Bill Overview
Title: Prince Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award, posthumously, of a Congressional Gold Medal to Prince Rogers Nelson, better known as Prince, in recognition of his achievements as a musician and contributions to the culture of the United States.
Sponsors: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Target Audience
Population: People Globally Impacted by Prince's Music and Legacy
Estimated Size: 300000
- Prince was a globally renowned musician with fans across the world.
- His influence on music, particularly in the genres of funk, rock, pop, and soul, was significant.
- Musicians and fans in various countries continue to be inspired by his work.
Reasoning
- Considering the broad appeal of Prince's music, a variety of demographics among the American public are likely to be indirectly impacted by his posthumous recognition, including fans across age groups and regions.
- While direct economic impact on individuals is unlikely, recognition could enhance cultural pride and emotional well-being, particularly among his largest fan demographics.
- The financial cost of this policy is minimal in societal terms, primarily covering ceremonial aspects and related administrative expenses, which falls well within the budget of $50,000 per year.
- Most individuals will likely see no change in their material well-being, but some cultural and emotional benefits from the recognition can be anticipated.
- Alignment with the general admiration for Prince's contributions to music and society would enhance the perceived cultural esteem, fostering a sense of emotional satisfaction among his fans.
Simulated Interviews
Musician (Minneapolis, MN)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great that Prince is being recognized for his legacy. It's about time!
- It makes me feel proud to be from Minneapolis, where Prince started his journey.
- This medal brings attention to how much he influenced current musicians, including myself.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Music Producer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Prince was a trailblazer in the music industry.
- Awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal solidifies his influence.
- It inspires us in the industry to push boundaries like he did.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
School Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Prince was a huge part of my youth, and I love that he's being recognized nationally.
- I can share more about his legacy with my students.
- It might inspire them creatively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Marketing Specialist (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Awards like this highlight how artists have shaped American culture.
- Prince deserves it for all his innovation and impact on music.
- It adds to my discussions in marketing campaigns centered around music history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Record Store Owner (Oakland, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who celebrates Prince's work, this medal feels personal.
- Customers will be excited to see Prince recognized this way.
- Might increase interest in Prince memorabilia and records.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Memphis, TN)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Celebrating Prince's achievements through a medal makes me proud.
- I've followed his career since the beginning and it's great to see this honor.
- I think it will remind people of how influential he was.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a nice gesture to recognize artists who changed music, like Prince.
- He has influenced even music I hear in tech and online culture.
- This kind of recognition shows respect for artistic innovation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Radio DJ (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a fitting tribute to Prince.
- It gives me more material for my radio segments celebrating his work.
- Listeners will be thrilled to learn about this medal.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Corporate Executive (Boston, MA)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognizing artists like Prince at a national level is important.
- It maintains the cultural richness and diversity of American art.
- Personally, it doesn't impact my day-to-day life but it's a nice acknowledgment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's heartening to see someone from my era being recognized in this way.
- There are many of us who remember Prince's rise and it feels good to see his achievements acknowledged.
- It brings back memories of good times.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000 (Low: $40000, High: $70000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The award of a Congressional Gold Medal is primarily symbolic and honorific.
- There are minimal financial implications other than the cost of creating the medal and hosting any ceremonial events.
- The bill will likely have a positive cultural impact, particularly among Prince's admirers and followers.