Kansas lawmakers have approved legislation that would create a new state arts organization, the Kansas Creative Arts Industries commission. The bill would also create an arts check-off box on tax forms that would allow residents to donate to the arts when filing their Kansas income taxes.
The Kansas Arts Commission and Film Commission would be rolled into the new organization. Representative Lana Gordon, a Topeka Republican, said boosting the arts in Kansas can help attract people and business to the state.
"If you don't have some of the quality of life issues supported there, then people don't have as much reason for coming," Gordon said. "I look at this as a great way to invest in our state."
The bill will now go to Gov. Sam Brownback, who vetoed funding for the arts last session. This year, Brownback proposed $200,000 in funding for the new commission, but lawmakers may choose to increase that amount.
