Regional legislators comment on fiscal session

Arkansas’ first-ever fiscal session kicked off Monday (Feb. 8) with Gov. Mike Beebe proposing a “conservative” $4.5 billion budget that restored the nearly $200 million in budget cuts that have taken place in the current fiscal year due to troubling economic conditions.

The City Wire asked members of the Arkansas General Assembly who represent all or portions of the Fort Smith metro area to briefly note their thoughts on the session’s start and possible directions. Following are the comments from those who responded.

• Sen. Denny Altes, R-Fort Smith
"We did most of the work last year so all we need to do is some fine tuning or tweaking and we will be good. It is fortunate we did have this session because we are about $250-$300 million below where we were last year as far as revenue. We are now able to adjust our forecast and budget accordingly and go forward hoping for the better."

• Rep. Rick Green, R-Van Buren
"The opening day was pretty scripted with the Speaker and the Governor setting the tone for a swift, limited fiscal session. Both referred to the need to "tighten our belts" as a way of approving the state budget facing declining revenues. The Governor specifically pointed out that 47 other states were in worse fiscal shape than Arkansas.

"The governor pointed to 27,000 lost jobs but at the same time the addition of 23,000 new jobs here in our State.

"Joint Budget (committee) met and considered one bill and that was the salaries of constitutional officers and legislators. The bill called for no wage or cost of living increases for the upcoming fiscal year.

"Most attention is focused now on the legislation that will determine the lottery scholarships to be awarded this fall. The consensus seems to be to award $5,000 scholarships to students either already attending or who will be attending four year education institutions in Arkansas. For two-year institutions the amount will be 2500.00 per year. The Governor has finally agreed to follow the legislature’s wishes on these amounts but cautioned that if lottery sales drop off, the Legislature will have to make up the lost revenues to keep it fully funded."

• Rep. Stephanie Malone, R-Fort Smith
"The majority of the work is going to be on joint budget committee. The only two non budget items we will be dealing with this session is the Revenue Stabilization and the scholarship amounts for the lottery. As the governor mentioned yesterday we are hoping to make the fiscal session very short and sweet. The sooner we decide and vote on scholarship amounts the sooner we are able to distribute the money to both traditional and non-traditional students, have them enroll in Arkansas schools."

• Rep. Mark Martin, R-Prairie Grove
"I don’t see anything really exciting on the horizon. Most of the hard work was done in budget hearings in January. There is not much really left to do besides clean up the formalities and make it all official.

"I doubt it will always be that way, but when the economy forces cuts due to our balance budget requirements and no one is proposing tax increases, there is not much to really debate. I don’t really agree with some of the 2011 forecasts, and think the prudent and conservative course would be assume the worst and put ourselves in the position to have surplus revenues rather than to put ourselves in a position to be forced to make additional cuts without the kind of prioritizing that happens among the members of the legislature. However, that will all work out as the ongoing revenue reports come in and is not one of the things that a statesman should get in a tizzy about.

"I know that doesn’t make for exciting news, but I think the real story will be in where we head in the budget hearings next fall. Will we try to maintain a tight state budget and use the growth money for critical infrastructure needs like highways? Are we willing to transfer general revenue to those needs by moving highway-use related sales taxes (i.e., those that come from sales of cars, tires, batteries, etc.) to the AR Highway Dept?

"Funding equity for two-year colleges will be a topic for future discussion. I think a post-conviction conditional bonded-release program for certain non-violent offenders may be considered. There is also probably going to be some discussion about a capital gains cut for NEW investment in Arkansas to stimulate jobs. All fun topics that will not come until preparation for the next general session in 2011. I kind of regret that I, as a term-limited legislator, will not be able to be very involved in these important discussions."

• Rep. Terry Rice, R-Waldron
"Governor Beebe mentioned currently Arkansas is in better shape than 47 other states in this down turned economy and that 95 cents of every Arkansas state tax dollar funds three things, Education, Human Services, and Prisons.

"Just as maintaining businesses in our local communities is crucial to help this economy, I am hopeful wise budgeting during this first fiscal session can help us get thru. Continuing efficiencies in government are critical. I was pleased the House Rules Committee upheld the intent of the House Rule to prohibit campaign contributions to House members during the session regardless of the office they seek.

"The lottery scholarships, soon to be approved, hopefully will be part of a short first fiscal session."

• Rep. John Paul Wells, D-Paris
"I believe it will be a short session. As you know I am in my 3rd term & running for State Senate. I need to be home working, but not at the expense of making mistakes on the budget. I plan to be here as long as it takes to do a good job."