(AP) — A state agency is spending $15,000 for a PGA Tour event despite concerns about allocating scarce state resources for a sporting event.

The  Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism has joined with other sponsors to build a financial foundation to keep the Air Capital Classic in Wichita for the next three years.

Sen. Laura Kelly, a Topeka Democrat and ranking minority member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, says it’s “shameless” that the state is subsidizing a golf event when it’s cutting food subsidies for low-income children.

Secretary Robin Jennison defends the decision, saying the golf event puts Kansas “in a very good light,” and he says he’ll also consider proposals to keep a 2014 amateur golf tournament in Newton.