Tony Bennett: 'Hire More Art Teachers Now.'

According to the Daily News, Tony Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto, say that "the only way to make lasting gains for disadvantaged New Yorkers on this critical educational front" is by hiring more art teachers. Mayor de Blasio seems to agree. Last month, he added $23 million in arts education funding to the city's annual budget- which is a step in the right direction after the recent years of art cutbacks.

Bennett and his wife stated, "As an artist and former school teacher, we share a passion for arts education. The arts not only facilitate self-expression, but they enable all of us to recognize in one another, across differences, our shared humanity. The arts should be essential to our schools."

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They continued, "While we celebrate de Blasio's commitment of public support for arts education, we urge the new administration to direct those dollars where they are needed most - and to do so with an eye toward long-term sustainability."

Bennett and his wife urge arts administrators to use the new money wisely and show the world the positive impact art has on children. With this new budget, there is a chance to expand arts education; and, Bennett and his wife don't want to see this opportunity go to waste.