by - November 16, 2011 2:18 pm
My column for Stephens Media on Friday will take a look at whether Arkansas laws need to be tightened up to require coaches to report suspected child abuse. Currently, the…
by - November 15, 2011 6:24 pm
The list of Arkansas supporters for Rick Perry’s Presidential campaign may be growing shorter.
by - November 10, 2011 5:28 pm
Sometimes you can tell who the Democrats are most afraid of facing in the general election by who they choose to attack during the primary.
by - November 8, 2011 3:57 pm
The Republican Party of Arkansas filed an ethics complaint against State Rep. Barry Hyde, D-North Little Rock.
by - November 8, 2011 7:19 am
It’s election day in Arkansas and in several states around the country.
by - November 7, 2011 6:48 pm
Arkansas House Speaker Robert Moore responded today in a statement to a question raised last Friday from Congressman Rick Crawford regarding potential errors in the new Congressional map.
by - November 3, 2011 7:00 pm
Readers of mine will recall the now infamous Humphrey error that I discovered on the Congressional redistricting map on the morning that the state legislature was about to pass the bill with the error included. The bill, as written, had two voting preciencts in Jefferson County (P851/P862) remaining in the Fourth Congressional district, but isolated them as completely surrounded by the new areas of the First District.
The discovery forced a last minute amendment and an extra day for the session. But it looks like there might be more.
You see, I discovered the error using a free software program downloaded off the Internet called "Dave Redistricting." It’s good, but it does not have the level of detail you get when working with the precinct level data provided by the county clerks’ offices.
Congressman Rick Crawford sent a letter today to the Pro Temp of the Arkansas Senate and the Arkansas Speaker of the House pointing out two other precincts (P751 and P90) within the area of Jefferson County moved to the First District that remain in the Fourth District (apparently inadvertently) and are isolated from the remaining district.
Here is the letter….
I am writing to request legislative review of information that suggests the new Congressional maps enacted by the Arkansas Legislature have created two separate noncontinuous precincts within the 1stCongressional District. Precincts 90 and 751 appear to remain as 4th District precincts surrounded by 1stDistrict precincts. Should your research confirm this, I request you take up this matter at the earliest appropriate time, if lawful, to amend the congressional map to ensure legal sufficiency.
We discovered the possible error as we began listing the new precincts that comprise the new 1st District. The abnormalities were obvious immediately as we reviewed the precinct list provided by the Jefferson County Election Commission. Ironically, precinct 90 is contiguous to the 851/862 block that required legislative correction earlier this year. The enclosure titled ‘Precincts and Polling Locations,’ provided by the Jefferson County Election Commission, indicates precincts 90, 91, 851, and 862 vote at Humphrey High School. Omitting precinct 90 from Section 1(a)(2) of Act 1242 appears to create a 4th District island within the 1st District.
The second island precinct that appears to have been overlooked is 751, which is about seven miles south, driving U.S. 63/79. The list of polling locations provided by the Jefferson County Election Commission indicates precinct 751 votes with 19, which surrounds it, at the Wabbaseka Community Center. Information provided by the Jefferson County clerk’s office depicts 751 generally as the city of Wabbaseka.
I would be grateful if you would please review this information at your earliest convenience to determine if the congressional map is in compliance with federal law and what actions may be in order to comply if Act 1242 does create island precincts.
This one could get interesting. Crawford’s potential opponent – Rep. Clark Hall, D-Marvell, was the architect behind the map as chairman of the House State Agencies Committee. The final map was a compromise after failing to get his first map – the "Fayetteville Finger" – through the Senate. With the session extending into days, the compromise map was rushed, which could explain all the errors.
How to correct it is another question. Can it be resolved in Special Language or will this force a call for a special session to fix it – with a price tag of several thousand dollars? But hey, it’s all "free money" right?
UPDATE – A spokesperson for the House tell me – "Speaker Moore has not yet received the letter, but when he does, he will give it the same thorough consideration he gives all requests from a member of our congressional delegation. If after further review any redistricting errors are found, he, along with Senate leadership will decide how best to move forward."
