[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 106 (Thursday, June 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SUPPORT FUNDING FOR THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2007

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of funding for 
the National Endowment for the Arts. Grants funding from the NEA 
reaches people of all races, classes and geographic areas.
  I have been personally involved with Childsplay in Arizona for many 
years and have seen first-hand the impact the arts can have on the 
community and good work the NEA performs. Through NEA grants, the arts 
are shared with those at all income levels and in all communities.
  I remember specifically the impact one Childsplay production had on 
the children who attended. Eric and Elliott, a play that received 
$23,000 in grant money from the NEA, dealt with teen depression and 
suicide. This play about hope shared the tools to recognize and cope 
with depression. It inspired young people to come forward to seek help.
  Since its inception, Eric and Elliott has formed a unique partnership 
with the Mental Health Association of Arizona and a counselor now 
travels with the production to provide on-site counseling services to 
young people. The play earned the ``Distinguished Play Award 2006'' 
from the American Alliance for Theatre and Education.
  This is just one example of many in which arts and arts education 
deeply impacts young people and adults.
  Also, and importantly, where the Federal Government invests, the 
private sector and community follow. NEA funding from the Federal 
Government encourages the private sector and local communities to 
invest in arts organizations and signals that the arts are a worthy 
investment.
  Millions of people have benefited greatly from NEA-funded programs 
over the last 40 years and I hope my colleagues will join me in 
supporting increased funding for this important organization.

                          ____________________