Funding for the arts and humanities is always needed. Not only do the arts create invaluable educational and cultural opportunities for Vermonters, the creative economy employs thousands of people across the state and generates economic growth. I am proud to see that the city of Rutland is working to foster a stronger community through expansion of their local art economy. At a time when the Trump administration is proposing to completely eliminate funding for the NEH and NEA, we must do everything we can to ensure these programs receive the critical funding they deserve.