Public radio supporters this week testified against a state House subcommittee recommendation to eliminate state grants for public broadcasting.
Such a move would eliminate federal matching grants and cost local public station KHNS about $100,000 – plus matching money – from its annual $400,000 annual budget. “It would severely impact local services. It would be a drastic reduction we couldn’t make up with local contributions,” said station development director Sara Chapell.
The station was previously anticipating a 27 percent reduction to its state grant, as outlined by Gov. Bill Walker. The station also absorbed a $30,000 cut by the Legislature last year.
Chapell said the station doesn’t yet have scenarios for operating without the grant funding. “It’s so new that public broadcasting funding would be eliminated. It’s so shocking it’s so hard to react to,” Chapell said.
The House Finance Committee can still make changes to the subcommittee recommendation. Testimony will be taken at a teleconference set to run 4:15 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 3. Residents can participate by phoning toll-free 844-586-9085 or 907-586-9085. Testimony can be emailed to [email protected].
The Legislature is expected to wrap up budget work in the next week and dedicate the remainder of its session to discussion of new revenue sources.