Whereas, Arts education contributes powerful educational benefits to all elementary, middle, and secondary students; and,

Whereas, Arts education helps develop students' creative problem-solving and critical thinking abilities; and,

Whereas, Arts education teaches sensitivity to beauty, order, and other expressive qualities; and,

Whereas, Arts education gives students a deeper understanding of multi-cultural values and beliefs; and,

Whereas, Arts education reinforces and brings to life what students learn in other subjects; and,

Whereas, Arts education interrelates student learning in art production, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2008 as Youth Arts Month in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to take the time to become acquainted with the importance of art education in our schools.