[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 26 (Wednesday, March 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E290]]
     IN HONOR OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF ACTOR'S EQUITY ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2004

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Actors' 
Equity Association, in honor of its 90 years of contributions to the 
American theater.
  Since 1913, Actors' Equity Association has fought for better wages, 
working conditions, and pension and health benefits for actors and 
stage managers. Equity has fostered and stimulated the art of live 
theater and contributed to the health of the American theatrical 
community. In particular, Actors' Equity plays an important role in the 
Broadway industry, in the heart of my district, which contributes $4 
billion annually to the economy of New York City and depends greatly on 
the talent and professionalism of Equity's members.
  Throughout Actors' Equity's distinguished history, it has built a 
proud tradition of contributing to the overall good of our society and 
community by: fighting against segregation, blacklisting and 
discrimination; supporting funding for the arts; and spearheading 
fundraising for charities such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
  In addition, in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks on 
New York City, Equity came together with other theatrical unions to 
keep Broadway shows up and running, helping New York City recover.
  The hard work and talent of the more than 45,000 members of Actors' 
Equity Association contribute to the arts and to their communities in 
cities and theaters across the country. Actors' Equity Association is 
committed to ensuring these members are treated with dignity and 
respect, and that the art of live theater continues to flourish.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to applaud Equity's ongoing 
efforts to uphold the highest artistic standards of live theater in the 
United States. I commend Actor's Equity for all of its good work and 
offer my sincerest congratulations upon reaching this milestone.

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