When Representative Jack Kingston (R-GA) said, “I just think putting people to work is more important than putting more art on the wall of some New York City gallery frequented by the elite art community. Call me a sucker for the working man.” during the stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) debate last February other pro-arts members of Congress such as David Obey (D-WI) were quick to defend the arts.

Armed with economic data on the arts provided by Americans for the Arts Action Fund, Congressman Obey was able to respond to the erroneous statement, saying on the House floor, “In addition to retaining jobs, these (economic stimulus art) funds will support programs which provide entertainment and richness in the lives of our communities t a time when they are badly needed. In the context of this large economic stimulus legislation, I believe this is a prudent investment, and that it will contribute measurably to restoring the fiscal health of our nation.”