Lawmakers say they've been deluged with calls and emails asking them not to cut out state funding for Idaho Public Television. "There's a lot of support out there, but we have to weigh it against the other needs and wants of the state," said Sen. Bert Brackett, R-Rogerson. Said Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Sagle, "Nobody wants us to eliminate funding for public television." Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, said her constituents have been asking her "not to cut it - to find someplace else to cut." Said Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Post Falls, "The only emails I'm getting from my constituents are in support of public TV."

Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, said, "I think we've all gotten hundreds of messages to support public TV." Said Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, said, "It's pretty hard to go home and tell someone that your grandbaby isn't going to be able to watch Sesame Street any more - maybe if you move to Boise. I don't think the committee will have the stomach to do that."

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