Here are the maps for the two precincts.
by - November 2, 2011 7:00 pm
It is becoming increasingly obvious to me that Arkansas Democrats have decided it is going to be tough to win on their party’s platform this next year. And with President Obama carrying the banner nationally for them, they are choosing to invest in opposition research on Arkansas Republicans with hopes that they can throw as much mud as possible and hope something sticks.
This past quarter – according to their finance report – they spent almost $60,000 on several "consultants." It is vague from the report exactly what these consultants were paid for, but we do know a little bit about one of them – Reger Research. This is the firm of Alan Reger – one of Washington D.C.’s top opposition researchers.
Here is what Reger had to say in a paper he wrote in 2001 for Campaigns and Elections entitled "Opposition Research: How to Get It Right."
"Opposition research has become an essential part of modern campaigns," wrote Reger. "There are two parts to winning any competitive election. One part is demonstrating that your candidate is competent, capable and has values that match the values of the electorate, and the other is demonstrating that your opponent is incompetent, unethical or does not share and represent the values of the electorate. To do this a campaign must conduct research."
It is apparent to me Arkansas Democrats are looking at polling data and realizing it might be difficult to win with the first part, so they are having to dig up any dirt they can find and sling it around as fast and furiously as they can at Republicans. So how does an oppo researcher go about this? Reger explains.
"Make sure the researcher you hire will focus on the political, as well as on the personal background of the candidate. These are very different skills. One involves analyzing legislation and actions by executive branch officials, while the other involves public records, including the collection and analysis of court, property and business records."
Going after a candidate’s personal life seems to be the course Reger prefers. But connecting the oppo research to the subsequent attacks is tricky as the information is almost always leaked anonymously (See Politico and whoever is leaking oppo on Cain’s past for an example nationally).
One example of its use in Arkansas could be the recent attacks on the daycare business of Rep. Justin Harris, R-West Fork. It is unclear if this is a result of Reger’s research, but it certainly has his signature.
If you haven’t read about it, the liberal Washington-based group, "Americans for Separation of Church and State" sued Harris for asking workers at his daycare to "share the love of Jesus" with the students. The group is about as liberal as any group in the United States with positions such as opposition to "In God We Trust" for our national motto and opposition to laws requiring marriage to be between a man and woman.
Is there a direct connection? Impossible to say as the organization declined to tell the Arkansas News Bureau where they got their information on Harris.
It is fascinating to watch Arkansas Democrats crawl in bed with such an extreme liberal organization and a hard ball oppo Washington researcher. Ironic that it is largely funded by Gov. Beebe’s $881,000 donation to the Democratic Party of Arkansas when Beebe has spoken out so often against "Washington politics."
Of course, Beebe is no stranger to Reger as his campaign paid him over $156,000 for opposition research during his latest campaign, which he used quite effectively against his opponent Jim Keet. Reger is close friends with Beebe’s campaign manager and one of the Arkansas Democrats’ leading consultants, Zac Wright, and even served as a groomsman in Wright’s wedding last year. Wright is currently managing Clark Hall’s campaign for Congress.
Now of course, oppo research is nothing new and both sides have been engaging in the practice for years. But a state party in Arkansas putting significant resources into opposition research in state legislative races to this level and this early is something new.
This is likely due to several factors. First, the fight for a majority in both statehouse chambers is going to be close with the Republicans having the most legitimate shot they have ever had at taking one or both chambers. And with no statewide race other than Congressional races, they can focus heavily on the state legislature. Secondly, the Democratic Party of Arkansas with $1.5 million in the bank has the money to spend. If Republicans had a similar war chest, it is likely they would be investing in some oppo research as well.
One thing is clear. It is going to be a long, dirty 2012 election cycle.
by - November 1, 2011 7:00 pm
Andrew Breitbart was in North Little Rock Wednesday speaking to an American for Prosperity luncheon as part of their conservative speakers’ series. While there, he offered some advice to Herman Cain on handling the sexual harassment story.
"I think he needs to get out ahead of this thing as we learned for the Anthony Weiner stories, especially in the age of the Internet where the mainstream media can’t 100 percent control the narrative," said Breitbart. "A person in this environment has to come forward and put all of his or her cards out on the table, and the more you try to make a scandal or non-scandal go away, the more people pry and eventually it all comes out."
