Kansas Arts Funding Plan Advancing in Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Supporters of the arts in Kansas say a proposal to raise additional revenue for the art programs will help... but won't replace state funding.  Last week, the Kansas House approved a plan to allow taxpayers to dedicate a portion of their annual returns as a donation for arts programs.  The check-off is intended to raise money to offset Governor Sam Brownback's decision last year to delete $689,000 in funding for the Kansas Arts Commission.  Four current check-offs use tax dollars to support programs related to breast cancer, military relief, Meals on Wheels and non-game wildlife. Combined, those four raised $415,511 last year.  Brownback has proposed spending $200,000 for arts programs in 2013, merging the arts and film commissions in one department.