Oregon Tango News
February 12, 2010
Two things of Note occurred in 2009 that may be helpful in sustaining Argentine Tango LONG TERM in the United States, and with some dependable economic sustenance for our Teachers who give so much of their time and effort for mostly very little.
First, the United Nations recognized the Argentine Tango as a World Cultural Icon.
Second, in October 2009, President Obama signed into Law this Bill: Congress had passed a $12.5 million funding increase as part of the FY 2010 Interior Appropriations bill for both the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). These two federal grant-making cultural agencies will now each have budgets of $167.5 million, their highest funding levels in 16 years.
The FY 2010 Interior Appropriations bill was passed in the House by a vote of 247-178; and in the Senate by a vote of 72-28.
[source: "American Music Teacher, Official Journal of Music Teachers National Association", February/March 2010, page 9.]
Wynton Marsalis and Linda Ronstadt (along with 3 others) Testified before Congress in March 2009 to obtain $200 million for just such funds. They testified hard and with force---both were frustrated about the billions the banks were getting and during their week testifying before Congress, Marsalis spoke publically to the Press about it. The musicians were asking for funds that would come to United States young people for dance and singing. Their efforts had to have made a difference!
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