Capitol Notebook: Medicaid Task Force Named
by March 2, 2015 9:42 pm 108 views
MEDICAID TASK FORCE NAMED
Twelve Republicans and four Democrats have been named to a legislative task force that will come up with a solution to end the Private Option and reshape health care policy in the state by the end of this year.
House Speaker Jeremy Gillam and Senate President Jonathan Dismang on Monday named their members to the panel that was part of a Governor-supported proposal to mollify Private Option critics and supporters.
The list includes:
In the House, Reps. Charlie Collins, R-Fayetteville; Justin Boyd, R-Fort Smith; Kim Hammer, R-Benton; Joe Farrer, R-Austin; David Meeks, R-Conway; and Reginald Murdock, D-Marianna.
House Majority Leader Ken Bragg, R-Sheridan, designated Rep. Michelle Gray, R-Melbourne, to serve on his behalf. House Minority Leader Eddie Armstrong, D-North Little Rock, designated Rep. Deborah Ferguson, D-West Memphis, to serve on his behalf.
In the State Senate, Sens. Cecile Bledsoe, R-Rogers; Linda Chesterfield, D-Little Rock; Jason Rapert, R-Conway; Terry Rice, R-Waldron; David Sanders, R-Little Rock; and John Cooper, R-Jonesboro, were named.
Senate Majority Leader Jim Hendren, R-Gravette, and Minority Leader Keith Ingram, D-West Memphis, will also serve as members on the panel as part of the legislation that created the task force.
CONCEALED CARRY ON CAMPUS, JUDICIAL SALARIES
In other news, Rep. Charlie Collins’ bill to allow concealed carry weapons on college campuses by permit holders passed the full House by a 66-25 vote. The bill, HB 1077, removes a provision from a 2013 law that allowed universities to opt out.
Also, in news affecting legislative and elected officials’ salaries, an independent citizens commission heard from two Supreme Court justices on Monday who advocated for an increase in salary for their positions.
The salary panel is studying raises for elected officials and is considering a recommendation to move judicial pay on the state’s highest court from $161,601 to $166,500 annually. Justices Karen Baker and Josephine Hart testified in favor of the increase, saying it would attract “the best and the brightest” to serve.
The House and Senate have full calendars for committee business and floor action on Tuesday. A complete rundown can be found here.