Kurt Weiland // Democratic // US House of Representatives Congressional District 1 (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)

Answer: 

I was a freshman at BYU. I took an "Introduction to Literature" class taught by Doug Thayer. That experience changed my life. I learned that literature is not just about stories; it's about ideas. And the world became richer.

I changed my major. I graduated in English. I later earned a Master's in English. I've taught English at the university level. All because of that "Introduction to Literature" course. And because of Doug Thayer. I love that man.

Explanations or Comments:

The arts don't just "prettify." They engage. They prompt thinking. (Sometimes, they force thinking.) That's why they're important.