Serranos Blast Arts Funding Cuts in Schools

Press Release

Serranos Blast Arts Funding Cuts in Schools

Today, Congressman José E. Serrano and State Senator José M. Serrano strongly condemned Schools Chancellor Joel Klein's plan to discontinue Project ARTS in New York City schools. The vital program has brought much-needed arts education funding to the schools since its inception in 1996.

"I'm outraged at the idea of erasing Project ARTS from the schools. This is one of the few ways arts programs are provided to all children in New York City." Congressman Serrano said. "Everyone knows that in today's testing-focused environment, arts programs will be the first on the chopping block if test scores dip. That's unacceptable. Arts programs promote soundly educated children as much as any math or science program. I strongly urge Chancellor Klein and Mayor Bloomberg to reconsider this decision. Our children deserve better."

"We already know that artistic outlets like music positively impact academic achievement. Yet when cuts are made to education spending, arts is often the first to go," said Senator Serrano, who chairs the New York State Senate Minority Task Force on the Arts. "The arts create a more well-rounded student body. They raise social awareness and instill confidence. And there is no better way of engaging parents and the local community. Project ARTS is a program we cannot afford to lose."

Project ARTS designates funding for arts and dance programs in the City schools, and prevents the funding from being diverted to other programs. It has funneled more than $680 million into arts funding since 1996.

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