Kansas lawmakers have approved legislation that would create a new state arts organization. The bill would also create an arts check-off box on tax forms. The check-off would allow residents to donate to the arts when filing their Kansas income taxes. The measure would create the Kansas Creative Arts Industries commission. The Kansas Arts Commission and Film Commission would be rolled into the new organization. Representative Lana (LANN-uh) Gordon, a Topeka Republican, said boosting the arts in Kansas can help attract people and business to the state.
The bill will now go to Governor 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.