Breitbart knows a lot about this sort of thing. He was the first to break the story on Congressman Anthony Weiner’s inappropriate tweets just days after Breitbart spoke in Little Rock last May. He commented to me today that perhaps Arkansas is good luck for him and another big story might be breaking soon.
Although he admitted this is a legitimate story, Breitbart did not think the coverage has been entirely fair.
"This is a classic case of the mainstream media doing unto a Republican that which they would not do unto a President Obama or to a Bill Clinton back when he was running. The accusation that emerged against Bill Clinton from Matt Drudge and other sources, other reports were far graver than what we now know."
Breitbart seemed to think there were more allegations that would be coming out on Cain, referencing an former pollster for the National Restaurant Association who stated this morning on a radio station that everybody knew about Cain’s harassment at the NRA. (UPDATE – Breitbart was right. Here is a story from Jonathan Martin at Politico on Chris Wilson claims with the important note that he is a Perry pollster and supporter.)
"There are many, many, many angles swirling around this story including the defensive angle of this story, which is why Politico was willing to go forward with a four-person byline piece that was so limited in terms of specifics. So there is a media angle, there’s a campaign angle, there’s an inter-campaign angle – it’s a story and Herman Cain needs to come forward and put his cards on the table."
David Kinkade – Arkansas’ favorite photoshopping conservative blogger – has more on Breitbart’s appearence including his comments on Occupy Wall Street.
by - October 31, 2011 7:00 pm
My Stephens Media column this past weekend focused on the new-found popularity of tax reform proposals. It is actually common in election years, but this time around Herman Cain and Rick Perry are betting their campaigns on them. Both are bold proposals to simplify a very complicated tax code; however, neither are as simple as they appear. I explain in great detail in my column and conclude….
This is not a strike against either plan. Both proposals are bold in their scope and are moving the ball forward on bringing much-needed tax reforms. Both are better than the broken framework in which we now operate.
But for these plans to become law, the president would have to get them through Congress, where bold ideas often get picked apart by 535 representatives and senators, all with their own set of ideas and agendas.
However, it is nice to hear bold ideas.
The problem right now for both men is that nobody is talking about their tax reform ideas anymore as both have been thrown off message. Cain is having to explain a story from Politico that uncovers a sexual harassment charge from the 1990’s. Perry is drawing unwanted attention to a speech he gave in New Hampshire where he certainly appears to be intoxicated (but organizers deny that he was.)
Meanwhile, Mitt Romney — who let’s face it is most Republicans back up date for the prom — is looking better everyday. Well, maybe not better, but perhaps someone we can settle for. Saturday Night Live pretty much had it right.
While speaking of columns, I invite you to check out the column from the newest Stephens Media columnist Roy Ockert editor of the Jonesboro Sun. Ockert first column looks at a subject I have written quite a bit about – legislator’s salaries.
by - October 31, 2011 7:00 pm
The only open Congressional district this next election cycle – AR4 – could see a plethora of candidates as two more names emerge that could join the four that have already announced. One name is a newcomer to politics, while the other is a somewhat familiar face.
Several of my readers told me over the last few days that they noticed signs popping up around the district for "John Cowart for Congress." So who is John Cowart?
According to his brother who is serving as his campaign manager for the time being, John Cowart is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines currently fighting in Afghanistan who is looking to run for Congress as a Republican when he gets home in February.
"He is definitely running," said Jimmy Cowart, who is a member of the Quorum Court in Miller County. They have formed an exploratory committee and have started raising money although he was not sure of the total they had raised so far. They went ahead and began putting up signs as a way to get his name out. They are also working on getting their website up – Cowart4Congress.com.
Cowart has been in the Marines for the past 20 years since the first Gulf War and is also a policeman in Texarkana. This will be his first run for office.
Another familar name that is thinking about running is former state Rep. Bobby Tullis from Mineral Springs. Tullis was a Democrat when he was a state legislator and ran as a Democrat in 1994 for state auditor losing in the primary to Gus Wingfield. He ran again in 2010 as the Green Party nominee for state treasurer losing to Democratic incumbent Martha Shoffner. He was briefly mentioned running for Congress this cycle as a Republican but now says he may instead run in the new Libertarian Party.
