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Arts

As a lifelong patron of the arts, I have made it a priority to assist the arts community both locally and nationally throughout my legislative career. The arts play a vital role in our community's economic growth and in providing cultural and educational benefits as well. I am pleased to have received an A+ on the Americans for the Arts Action Fund Congressional Scorecard.

Art in Memphis

I am acutely aware of the role the arts community plays in the Memphis economy, as well as its role in establishing Memphis's unique atmosphere and culture. Memphis is recognized internationally as a haven and home for established and aspiring artists alike.

A 2012 Creative Industries report released by Americans for the Arts shows that Memphis is home to 1,740 arts-related businesses, and that these businesses employ 8,275 people. These are real jobs that contribute to our local economy and to our local pocketbooks. These jobs help to keep Memphis established as a cornerstone of tourism, which furthers economic development.

As a State Senator I worked to establish the Tennessee license plate "art is…a rainbow" which provides partial funding for the Tennessee Arts Commission.

National Endowment of the Arts

As a long-time supporter of the arts, I strongly oppose any cuts that would negatively impact the NEA's ability to provide grants and other funding to arts-based businesses in Memphis. I have consistently voted against amendments to the federal budget and appropriation bills which would cut funding to the NEA as well as other organizations and programs that support the arts and jobs.

Art in Classrooms

Throughout my legislative career, I've advocated for more arts education, specifically more public arts education. The arts should not be viewed as an ‘add-on' to core educational programs but recognized as an integral part of a complete education.

Arts education programs provide various benefits for our youth and the workforce and therefore, it is important to find ways to make sure that arts academic courses receive equal support as math and science courses. I continue to support measures that prepare our future workforce through innovation and creativity in the schools through a well-rounded education.