Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Kansas House has sent Gov. Sam Brownback a measure establishing a new arts group that merges separate arts and film services.

The new Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission approved Tuesday was sent to the Republican governor, who proposed the idea in January. Senators have already approved the changes in March. The final version was drafted by House and Senate negotiators.

The new commission would have 11 members and be part of the state Department of Commerce.

Brownback sought last year to abolish the Arts Commission. He vetoed its entire budget, costing the state $1.2 million in outside arts funds. Restoring some of the state funding for the arts is contained in another bill yet to be debated.