Efforts to Preserve Kansas Arts Commission Led by Republican Lawmaker

A behind-the-scenes effort to retain the Kansas Arts Commission is being led by a Republican lawmaker at the Statehouse.

By KPR/KIN

Topeka, KS – A behind-the-scenes effort to retain the Kansas Arts Commission is being led by a Republican lawmaker at the Statehouse. State Senator Roger Reitz of Manhattan says Governor Sam Brownback's decision to privatize the Arts Commission is bad for the state and he says there is enough support to override the move.

According to Reitz, "We need 21 votes. There's 40 people in the Senate. I have 21 people who have told me they would vote for it."

Reitz adds, "But there are going to be some things coming back and forth I'm sure from the Governor's office, trying to peel off some of those votes. I just hope that those are going to be 1-1 votes, that they'll look me in the eye and say that they'll continue with it."

Governor Brownback is moving to eliminate the Kansas Arts Commission as part of a series of budget cuts. He says creating a privately-run foundation will mean that the arts will continue to have financial support in the state, and that allowing donors to contribute could mean more money for arts programs in the long run.