Hutchinson Continues Transition Effort On Northeast Arkansas Visit

With a little less than six weeks before he is sworn in as the state’s new chief executive, Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson said Thursday night that everything is on track, according to his plans.

Hutchinson said he and a group of advisors have been working on filling staff positions, appointing agency heads and getting ready for the legislative session, which starts Jan. 12.

On the agency director issue, there has been some headway this week.

Hutchinson announced Wednesday that longtime DEA official Bill Bryant will serve as the director of the Arkansas State Police, replacing Stan Witt. On Thursday, Hutchinson said Candace Franks will continue to serve as the state’s bank commissioner.

“We have moved through the different agencies, studying everything carefully,” Hutchinson said of the selection process.

Hutchinson said Franks, who has served as bank commissioner under outgoing Gov. Mike Beebe, has received support from across the spectrum as well as groups in the field.

Hutchinson also said the agency heads who have not been retained for the new administration have been “true professionals who definitely have Arkansas’ best interest at heart.”

LEGISLATIVE PLANNING
Hutchinson said he plans to make a $100 million tax cut proposal a key part of his legislative agenda.

“It will lead our agenda,” Hutchinson said.

On Wednesday, Hutchinson spoke to the Arkansas Farm Bureau about the proposal. The proposal was a key part of Hutchinson’s campaign against Democratic nominee Mike Ross.

In the campaign, Hutchinson said the tax cut would spur economic growth and make the state more competitive in attracting business, considering two nearby states – Texas and Tennessee – do not have an income tax.

Democrats, including Ross, condemned the plan saying the state faces too many budget concerns to consider cutting taxes.

On Thursday night, Hutchinson reiterated his support for the plan saying it was part of an overall approach.

“Career education, computer science and tax cuts. It will help us be competitive. We want to get the legislature on board and make Arkansas more business friendly,” Hutchinson said.

VETERAN’S EVENT
Hutchinson was in Jonesboro to attend a veteran’s event sponsored by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation.

The group donated $10,000 each to the Craighead County Veterans Monument fund and the Arkansas Military Family Relative Trust Fund.

Joe Faust, a spokesman for BNSF, said 321 veterans, their families and dignitaries rode the BNSF Holiday Express on a two-hour trip around Northeast Arkansas Thursday.

The trip gave the families an opportunity to spend time with their loved ones while also getting a chance to ride a train at Christmastime, Faust said.

Hutchinson said the trip to Jonesboro was worth it.

“It is great to be back in Northeast Arkansas. It is an honor to honor those families tonight,” Hutchinson said.