1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing as a parent to urge you to preserve funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). My daughter Katie has special needs, and the arts have been life-changing for her. Through theatre, music, and dance, she has found confidence, friendships, and joy that she cannot find anywhere else. The arts give her a place where she is seen, valued, and able to shine. The NEA makes it possible for families like mine to have access to these kinds of opportunities in our community. Without this support, children and adults with unique needs would lose critical outlets for expression and belonging. For us, the NEA is not abstract—it’s personal. It ensures that my daughter can keep participating in programs that help her grow and thrive. I respectfully ask you to continue to support full funding for the NEA in the upcoming appropriations process. Thank you for your service and for protecting opportunities that matter so much to families like mine.