By Stephen Koranda, Kansas Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-950917.mp3
TOPEKA, Ks. – Governor Sam Brownback today (MON) signed an executive order to abolish the Kansas Arts Commission and replace it with a non-profit organization, the Kansas Arts Foundation.
Brownback says making the arts the responsibility of private donors will save the state around 600 thousand dollars next fiscal year. He believes the arts in Kansas will continue to grow under the new organization.
The governor cited growing interest in the arts around the state and commented that he thinks the non-profit model is one that will be more successful and sustainable.
Opponents of the move say the state will lose more than one million dollars in federal matching funds if the Arts Commission is abolished because the new Arts Foundation won't be eligible for much of the federal funding now received.
The executive order will take effect July 1st, unless it's rejected by the Legislature.