Democrats Discuss: Don't cut NEA funding

We got our first glimpse at President Donald Trump’s federal budget proposal for Congress on Monday. Addressing the nation’s governors, Trump outlined his plan to increase the federal military budget by $54 million while cutting the budget for various domestic programs. One inexpensive, yet vital, domestic program likely to be cut is the National Endowment for the Arts.

The NEA is an independent federal agency that promotes and supports art in cities and communities across the U.S. Currently, the annual budget for the NEA is less than $150 million.

To put that number into perspective, Trump’s travel and vacation expenses are on pace to exceed $100 million in his first year in office. Point in case: the NEA budget is very small — yet very significant.

A study of investment in the arts scene in Cleveland shows its value. By investing money into the Cleveland Museum of Art, millions of dollars in economic surplus were created in Cuyahoga County. The yearly operating costs for the museum is $40 million, and $140 million of economic activity is created. Museum visitors, which there are over 100,000 annually, coming into the city for this attraction supported hundreds of other jobs as well.

Cleveland is just one example of a city that benefits from its art scene. Data shows the positive impact on a nationwide level as well. Nearly half a million Americans are employed by museums (American Association of Museums), and museums across the U.S. contribute $21 billion to the American economy.

Again, the NEA federal budget is fewer than $150 million annually.

Trump has talked a lot about creating and bringing jobs back to the U.S. Funding the NEA is one way he can accomplish this.

As the White House finalizes the details of its budget proposal to Congress, it is clear that domestic programs like the NEA, and others such as NPR and PBS, will have their funding threatened.

Trump will try to paint the picture that his proposal is fiscally conservative. However, unnecessary military spending increasing at the expense of vital domestic programs isn't being fiscally conservative — it's being fiscally irresponsible.

Congress must approve of Trump’s budget proposal. Be sure to contact your representatives to remind them of the importance of certain domestic programs.

Alex Jackson is a freshman studying strategic communications at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you want to keep funding for the NEA? Let Alex know by tweeting him @alexjackson716.