Idaho arts commission seeks increase in operating budget

The Idaho Commission on the Arts is requesting a budget committee accept Gov. Brad Little's request that will result in an operating budget of just more than $2 million for fiscal year 2020.

Commission Director Michael Faison on Monday told the Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee that the commission helps support such events as the National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest & Festival held each summer in Weiser.

The commission also has a variety of other programs that help Idaho artists as well as training artists.

Most of the commission's operating expenses, more than $1 million, come from the federal government.

Little is recommending the commission receive $856,900 from the state's general fund. That's about $16,000 more than the previous fiscal year.

Lawmakers will decide on the budget for Faison's agency in the coming weeks.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)