Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement explaining that the budget plan purposed by Representatives in the House Of Representatives would undermine many of the favorite cultural programs and institutions enjoyed by families in Brooklyn by eliminating support for the National Endowment for the Arts.

“These programs account for only a small percentage of the federal budget. Yet their rewards are enormous- for children who want to learn and adults who want to share in celebration of the diversity of our culture,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “As a child in Brooklyn, I had the opportunity to experience the extraordinary cultural institutions of Brooklyn. I believe that we have a responsibility to provide the same opportunities to the young men and young women of today, and for the generations that will follow us.”

Today, the NEA announced grants for several institutions in Brooklyn: Kyo-Shin-An Arts Inc., La Troupe Makandal, Inc., Make Music New York Inc., Music Forward, and Tri-Centric Foundation. These grants will support programs such as a showcase of Haitian art, a celebration of musician Frisner Augustin, a performance of “The Classical Style,” a semi-staged comic opera, Make Music Winter, an annual day of musical parades, residencies in Japanese music, and a celebration of jazz musician Anthony Braxton's legacy.

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.