Before it is over, Tullis may end up as a candidate in four different political parties. That has to be a record.
The seat is open as incumbent Democratic Congressman Mike Ross has announced he will not seek re-election next year. Republicans Tom Cotton, Beth Anne Rankin, and Marcus Richmond have announced their plans to run. The last financial filing showed Cotton has raised over $343,000, Rankin raised over $176,000, and Richmond raised over $18,000. The only announced Democratic candidate, State Sen. Gene Jeffress, told the AP a month ago he had not yet raised a penny.
by - October 30, 2011 7:00 pm
If you haven’t heard by now (which is unlikely if you are reading this blog,) Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain is most certainly the frontrunner as the kitchen sink of oppo research is getting tossed in his direction. The biggest piece today is a story from Jonathan Martin of Politico who reports on a sexual harassment lawsuit (or lawsuits) in the 1990’s against Herman Cain when he was with the National Restaurant Association. Cain insists the charges are completely false.
Take your pick for hundreds of websites with more information on this story, but here is a couple of interesting Arkansas ties for my state readers.
For starters, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee defended Cain this morning and attacked Politico reporters on the Laura Ingram show.
"I would almost guarantee that (the story came from another Republican Presidential campaign)," said Huckabee. "Because quite frankly knowing some of the reporters involved, they’re not that good and people who are in campaigns — typically when they have got enough money to do it — they will hire investigators, opposition researchers, they will dig through everything. We had people that went to my kids’ schools when they were in elementary school posing as federal inspectors for the FAA. Bizarre stuff. People go through your trash. I know you hear stuff and think it is not true. I have lived it and I can promise you, it is true."
Bizarre indeed. I asked Martin about Huckabee’s remarks and he said, "I wish the governor and his family all the best."
There is also a Hot Springs Village resident who is suddenly in the middle of the Cain story. Mary Ose moved to Hot Springs Village after retiring from the National Restaurant Association’s human resource department. According to Martin, her interviews with him contradict claims Cain made today that an internal investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing. Ose previously stated that she was unfamilar with any compliants.
It will be interesting to watch this story play out. Either Politico is sitting on more information that they will slowly release to contradict Cain’s statements, or if the charges turn out to be much ado about nothing, they could end up backfiring on whatever oppo team put this out and actually help Cain. The next couple of days will be critical.
by - October 27, 2011 7:00 pm
As the only remaining Democratic Congressman, many are watching Rep. Mike Ross to see what his involvement will be in the 2012 Congressional elections in Arkansas. Today, it looks like we got our first glimpse into how involved he might be and who he will support.
An invitation comes my way saying that Congressman Ross – from the Fourth District – will be headlining a $150 a head fundraiser for Rep. Clark Hall’s campaign for Congress for the First District seat at Arkansas oil man Mike Coulson’s home in Little Rock – which is in the the Second District. Also listed as a special guest with Ross are Arkansas House Speaker Robert Moore, State Sen. David Johnson, and State Rep. John Edwards. The fundraiser will be on Thursday evening, November 10.
It is of note that Ross is getting involved in what could be a potential primary. Northeast Arkansas businessman Steve Rockwell is believed to be considering a run in Democratic Primary against Hall, although he has not officially announced.
It raises the question of what other races Ross will be involved in. Will he get behind the only announced Democratic candidate, State Sen. Gene Jeffress, in his own district or is he waiting (and hoping) for someone else? It certainly is noteworthy that his first Arkansas Congressional fundraiser this election cycle is not for someone running in his home district.
UPDATE – "Rep. Hall and Congressman Ross are good friends and they have known each other for years," said a spokesman for Ross when asked if the fundraiser was an official endorsement. "But Congressman Ross is going to help any Arkansas Democrat who will stand up and fight for Arkansas. Now, more than ever, we need leaders who will put Arkansas first. Arkansas Democrats like Rep. Hall will fight to protect Social Security and Medicare, restore fiscal responsibility to our government and work hard to create jobs here in Arkansas, ensuring the next generation is better than our own."
by - October 26, 2011 7:00 pm
Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain spoke Thursday evening to a record northwest Arkansas crowd, which he brought to their feet with several standing ovations during his lively speech. Cain arrived in Arkansas leading in most national polls by several points over Mitt Romney.
