Four NEA Legislators Signal Early Support For Economic Superproject

The 2015 session of the Arkansas General Assembly was productive, with lawmakers making progress on a host of issues, three members of the state House and a state Senator said Tuesday.

The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a post-session discussion with Reps. Jack Ladyman, R-Jonesboro, Brandt Smith, R-Jonesboro, Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro and Sen. John Cooper, R-Jonesboro at the chamber office on Nettleton Avenue.

Rep. Dwight Tosh, R-Jonesboro did not attend due to a prior engagement, officials said.

The four took questions from moderator Michael Doyle on a series of questions including a decision Monday by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to call for a special session later this month, as well as the Private Option.

The special session, which is scheduled to start May 26, will involve discussion over using Amendment 82 bonds to help with an economic development project in Camden. Lockheed Martin is attempting to secure a contract with the United States Army and the Marine Corps to build a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle at the Camden location.

Ladyman, who has worked on economic development issues in the past, said he wanted to wait on hearing the facts on the project before deciding how to vote on the project.

“I lean (yes) that way, but want to make sure on the facts,” Ladyman said.

Sullivan said he would vote for economic development and doing so in a way to protect taxpayers. Sullivan also thanked Hutchinson, legislative leaders and the federal delegation for their work on the project.

Smith said he was “upbeat, but cautiously optimistic” on the project. He said he would like to hear from constituents on the issue first before making up his mind.

However, Smith said the company – a mainstay in South Arkansas for many years – has a strong presence in the state.

“They have been around a long time and have a good reputation,” Smith said.

Cooper said from what he has seen and heard, it is a “pretty straightforward project.”

“If so, I intend to vote for it,” Cooper said.

PRIVATE OPTION
The four legislators were also asked about their views on the Private Option.

Sullivan, Ladyman, Smith and Tosh each voted no on Senate Bill 96 during an 80-16 vote on Feb. 4, while Cooper voted yes on Senate Bill 96 on a 26-5 vote Feb. 9.

Ladyman said he voted no because he thought registration for the program should have been capped; and that he voted against the idea of an exchange due to state officials seeking to end or modify the program.

Sullivan said he voted against the bill in an attempt to get government intervention out of healthcare, while Smith said his vote was due to the message sent by voters in the 2014 general election in electing overwhelming Republican majorities in the legislature and among constitutional officials.

Cooper said he has supported Medicaid reform in the state, through speeches he has given for at least a year.

“In my judgment, we need Medicaid reform,” Cooper told the group.

Cooper said Senate Bill 96 and another bill on the issue, Senate Bill 144 (sponsored by Sen. Linda Collins-Smith, R-Pocahontas), would have accomplished the issue.

However, Cooper said he thought Senate Bill 144 had a major problem – the timing on ending the program.

“Senate Bill 96 was far superior, was well thought out …. Senate Bill 144, it would have been administrative chaos,” Cooper said. “I voted against it due to the quality of the legislation.”

OTHER ISSUES
All four lawmakers said the session provided an opportunity to learn and work through complex issues.

Smith told the group that he enjoyed working on the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs committee due to its emphasis on children and family issues.

Also, Smith said he had an opportunity to work with the Arkansas Run for the Fallen this year. The run, which ended at the Capitol March 22, honors the men and women from Arkansas killed in battle during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Ladyman said while a bill dealing with fluoride in water drew some controversy, he wanted decisions about water systems to be made at the local level.

Cooper said he was proud of a bill he sponsored, Senate Bill 4, which would help terminally ill patients to be able to try experimental drugs as part of their treatment.

Sullivan said he was proud of a tele-health bill he supported, but did not become law.

Sullivan said the plan would help people in rural communities get healthcare by using telemedicine. Under the plan, a senior citizen with minor health problems would be able to go to a senior center, use the technology and talk to a doctor, Sullivan said.

POLITICAL ANIMALS
The Political Animals club will also host a political forum event Friday, May 29 in Jonesboro featuring House Speaker Jeremy Gillam, R-Judsonia, Senate President Pro Tempore Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe and Talk Business and Politics Editor in Chief Roby Brock.

Contact the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce to reserve space.