KPR to broadcast governor's State of the State address

LAWRENCE – A new funding method for public schools is expected to dominate the debate in the Kansas Legislature this year, and Gov. Sam Brownback will outline his budget and policy priorities during his State of the State address.

KPR’s coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, the first week of the 2016 Kansas legislative session. The speech will last approximately 30 minutes and will be followed by the Democratic Party response. 

KPR News Director J. Schafer will anchor the radio broadcast, with analysis by KPR Statehouse reporter Stephen Koranda. 

“Kansas faces some significant challenges in 2016, with falling revenues and social-service funding stretched thin. This will be Governor Brownback’s opportunity to lay out his vision for how he plans to deal with these challenges,” Schafer said. 
 
Kansas Action for Children in Topeka is the exclusive underwriting sponsor for KPR's broadcast.

KPR’s coverage of the speech is offered to other public radio stations in Kansas for free. Listeners outside of the KPR broadcast area should check with their local station about coverage plans. 

Later that evening, KPR will broadcast President Obama’s State of the Union address, followed by the GOP response. 

KPR, a 15-time winner of the KAB’s Station of the Year, licensed to KU, broadcasts on 91.5 FM in Lawrence, 89.7 FM in Emporia, 91.3 FM in Olsburg-Junction City, 89.9 FM in Atchison, 90.3 FM in Chanute, and 99.5 FM and 97.9 FM in Manhattan. KPR can be heard online. KPR also operates KPR2, a news-talk programming stream, which can be heard on an HD receiver or on KPR’s website.

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