What’s the Matter with Kansas…This Time?

As the budget battle heats up, several states, including Michigan and Texas, are looking to zero out arts funding. Last week Kansas got there first. Governor Sam Brownback abolished the Kansas Arts Commission, which has a budget of $600,000 and receives matching funds from the NEA. Kurt called up State Senator Roger Reitz – a Republican – who wants to save the Commission. The Governor’s action, Reitz believes, is not a money-saver; he thinks it will actually hurt the state’s economy.