in our state, employing thousands of people
and generating millions of dollars in payroll and construction dollars. Although funding for these
agencies is very modest, its importance when supplemented with local business support cannot be
overestimated. While I understand the need to reduce the federal budget deficit, these agencies
are not the place to look for savings. Every federal dollar granted to an organization leverages
many times that in private and other public contributions.
[Please note: The following are two options for paragraph three. A third option is to
simply omit this paragraph and conclude with paragraph four.]
Option A: [Company Name] has long held that the arts and humanities benefit [State
Name] and the nation economically, socially, intellectually, and culturally. This belief has guided
and will continue to guide our corporate giving. The grants made by NEA, NEH, and IMS to
local organizations in our [state/district] have played a central role that we and other business
sponsors cannot replace. The public-private partnership that [Company Name] and other
corporations throughout the nation have developed with these agencies is enormously successful.
We remain committed to being vigorous partners with the federal government in helping to fund
the arts and humanities, but we cannot do it alone.
Option B: As [Title] of [Company], I believe that the arts and humanities benefit my
community economically, socially, intellectually and culturally. Arts and humanities projects made
possible by support from the federal cultural agencies help attract business to our community, as
well as help create a more engaged and better informed citizenry.
I urge you to ensure that the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment
for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum Services continue as vital national agencies.
Business Petition in Support of the National Endowment for the Arts,
National Endowment for the Humanities, and the
Institute of Museum Services
(Please PRINT clearly)
Name (print clearly)
Profession
Business
Address
City
State
Zip
Telephone *
*
Are you willing to be contacted for more information about how you or your business is involved in the arts and humanities? If so, please include your daytime
telephone number. This is not a fundraising call.
Deadline: May 24th, 1996.
Please copy this form as necessary
-