Every educator knows the developmental value of music. There is no human study that engages minds the same way. Practicing music illuminates every vital neural pathway. Regular rehearsal leads to measurable cognitive benefits for every student. And every day of my life, Republicans have worked to undermine music’s presence in American schools.
My name is Nathan Kuipers. I’ve been a Kossack since 2004, and in July, 2023, I filed to run for Florida’s House of Representatives. Please consider donating and learning more about my campaign at www.nathanforfl65.com.
Previous Entries:
A Unifying Pride Event for Democrats in Tampa, Florida
Ending Marijuana Prohibition: A Call for Reform
After 18 Years as a Kossack, I'm Running for Office in Florida.
1, 2 Florida’s Trending Blue. Amendments 3 & 4 opened the door.
Growing Grassroots with 90 for 90
For 6 years, I worked in Hillsborough County’s public schools teaching music. The joy of seeing a student fulfilled by music has no equal. Practicing music provides an accepting space to every student of every background. These spaces are under attack in a campaign to deny equality of opportunity.
So much of music education is extracurricular. Rehearsals and performances regularly happen outside of school hours, or even school days. Teachers have greater burdens than ever, limiting their ability to provide music to students. Music classes require fundraising from booster organizations to provide quality instruction. This contributes to stratifying public school quality. Linking educational availability and fundraising is suboptimal at best.
Governor Ron DeSantis and his Republican supermajority, aided by my opponent Rep. Karen Gonzalez-Pittman, gutted community arts programs. Musically passionate students from schools without fundraising abilities have their programs jeopardized. Funding for culture programs and organizations, children’s orchestra programs, and community opera and theater programs all are affected. Across Florida, programs benefitting our most vulnerable students face financial jeopardy.
As Representative, I will not turn a blind eye to the crisis in arts education. I will fight for students to have access to these spaces that enhance their future.
Please, support music and arts education in your community. Support our fight to help them flourish in Tampa.
DONATE
ACTBLUE