IL HR0057

Calls upon the Governor to prioritize arts education funding throughout the budgeting process, recognizing arts as a core academic subject essential to complete education.

Urges elected officials and schools throughout Illinois to maintain existing art programs in dance, music, theatre, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts.

Identifies arts education as developing critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication skills, and cross-cultural understanding that support academic success across all subjects.

Notes that students in under-resourced environments who are highly involved in the arts have better grades, lower dropout rates, more positive school attitudes, and higher college enrollment rates.

Recognizes the non-profit arts sector as an economic engine contributing significantly to community economic health through wages, benefits, and goods and services.