State-supported funding for the arts is under attack in several states, including Texas, Michigan and... here in Kansas. Republican Governor Sam Brownback has already signed an executive order to abolish the Kansas Arts Commission and replace that state agency with a private, non-profit arts foundation. Lawmakers could intervene -- and members of the Kansas Senate may just do that. Public radio's Kurt Anderson, of "Studio 360" -- a program produced by WNYC radio -- recently interviewed one state Senator who's hoping to save the Arts Commission. Republican Roger Reitz, of Manhattan, says eliminating the Arts Commission is bad for Kansas culture and bad for the state's economy.
That's Republican state Senator Roger Reitz, of Manhattan. He was speaking with Kurt Andersen of "Studio 360" -- a public radio program from PRI and WNYC Radio. You can join the conversation at the website: www.Studio360.org