"Thank you for making this the most successful Washington County Lincoln Day Dinner ever," organizer Robin Lundstrum told the crowd. She noted some of their past speakers have included Bill O’Reilly, Mike Huckabee, Steve Forbes, Newt Gingrich, and Bobby Jindal. Tonight’s event was the largest with over 1,450 tickets sold.
An assorted mix of Republican officials were on hand, some supporting Cain, some others, and some undecideds. Arkansas Land Commissioner John Thurston sported a Herman Cain 2012 button and said that he is impressed with Cain, who is likely to get his vote.
Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr, who endorsed Romney, was also in attendance, but said that Cain brought a lot of business expertise to the race as a "fellow pizza man." Darr owns a pizza restaurant in Northwest Arkansas. State Rep. Charlie Collins, R-Fayetteville, wore his Perry for President button to the event. He said he believed Perry was going to bounce back once people found out more about his record of creating jobs in Texas. Cain sat at a table between Sen. John Boozman and Secretary of State Mark Martin, both from northwest Arkansas. Neither has indicated who they support for President.
"I feel right at home here, not only on this trip, but every trip I have made to Arkansas," said Cain. "You truly understand Southern hospitality."
"The American dream has been hijacked, but we can take it back," said Cain, who accused liberals of hijacking the American dream. He addressed the economic and military strengths that people attribute to the United States saying that we can restore America’s greatness again.
Cain said one of the things that makes America great is our ability to change when we have to make a change. Cain spoke about great leaders in the past – such as John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Martin Luther King, Jr., who were bold to propose major changes. "The American people are itching for some major change in this country," said Cain."We have a severe deficiency of leadership crisis in the White House."
Cain spent a lot of time talking about his foreign policy philosophy, which he called "The Cain Philosophy," characterized as "peace through strength with clarity." He said that we have to make clear who our friends are around the world and quit giving money to our enemies.
Cain also highlighted his business background saying that he understands how to fix the economy better than President Obama. He talked about his plan to throw out the tax code and replace it with his 999 plan. The crowd, familiar with the plan, said the words "999" along with Cain. The plan would set income tax and corporate tax rates at 9 percent and create a new 9 percent sales tax. Cain criticized the analysis of his 999 plan from the Tax Policy Center calling it "a liberal hit group" that put out their critique hours before the debate.
"In 2012, you and I are going to tell President Obama to hit the highway," said Cain. But he cautioned the crowd to "stay informed because stupid people are ruining America."
A couple of dozen Occupy Wall Street protesters gathered outside the event and Herman Cain addressed them during his speech. "Nobody knows what their cause is," said Cain, telling them to "go home and get a job and a life."
Cain said the pundits did not expect him to win until his surprise first place showing in the Florida straw poll, but now many are beginning the listen. He credited his rise in the polls to the "voice of the Tea Party."
"The voice of the people is more powerful than the voice of the media," said Cain. "Message is more important than money."
Cain’s appearance in Arkansas, which has a late May primary, is a rare one for a Presidential frontrunner, but a sell-out crowd in Springdale got a closer look at the national GOP poll leader tonight.
UPDATE – Several have asked for Herman Cain’s whole speech on Thursday in Springdale so here it is.
Cain says that the American Dream has been hijacked by liberals.
Cain discusses the economy and his 999 plan.
Cain tells people to stay involved.
Cain on his inspiration for running for President (includes full context on his comments on Occupy Wall Street protesters.)
Cain says his rise in the polls is because he has become the voice of the people.
by - October 25, 2011 7:00 pm
Sen. Mark Pryor has been traveling around the state touting a six-part jobs plan that he says "includes a number of bipartisan initiatives, is aimed at creating jobs by setting the table for growth, encouraging new products and new industries, investing in infrastructure, maximizing agricultural opportunities, preparing tomorrow’s job-generators to compete (and win), and empowering small business owners to succeed."
The plan is a hodge-podge of various bills he has introduced or supported that all have varying degrees of either not passing or never passing.
