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Homepage > News Releases > Legislators Wrap Up Fiscal Session

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (February 25, 2010) - After 18 days, the state's first-ever fiscal session has come to a close. The House recessed Thursday morning, wrapping up five days ahead of schedule. The House and Senate passed a sine die resolution, which sets final adjournment for March 4. This gives the legislature a few days to come back in case any unexpected business should arise. Speaker of the House Robbie Wills said he could not be more pleased with the outcome of the state's first fiscal session. "We were able to accomplish a great deal in a short time frame by working with each other and with the governor's office. Members showed great statesmanship in their willingness to compromise, for the purpose of making sure our state is on the soundest ground possible heading into the next fiscal year," said Wills. In all, 305 bills were filed in the House and Senate, and 299 of those passed, for a 98% passage rate, one of the highest in state history. During the 2009 Regular Session, the passage rate was about 65%. The legislature set a strong precedent in its first fiscal session of being not only efficient, but effective. Members had monumental tasks to tackle, from setting the state's nearly $4.5 billion budget during uncertain economic times, to establishing lottery scholarship awards and standards, so the money quickly gets to Arkansas students. The Joint Budget Committee reviewed and the House passed hundreds of appropriation bills, which set fiscal 2001 budgets for various state agencies that deliver programs and services to the citizens of Arkansas. This was of course a primary purpose of the session. Members also passed legislation amending the Revenue Stabilization Act. This will ensure the state does not spend any money it does not have. Arkansas has a projected $4.48 billion balanced general revenue budget for fiscal 2011. That is slight growth from the 2010 budget, but will only restore the state to funding levels of a couple years ago. Finally, the Jodie Mahony Scholarship Act will help make college a reality for thousands of Arkansas students. It sets the amount of scholarships from Arkansas lottery proceeds at $5,000 for students attending four-year colleges and Universities and $2,500 for students at two-year institutions. Lawmakers were also able to extend awards to qualifying students already enrolled in college, and to some non-traditional students. - 30 -