U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, announced last week that the committee would hold a series of hearings this spring to examine how the arts benefit the nation's economy and schools, and what can be done to help support them during the economic downturn.

“Like so many other sectors of our economy, the arts and music are suffering greatly — hurting millions of workers and families who depend on these industries for good jobs and the students who benefit from participation in arts and music education in school,” said Miller. “In states and communities around the country, like my home state of California, these industries are vital engines for local economies — making up a large share of revenue and providing employment for a wide array of jobs, from construction to musicians to art teachers to sound editors.”

He added: “President Obama has made it clear that arts and music have a critical role to play in improving our schools, our workforce and our overall quality of life. These hearings will give Congress the opportunity to hear from experts in these fields about how supporting the arts and music can help us build a stronger America."

Arts organizations generate $166.2 billion in economic activity, support 5.7 million jobs, and return nearly $30 billion in revenue to the government each year, according to a 2007 study by the Americans for the Arts.

Whether and how the government should include support for the arts in its economic stimulus package has been a source of debate and division, with the House proposing to include $50 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Senate proposing none.