HR0271 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0271 LRB099 11404 GRL 32281 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, music, theatre, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students; and

WHEREAS, According to Albert Einstein, "After a certain high level of technical skill is achieved, science and art tend to coalesce in esthetics, plasticity, and form. The greatest scientists are artists as well."; and

WHEREAS, Arts education enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success across the curriculum and personal growth outside the classroom; and

WHEREAS, The non-profit arts sector is an economic engine and plays a significant role in the economic health of communities large and small with direct expenditures of wages and benefits and in goods and services; and

WHEREAS, To succeed in today's economy, students must masterfully use words, images, sounds, and movement to communicate; and

WHEREAS, The arts provide the skills and knowledge students need to develop the creativity and determination necessary for success in the global information age; and

WHEREAS, Where schools and communities are delivering high quality learning opportunities in, through, and about the arts for children, extraordinary results occur; and

WHEREAS, Studies have found that 8th graders from under-resourced environments who are highly involved in the arts have better grades, less likelihood of dropping out by grade 10, have more positive attitudes about school, and are more likely to go to college; and

WHEREAS, Attracting and retaining the best teachers is vital and can be achieved by ensuring that schools embrace the arts, becoming havens for creativity and innovation; and

WHEREAS, Arts education has the power to make students want to learn not just within the arts, but other areas of study; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we call upon the Governor to remember the importance of the arts throughout the budgeting process; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we call upon elected officials and schools throughout the State of Illinois to maintain art programs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Governor.