News

On April 14th our state celebrated the 150th anniversary of the day Arkansas voted to ratify the 13th amendment to the Constitution to abolish slavery. On that day in 1865, the Arkansas General Assembly convened for a special session in the Old State House The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission asked churches, public buildings, educational […]

As the economy and technology rapidly evolve, many workers find the need to learn new skills.   Industries and businesses that are looking to call Arkansas home want assurances that well trained and highly skilled employees are available.  This is why Arkansans witnessed a bi-partisan effort in the 90th General Assembly to address workforce training. […]

Joint Budget – 9 am – MAC A  Public Health – 10 am – Rm 130  Education – 10 am – Rm 138  Judiciary – 10 am – Rm 149  Revenue & Tax – 10 am – Rm 151  Transportation – 10 am – MAC B 

In accordance with the provisions for Act 46, Regular Session, 2015, Section 2, the listed members are hereby appointed to the Arkansas Health Reform Legislative Task Force: Kim Hammer Michell Gray Deborah Ferguson Charlie Collins David Meeks Reginald Murdock Joe Farrer Justin Boyd See full memorandum: Health Care Reform Task Force Appointments

On February 6, Governor Hutchinson signed a bill to lower income tax in our state by 1%.  This will amount to a savings of around $300 a year for a family making $50,000.  It directly affects 600,000 taxpayers making between $21,000 and $75,000 a year.  The other big development last week came when the House […]

Below is a link to the governor’s balanced budget proposal. Executive Recommendations for the 2015-2017 biennium

Governor Hutchinson announced his goal for healthcare this session will be to broaden the debate. In a speech delivered at UAMS, Governor Hutchinson asked the legislature to fund the Private Option through the end of 2016.  He will also be creating a health reform task force to make recommendations for the future of health care […]

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee was briefed on the status of the General Revenue Budget Tuesday morning. Members were told the state is $84 million ahead of where we were this time last year. $5.7 billion is expected to be available for the next General Revenue Budget. Members were also given a presentation on […]

House Members of the 90th General Assembly will be sworn into office at noon on Monday, Jan 12.  The agenda can be found here. Below are links to helpful documents: Standing Committees for the 90th General Assembly Select Committees Arkansas Legislative Council, Joint Budget, and Joint Audit Committees for the 90th Seating Chart for the […]

I started my term as Speaker with a commitment to the people of Arkansas that we would take care of the business at hand and not turn into Washington D.C.  I had to make difficult decisions at times that weren’t always popular, but I leave here with the comfort in knowing that we honored that […]

Standing Committees for 90th General Assembly Legislative Council, Joint Audit, and Joint Budget Committees Seniority List Members-elect of the 90th General Assembly Seating Chart

Issue #1 Issue number 1 makes changes in the relationship between the legislature and state agencies. Currently, when a state agency changes a rule or regulation they go before the Arkansas Legislative Council during the interim. ALC only reviews the rules made by state agencies.  Their approval is not necessary for an agency to proceed […]