Gubernatorial reflection

guest commentary from Gov. Mike Beebe’s weekly column

As I reflect on the events of 2010, I am proud of the achievements our state has accomplished, even in a year when the nation was in the grip of the worst recession since the 30’s. Though Arkansans definitely felt the effects of this recession, we have weathered the downturn better than the majority of our sister states, and our people, as well as our state government, have shown resolve and resilience during difficult times.

Arkansas is poised to recover more quickly than many other states in the country. While 46 other states will struggle with large budget gaps in this fiscal year, Arkansas is one of only four states that will have a stable and balanced budget. And though too many Arkansans still are looking for work, our unemployment rate has remained below the national average.

Recently, the Bureau of Economic Analysis showed that Arkansas’s personal income rose in the third quarter of 2010, ranking our state 10th the in the nation for personal income growth. Our conservative budgeting, strategic and targeted budget cuts and our disciplined use of federal stimulus dollars have enabled Arkansas to move forward despite historically tough economic times.

While other states have been forced to lay off teachers and cut educational programs, Arkansas has continued our commitment to excellence in education. Arkansas has been recognized nationally for the quality and accessibility of our pre-k education programs, sharing top honors with only two other states in this category. At the high-school level, Arkansas students also led the nation this year in improved Advanced Placement test scores in math, science and English.

In 2010, Arkansas simplified and improved the process by which students apply for financial aid. The year 2010 also saw the first distribution of Arkansas Lottery scholarships, which helped more than 20,000 students pay for college. Our improvements at all levels in our educational system this year will have a long-term impact on our future workforce, as well as on our ability to attract new industry to the State.

One of the most significant of Arkansas’s accomplishments this year is our strides in creating jobs for our current and future workforce. Through the efforts of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Governor’s Quick-Action Closing Fund and countless local and regional partnerships around the State, many companies have chosen to build, expand and hire in Arkansas. We have seen the opening of Hewlett-Packard in Conway and Caterpillar in Little Rock. I have helped break ground at the Mitsubishi Wind Turbine plant in Fort Smith and at Southwest Power Pool’s expanded campus in Little Rock. We have heard from established Arkansas brands like Windstream, Georgia Pacific and Ranger Boats their plans to expand their operations in our State.

While this year brought many successes to Arkansas, we were also shown the brute force of nature and the devastation caused by powerful, severe weather. After ice and snow fell in North Arkansas, thousands were without power for days, and some for weeks. Tornadoes and violent storms tore through the State and ravaged communities, including East End and Scotland.

The horrifying flash flood at the Albert Pike Recreation Area in Montgomery County tragically took the lives of twenty people. Even as they break our hearts, events like these bring out the best in Arkansans who respond with compassion and determination to rescue, rebuild and restore the affected areas of our state and the lives of those in need.

I admire the good will and hard work of our people during times of crisis and economic difficulty. The spirit of Arkansans has brought us through these last tough few years, and will continue to move us in the right direction as we enter the New Year. Ginger and I wish all Arkansans, everywhere, a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011.