Economic ‘fallout,’ school funding top session issues for Gov. Mike Beebe

Gov. Mike Beebe said “fallout from the national economic downturn” will be the biggest challenge during the 87th Arkansas General Assembly.

Beebe, who addressed House and Senate members in a joint address opening the session, said K-12 school funding is his top priority, with his legislative package including an additional $234 in per student spending.

Further reduction in the state’s tax on groceries also is on Beebe’s legislative agenda.

“I know this is going to be tough for some of you, but we can do this, we can afford to do this,” Beebe said

He also called for more and better workforce training systems, and asked  legislators to replenish a $50 million quick action closing fund used to recruit new jobs to the state — with the big fish being the Hewlett-Packard operation in Conway that should generate more than 1,200 good-paying jobs.

Link here for more on Beebe’s speech and other actions in the legislative session.