This afternoon,
the U.S. Senate confirmed Broadway producer Rocco Landesman to serve as
the next National Endowment for the Arts chair and former Congressman Jim
Leach to serve as National Endowment for the Humanities chair. Both are
expected to begin work next week. Americans for the Arts President
and CEO Robert L. Lynch issued the following statement:
"Today's Senate confirmation of Rocco Landesman and Congressman Jim Leach marks a
moment of great opportunity for our nation's cultural agencies. Landesman
embarks as Chair of the nation's arts agency with a robust agenda, an
upward trajectory of funding, broad Congressional approval, and a White
House committed to attracting national attention to the value of the arts
and integrating them into broader domestic policies."
 Upon his nomination, Mr. Landesman said, "I am honored to receive the
Senate's vote of confirmation. I look forward to serving the nation
as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. I believe this is an
auspicious time for the NEA and the country. Art is essential to the
civic, economic, and cultural vitality of our nation. It reflects who we
are and what we stand for -- freedom of expression, imagination, and
vision. I am eager to work with our many partners to bring quality arts
programs to neighborhoods and communities across the country."
Congress has now
recessed for August. When they return after Labor Day, the House
and Senate will resume work on finishing the appropriations process for
FY 2010. Currently, the House has approved NEA funding at $170
million but must await the Senate's completion of their bill,
which the Appropriations Committee set at only $161.3
million. While both of these funding levels represent increases
above its current budget, these bills will need to be reconciled and a
final compromise bill signed into law by President Obama this
fall.
Over the next
few weeks, we will be reaching out to you about several important issues
including the arts and healthcare, national service, and cultural
tourism.
Help us continue this important work by becoming an official member of
the Arts Action Fund. If you are not already a member play your part by joining the Arts Action Fund today -- it's free and simple.
|
