My Issue
I will be working to make fine arts classes more accessible in public schools. As of 2018, the State of Vermont does not define the arts in statute or code as a core or academic subject, specifies arts education as a requirement for schools to be accredited, or provide funding for an arts education grant program or a state-funded school for the arts. The lack of focus on fine arts in Vermont needs to be changed as the youth that do not shine in sports or other academic classes are suffering.
This aligns with my belief, and our nation’s belief, that all Americans should have equal opportunities in achieving the American Dream; receiving benefits for their hard work. The lack of proper foundations for those wanting to seek a career in the fine arts has limited the choice of many Americans—especially those who test poorly and lack the funds to invest in the materials needed to practice fine arts. If there is a person seeking a college-level education but cannot afford it, they can turn to Art Scholarships to give them a greater chance of having a high-paying job in the fine arts when they are older. In order to receive these scholarships, though, the student needs to “[show] involvement in organizations and activities” relating to the fine arts; a student cannot do this if their school does not offer accessible arts classes.
"It is better to show up than to give up"
~ Bernie Sanders
My Background
My interest and involvement in politics began when I attended the University of Chicago, with a goal of earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, after attending Brooklyn College for four years. While in Chicago, I led sit-ins in order to protest the segregation of the University and I later travelled to D.C. to partake in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. I fully became involved in politics when I became “one of America’s best mayors” as mayor of Burlington, Vermont. After being mayor for eight years, I pursued a spot in the House of Representatives and initially failed.
Two years later, I became the first independent representative elected to the House in forty years and was officially the only socialist in the House after 1998. As a representative, I had to make difficult choices regarding supporting or opposing different acts and policies. For instance, I voted in favor of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act because of the ban it created over certain assault weapons and its policies supporting an increased investigation into violence committed against women. I also opposed the use of military action in Iraq while approving of the use of violence on those who participated in/aided the events of 9/11.