When the "There is a lot of support on the council for the arts," she adds. "I'm fairly confident that Madison elects pro-arts people." But that does not mean arts supporters do not have to be vigilant. Wolf herself describes herself as blind-sided by the amendment. In tough economic times, the arts -- along with a broad range of social-service, health and education programs -- are among the most vulnerable items in budgets at all levels of government. This despite the fact that the arts usually account for some small fraction of one percent of a government budget. Wolf suggests that arts programs such as Madison's pay dividends that multiply through the community and have an impact on both quality of life and the economy. She cites a study published two months ago by D. Garth Taylor, a partner in the Urban Institute's Arts and Culture Indicators Project, sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation. The report, titled "Magnetizing Neighborhoods through Amateur Arts Performance," found "a significant correlation" between arts activities and the health and stability of neighborhoods, and argues that space for the arts should be included in any comprehensive considerations regarding community development. Wolf also notes that Amendment 26 comes at an ironic time. In ceremonies scheduled for the White House this Friday, representatives from the Simpson Street Free Press will receive one of 15 Coming Up Taller Awards presented each year to community-based youth programs across the U.S. The paper's focus on youth participation in the arts was a significant factor in its selection, according to Simpson Street Free Press community relations director Bronna Lehmann in a letter of gratitude to the commission for its support. "I think having the city withdraw even this modest, this token amount of funding would send a negative message to the local arts community and the national arts community," adds Wolf, who is concerned that the passage of Amendment 26 could signal a shift in community values. She understands that people are always looking to trim fat from government budgets. The arts, in Wolf's view are lean. Tag Evers, the local concert promoter, agrees. In an eloquent