Opinion

The 93rd General Assembly wrapped up its fiscal session this week, and today I’d like to commend legislators for their support of law enforcement in Arkansas. The 93rd General Assembly was one of the most law enforcement friendly sessions ever.

Little Rock– Certified law enforcement officers will get a $5,000 salary stipend this year, thanks to a Senate bill approved by the Arkansas legislature. To qualify for the stipend, officers must have completed a basic training program approved by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

The Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) is typically one of the last items passed every session. It categorizes and prioritizes state spending.

There is a major disconnect between the struggles Americans experience every day and the image President Biden and his team are trying to project. This is most apparent in rural America. In his State of the Union address, the president only mentioned the word “rural” once, and the administration has failed to prioritize the needs of our farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.

In the week since Russia invaded Ukraine, Arkansas has joined most of the world in condemning the unprovoked assault. Today I’d like to share the story of a woman from Ukraine who is watching the war from Arkansas and praying for her relatives and friends who are sheltering in basements in her homeland. Kateryna Pitchford’s story highlights the reality of the war for the rest of us.

Little Rock– The legislature approved a package of bills that allow greater oversight of two major health insurance plans that cover public school teachers and state employees. The new laws require the systems to maintain financial reserves, and to take steps to build up their reserves if they fall below a certain point.

The House will begin the 3rd week of the 2022 Fiscal Session on Monday. The second week was an abbreviated one due to the federal holiday and winter weather across the state.

Arkansans are being stretched thin. We’re experiencing record high inflation that’s forcing us to alter our budgets and plans. More and more Natural State residents are reaching out to express their frustration over the pocketbook difficulties they’re facing. I’ve met with hardworking Arkansans, agricultural producers, small business owners, health care advocates and many others, all with similar concerns focusing on managing money in an uncertain economic climate caused by rising costs for everyday goods, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages.

Little Rock- Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced today the final approval of the $26 billion opioid agreement with the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors – Cardinal, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen – as well as Johnson & Johnson. Upon finalization of the agreement, the companies will begin releasing funds to a national administrator on April 2, 2022. Those funds will then be allocated to state and local governments during the second quarter of 2022.

Ever since I took office in 2015, my goal has been to make Arkansas first. From the very first coding tour, I have pushed Arkansas to lead the nation on computer science.