“Legislation providing millions in state funds to help pay for the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s long-sought downtown arts campus is sitting on Gov. Eric Greitens’ desk,” writes Jason Hancock in Friday’s (6/16) Kansas City Star (MO). “If he signs it, the state would be authorized to issue up to $48 million in bonds as the state’s share of UMKC’s $96 million effort to build its arts campus. If he vetoes it … the project could be put in jeopardy. … Proponents said it stands a chance of creating ‘the Juilliard of the West’ because it will have a symbiotic relationship with the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, just as Juilliard has a close relationship with Lincoln Center in New York City…. Both the Missouri House and Senate approved the legislation with majorities large enough to override a veto. But if the governor did oppose the bill, he could likely peel off enough support to sustain a veto…. ‘The fact that Kansas City was able to come together as a community and raise $48 million tells you how important it is,’ [Kansas City Councilwoman Jolie] Silvey said.”
Posted June 20, 2017
