The first week of the
General Assembly is in the books and while little actual legislation was
discussed a number of interesting bills were filed that could likely figure in
debate later in the session. Those bills are listed below and include a number
of potential state constitutional amendments, possible spending caps and a bill
that would prohibit single-use plastic bags.
General Assembly is in the books and while little actual legislation was
discussed a number of interesting bills were filed that could likely figure in
debate later in the session. Those bills are listed below and include a number
of potential state constitutional amendments, possible spending caps and a bill
that would prohibit single-use plastic bags.
The first week saw Governor
Beebe offer his final State of the State address to a regular session of the
General Assembly. After nearly three decades as either a state legislator,
attorney general or governor, Mike Beebe will end his time in state government
next year.
Beebe offer his final State of the State address to a regular session of the
General Assembly. After nearly three decades as either a state legislator,
attorney general or governor, Mike Beebe will end his time in state government
next year.
The Governor’s address
outlined his priorities for the 89th General Assembly, which included acceptance
of federal funding to expand Medicaid coverage to around 250,000 Arkansans,
minimizing cuts to the current Medicaid system by dedicating surplus
funds, reducing the sales tax on groceries and funding education
programs.
outlined his priorities for the 89th General Assembly, which included acceptance
of federal funding to expand Medicaid coverage to around 250,000 Arkansans,
minimizing cuts to the current Medicaid system by dedicating surplus
funds, reducing the sales tax on groceries and funding education
programs.
Governor Beebe also hinted
at the possibility the state could land a billion dollar superproject in 2013.
If it occurs, it would be the largest economic development project, by far, in
the state’s history. Undoubtedly, to seal the deal for such a major project it
would require incentives that will necessitate approval by the legislature. The
session could last into early April and the bill filing deadline is early March
so surely the project would be announced by then in order for a bill to be filed
and considered by the General Assembly.
at the possibility the state could land a billion dollar superproject in 2013.
If it occurs, it would be the largest economic development project, by far, in
the state’s history. Undoubtedly, to seal the deal for such a major project it
would require incentives that will necessitate approval by the legislature. The
session could last into early April and the bill filing deadline is early March
so surely the project would be announced by then in order for a bill to be filed
and considered by the General Assembly.
Also in big news this week,
Speaker of the House Davy Carter (R, Cabot) announced committee leadership
positions. Two major leadership positions went to Northwest Arkansas
Republicans. Speaker Carter appointed Duncan Baird (R, Lowell) to chair the
powerful Joint Budget Committee. Representative Baird is a third termer with a
background in accounting and banking. The Chamber ran a profile of
Representative Baird in 2011, which you can view HERE.
Speaker of the House Davy Carter (R, Cabot) announced committee leadership
positions. Two major leadership positions went to Northwest Arkansas
Republicans. Speaker Carter appointed Duncan Baird (R, Lowell) to chair the
powerful Joint Budget Committee. Representative Baird is a third termer with a
background in accounting and banking. The Chamber ran a profile of
Representative Baird in 2011, which you can view HERE.
The second key appointment
was Fayetteville/Washington County Representative Charlie Collins who will lead
the House Revenue and Tax Committee. Representative Collins’ campaign focused
on tax policy so this appointment fits well with his interests and background.
Collins is in his second term and when he is not working as a state legislator
he is partners in an executive search firm.
was Fayetteville/Washington County Representative Charlie Collins who will lead
the House Revenue and Tax Committee. Representative Collins’ campaign focused
on tax policy so this appointment fits well with his interests and background.
Collins is in his second term and when he is not working as a state legislator
he is partners in an executive search firm.
Other Northwest Arkansans
appointed to committee leadership positions
are Jonathan Barnett (R,
Siloam Springs) who will chair Public Transportation again in the 89th General
Assembly and Mary Lou Slinkard (R, Gravette) who will chair House
Technology.
appointed to committee leadership positions
are Jonathan Barnett (R,
Siloam Springs) who will chair Public Transportation again in the 89th General
Assembly and Mary Lou Slinkard (R, Gravette) who will chair House
Technology.
Overall, Speaker Carter took
a bipartisan approach and choose 7 Republicans and 4 Democrats as committee
chairs. Eight Democrats were appointed as vice chair along with three
Republicans.
a bipartisan approach and choose 7 Republicans and 4 Democrats as committee
chairs. Eight Democrats were appointed as vice chair along with three
Republicans.
termers.
Like every legislative
session, it is going to be an interesting one so please visit www.rogerslowellvotes.com to
find information on important issues and stay informed in
2013!
session, it is going to be an interesting one so please visit www.rogerslowellvotes.com to
find information on important issues and stay informed in
2013!