Topeka ? A House panel has recommended funding the Kansas Arts Commission despite an effort by Gov. Sam Brownback to kill the state agency.

The House Education Budget Committee on Monday recommended that the commission be funded at $798,000 for the next fiscal year. As a cost-cutting move, Brownback, a Republican, has issued an executive reorganization order to eliminate the commission, and has appointed a nonprofit foundation to raise funds for the arts.

But supporters of the commission say its elimination would mean the loss of $1.2 million in matching grants. The committee recommendation, approved by Republicans and Democrats, will now go to the full House Appropriations Committee.

Brownback’s order will take effect July 1 unless the Legislature rejects it.