Dear (Congressman/Senator),

I am writing to ask you to support a $400,000 increase for the competitive grants program of the Rhode Island State Council of the Arts (RISCA) in the State’s FY 2008 Budget.  As you well know, the competitive grants awarded by RISCA reach every community in our State, having a positive impact on education, our economy, attracting and developing the workforce of the future and the quality of life in our state.

(Congressman/Senator), I understand the challenging climate in which you are making decisions.  The arts, however, are an economic stimulus for Rhode Island and an effective investment opportunity for the future of our State.  For every $1 distributed to artists and arts organizations by the State, $17 additional dollars are leveraged from private and out-of-state sources.

Thank you for your support of the arts in Rhode Island and recognition of their supplemental impact on education and workforce development, as well as the public value to our economy and quality of life in our state.

Sincerely,