A Senate subcommittee is proposing more money for public broadcasting than Governor Sam Brownback is requesting. The governor recommends $600,000 for the coming fiscal year for public television and radio stations. That would be down from around $1.5 million the state currently spends. The increases pushed by the subcommittee are targeted at goals such as improving literacy and educational development. Senator Ruth Teichman (TYKE-man), a Republican from Stafford, says some rural areas have a need for educational broadcasting that isn’t filled by other sources.
The subcommittee proposal would bring spending close to the current level. The Senate Ways and Means Committee could vote on the recommendation later today (WED). A House committee previously voted not to increase funding beyond the governor’s recommendation.