March 16, 2011

The future of the Kansas Arts Commission is before the state Senate.

The chamber scheduled debate Wednesday on Gov. Sam Brownback's plan to convert the commission from a government agency to a private nonprofit group. The conversion would save the state about $575,000 annually.

Brownback made the change with an order that takes effect July 1 unless the Senate rejects it.

The state would still provide $200,000 to the new nonprofit through the State Historical Society.

Arts advocates strongly oppose the plan, arguing it will lead to the loss of $778,000 in federal arts funds.

Brownback's administration says the new nonprofit group won't lose the federal funds and will be able to make up the decline in state aid through private fundraising.