Letter to the Editor from Congresswoman Betty McCollum

Letter to the Editor from Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04)
Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Dear Editor:

Minnesota has the right to be proud of the high quality public broadcasting our state has known for years. Minnesota Public Radio and Twin Cities Public Television are treasures that provide balanced news, insightful information and exceptional entertainment over the public airwaves. I am very proud MPR and TPT call St. Paul home. They deserve our support and the support of the federal government.

Unfortunately, Congress is now considering cutting federal funding for public broadcasting by half even though Washington's contribution is currently less than $1.50 per American per year. The current level of federal funding is successfully leveraging more than five additional dollars from private sources. Congress' desire to cut public broadcasting would limit the public's access to the free, unbiased news and information so many Americans count on every day. This would be a serious mistake.

Public broadcasting adds depth and is a wonderful value for millions of Americans. This important national asset should be supported, not attacked.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Betty McCollum
Serving Minnesota's Fourth District

http://mccollum.house.gov/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={F48C5ABB-F54E-4941-A054-09B0424987DC}&DE={77F72133-FC57-48B0-9891-0EA72A8EC829}