Labor Sings for Arts

TNG-CWA staffers in the D.C. Labor Chorus joined their voices with those of about 20 members of Congress on March 8, as folk singer Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary fame) led a '60s-style songfest on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The Congressional Sing- A-Long, sponsored by the American Federation of Musicians and co-sponsored by CWA, was staged to show support for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA supports creative projects that entertain, educate and preserve cultural heritage through state arts councils and grants nationwide. President Clinton's proposed budget seeks $150 million for the NEA for fiscal year 2000. "Public funding for the arts is what makes this country what it is today," said AFM President Steve Young, who hosted the event. "Musicians and journalists are fortunate to enjoy occupations in which creativity plays a major role," said Linda Foley, president of The Newspaper Guild-CWA, also on hand. "Creativity is nurtured at an early age through exposure to quality music and literature funded by the NEA."