James Singer // Democrat // US House of Representatives Congressional District 3 (A+)

1. Should government invest in funding the arts and humanities at fiscally responsible levels?

Answer: Yes

2. Do you support investing money into K-12 arts and humanities education at fiscally responsible levels?

Answer: Yes

3. Do you believe that arts and humanities education should be required in the k-12 curriculum?

Answer: Yes

4. Do you consider the arts and culture sector to be an economic driver in Utah?

Answer: Yes

5. Do you support Utah's Percent-for-Art Act, which designates 1% of public building costs for public art?

Answer: Yes

6. Do you support preserving the Utah Historic Preservation Tax Credit?

Answer: Yes

7. Do you support policy that positively impacts tourism, such as the creation of historic and cultural districts?

Answer: Yes

8. Have you had a personal experience with arts, culture, or humanities that has had an impact on your life? Please explain. (responses to this question were not graded)

Yes! Arts have always been a part of my life from the time I was very young. I have been in plays and choirs which taught me valuable lessons of hard work, having fun, and expanding horizons. I have been influenced by literature and philosophy and I know I am a better person because of it and a critical thinker. It can be used for social change as well as an economic driver, but the human benefits far outweigh a benefit to our society than just money. It is the collective soul of our society.

Explanations/Comments:

What is meant by "fiscally responsible levels?" For me, I see arts and humanities as social investments. That mindset might be different than someone who only sees cost-benefit analysis. Also, as a sociologist, this is the first time I've see our discipline grouped with arts and humanities.