Topeka ? The Kansas Arts Commission is preparing for its first meeting since Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed its budget and made Kansas the first state to eliminate its arts funding.

Chairwoman Linda Browning Weis, a Brownback appointee, has scheduled a telephone conference call for Monday afternoon.

Weis also is president of a private, nonprofit foundation that formed in February, anticipating the elimination of the Arts Commission.

Brownback wanted the foundation to take over financing arts programs, relying heavily on private dollars. Legislators rejected his plan and set aside $689,000 for the commission.

The governor vetoed the money and a line in the state budget authorizing staff for the commission.

But his actions didn’t repeal the law creating the commission, and it’s required to meet at least once every three months.