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Lawmakers say state money being spent on art could serve a better purpose. A bill to cut funding for art in city, county and state buildings passed a Senate committee today. As Whitney Ray tells us, the idea may be more about priorities than it is about saving money.

Sculptor Michael Jernigan chooses to craft his latest work inside the Capitol. This sculpture “Officer Down” will be featured out front in the Courtyard. Jernigan says Public buildings need art.

“If you take that away then you just lose part of your soul,” said Jernigan.

Half a percent point of the total budget for state buildings is set aside for paintings, sculptures and fountains. Senator Ronda Storms says given the current budget deficit art should be on the chopping block.

“Talk to people who are not getting raises, and who are having to face cut backs, and it’s in appropriate for us to be spending money on art when some people are taking out their stuff in boxes,” said Storms

The money is used to buy from Florida artist only. Fred Doyle joined his Daughter Ellen on a field trip to the Capitol Thursday. The dolphins outside the Capitol caught Ellen’s eye.

“I really like marine life,” said Ellen.

Fred said art enhances the experience.

“I think it’s important that the state funds that kind of art investment. We enjoy it,” said Fred.

Regardless of the opposition to cut art funding, Storms says at the very least the idea raises some questions about the state’s financial priorities. Last year about 700,000 dollars was spent to buy art for public buildings.