Save the Arts in Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is facing some very difficult budget choices during this time of financial strain. The current budget proposes to eliminate the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, which would make our State the only in the nation without a State office dedicated to the arts and culture. The Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania organized a rally at our Capitol this past Tuesday and I was honored to be one of the speakers. Hundreds of people attended and I only hope that we made enough noise (both literally and figuratively) to make a difference. My remarks focused on my experiences over the past decade as a music educator at a community-based arts program. The arts are a vehicle of expression and communication for our most vulnerable citizens including those with low-income, the elderly, and those with special needs. Eliminating state funding makes the arts into a luxury for some instead of an experience accessible to all. Only a nickel a week per taxpayer keeps the arts alive for all Pennsylvanians!