Brownback proposes restoring $200K in arts funding

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas would resume its funding of arts programs under Gov. Sam Brownback's latest budget proposal.

But Brownback proposed Thursday that the Kansas Arts Commission be merged with the state Film Commission in the Department of Commerce.

Brownback Budget Director Steve Anderson presented the proposal to the House Appropriations Committee. He told members the administration had listened to complaints about Brownback's decision last year to veto arts funding.

The governor vetoed the Arts Commission's entire budget, making Kansas the first state to end its funding for arts programs. Brownback had wanted to turn the commission's functions over to a private nonprofit group, with a state subsidy, but lawmakers rejected the idea.

Brownback's veto cost the state $1.3 million from the National Endowment for the Arts and a regional arts alliance.