Kansas’s Sunflower Summer program is returning despite concerns about cuts during the budgeting process.
The Kansas Department of Commerce announced that the program, which covers costs for eligible students and a parent or guardian to visit museums, historic sites, zoos and arts venues, will take applications for the program through the end of the month.
“The Sunflower Summer initiative is a great opportunity for our young and growing Kansans to explore all the things that make our state great,” Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “While encouraging exploration, the program also drives tourism, ushering in new dollars and new memories for families and communities alike.”
The future’s program was on shaky ground in February, when the House Appropriations Committee proposed cutting funding for the program by $2.5 million, leaving the program with just $1 million in funding. The final budget still cut the program by $500,000.
The reduced funding is impacting the program, which will now operate for fewer days than it has in the past.
“This program relies on funding from the Kansas State Legislature to operate. The amount approved for this summer’s program only allows for a shortened timeline. Please note that we may have to adjust the length of the program based on the amount of use,” Sunflower Summer’s website says.
A budget proviso also limits how many adults can get a ticket under the program, allowing just one adult per transaction. The state is also limiting reimbursements to “venues in counties with a population of 15,000 or more that do not charge an admission fee.”
Participating attractions will be announced in June, and Sunflower Summer said not all attractions from last year will return while some new attractions will be added.
When funding was at stake, advocates said more than 150,000 families signed up for Sunflower Summer and that it benefited the economy across Kansas. A petition to save the program collected over 30,000 signatures.
“For every $1 the state invests, Sunflower Summer generates an estimated $5, supporting jobs, small businesses, and sales tax revenues across the entire state,” the petition says.
Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, said in a Facebook post that he and Sen. Kenny Titus, R-Manhattan, proposed totally restoring funding for the program.
