[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 46 (Thursday, April 23, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NEBRASKA CULTURAL PRESERVATION ENDOWMENT

 Mr. KERREY. Mr. President, I would like to talk about an 
exceptional, innovative effort in Nebraska; the creation of a $5 
million Nebraska Cultural Preservation Endowment. Last week the 
Nebraska Legislature approved, and Governor Nelson signed legislation 
to make Nebraska the first state in the nation to establish a combined 
funding source for arts and humanities programs.
  I am very hopeful that this pioneer endeavor will safeguard 
Nebraska's cultural programs from the uncertainty of federal funding 
and private donations. And I have high hopes that this permanent state 
resource will provide the Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Humanities 
Council the flexible, broad-based kind of support that they need to do 
the best job possible. Moreover, the foresight, diligence and 
creativity of those who conceived of this venture will undoubtedly 
ensure that future generations of Nebraskans will benefit from a 
vibrant cultural life, historical tourism and economic development 
which this public-private partnership will foster.
  At this time, I would like to applaud the efforts of those who made 
this Endowment possible. Governor Ben Nelson, State Senator LaVon 
Crosby, of Lincoln, Jennifer Severin Clark of the Nebraska Arts Council 
and Jane Hood of the Nebraska Humanities Council are all to be highly 
commended. Thank you for your leadership, commitment and courage in 
this endeavor and congratulations on a job very well done.

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