07-R265

2007 -- H 6416

Enacted 05/17/07

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 17, 2007 TO BE RHODE ISLAND’S

"ARTS ADVOCACY DAY AT THE STATE HOUSE"

Introduced By: Representatives Lewiss, Costantino, Fox, Kilmartin, and Watson

Date Introduced: May 17, 2007

     WHEREAS, Arts Advocacy Day at the State House is an event designed to bring various

cultural and civic groups, artists and art supporters, and business, corporate and legislative leaders

together in order to educate, promote and advocate for increased funding for our State’s arts

programs; and

      WHEREAS, Arts Advocacy Day at the State House is a day dedicated to acknowledging

the arts as an important sector in our state’s economy, and for the enrichment in the quality of life

it creates for all the citizens of Rhode Island; and

      WHEREAS, Comprised of performing, visual, and environmental areas, the arts

contribute almost half a billion dollars annually to Rhode Island’s economy; and

      WHEREAS, A relatively small investment in the arts can reap huge dividends to the

state. Every dollar given to the arts, through the state budget, provides $16 in increased revenue

from in-state audiences and $38 from out-of-state audiences; and

      WHEREAS, Studies have shown that students who participate in the arts, whether in

school or after school, demonstrate improved academic performance and realize lower dropout

rates; and

      WHEREAS, The National Conference of State Legislators and the National Governors

Association has found that the arts significantly contribute to the creation of more flexible and

adaptable workers, who are essential for businesses to compete in today’s economy; and

      WHEREAS, A thriving cultural life generates additional income, jobs and tax revenue

for our communities, but more importantly, it creates a state full of vitality and verve, which

becomes attractive not only economically or as a destination, but as a place to call home; now,

therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May 17th of 2007 to be Rhode Island’s “Arts Advocacy

Day at the State House”; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby urges all elected officials to

support increased funding for our State’s Arts Programs; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, the

Rhode Island Citizens for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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LC03131

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