However, he also made an interesting announcement at the jobs press conference here in Little Rock where he now says he does not support the Obama jobs bill just days after he voted to advance it.
At the time of his vote on October 11, he said on his vote to advance the bill that the "jobs package, far from perfect, deserves debate and a vigorous amendment process." His vote was for cloture motion which requires 60 votes, although it only end up receiving 50 votes.
However, back in Little Rock on October 14 when asked by a reporter if he would support the president’s plan, he said, "I am not going to support his plan as it currently is. I like parts of it and if we do see some Senators try to break pieces of it out, I look forward to that. But I probably would support some piece broken out that I am hearing broken out regarding infrastructure. So I can definitely support some of it, but some of it does not help Arkansas that much and I am not sure would create many jobs or boost the economy. But I don’t want to criticize his plan; I am glad he put it out there. I think it got the national discussion going. He put something out there that – quite frankly – the Republicans could vote against. And maybe that is a good thing in today’s environment and now move on with something bipartisan that we can get through the House and Senate."
So which is it, Sen. Pryor? Are you against it after you were for it? Shades of Blanche Lincoln.
by - October 25, 2011 7:00 pm
Gov. Mike Beebe sat down with Roby Brock, chief editor of Talk Business, for a live streamed interview with questions from our readers. They covered a variety of issues including national and Presidential politics.
by - October 25, 2011 7:00 pm
If you recall early in October, the Arkansas Insurance Department hosted a summit here in Little Rock that primarily focused on how implementing health care exchanges is "Good News!" for Arkansas. If you missed it, you can read my coverage here.
I bring this up because I just heard back on the total cost of the summit which was $10,023.64. This included $6,931.97 for the Embassy Suites rooms, set up, and food; $5,275.75 for summit consultant fees, booklets, collating, event coordination, and printing; $33.92 for folders; and $557 in travel expenses for the keynote speaker.
These expenses were offset by $2,775 in registration fess, which based on the $25 fee puts the attendee number around 111. They did note that legislators, presenters and steering committee members did not have to pay.
But don’t worry – all this came from "free money" funded by the $1 million Level 1 federal grant that the state had already received for planning for the implementation of the health care exchanges, part of the ObamaCare puzzle.
If you missed the summit, Commissioner Jay Bradford and Arkansas State Surgeon General Dr. Joe Thompson will be taking their show on the road on November 7 as they "share a vision and report on progress" on "building a better Arkansas health system for the 21st century." The event will be simulcast around the state from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM with locations at Batesville, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Helena-West Helena, Jonesboro, Mountain Home, Pine Bluff, and Texarkana.
More details can found here.
by - October 24, 2011 7:00 pm
KEWI (690 AM), the main radio station in Saline County – will soon be under new ownership as Benton based Saline River Media LLC has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to purchase the radio station. The new ownership will take over on November 1st on a lease management agreement pending government approval of the transaction.
The primary owner will be well-known radio executive Grant Merrill of Bryant, but perhaps more interesting is State Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock, who is completing his first term representing Saline and Pulaski County in Arkansas District 22.
“We are proud to be bringing a completely local media approach to Saline County. The people of this area need to continue to have a broadcast outlet and we aim to provide them with more local information than they will find anywhere else.” Merrill said. “We’re confident the 107,000 people in this county will be pleased with our product.”
“I am proud to be a part of an organization that will create jobs for our area and be a beacon of community service for its listeners. We’re ready to go to work and continue the long legacy left by Jim and Deegy Landers.” Hutchinson said. “There is a great need for what we are doing here and we will strive to do what is right for our listeners and advertisers.”
Jim Landers is best known as the voice of the Benton Panthers calling their football games for decades. The 75-year old announced this year will be his last, handing over the reins to Shane Knight who currently calls the play-by-play. Landers worked in sports broadcasting at numerous television stations in Arkansas before purchasing KEWI 16 years ago.
The station will continue to broadcast at its current dial position of 690 AM; however, Saline River Media has also filed to purchase an FM signal that will rebroadcast KEWI twenty four hours a day.
The transaction is expected to close in less than sixty days.
by - October 23, 2011 7:00 pm
Today, State Budget Solutions (SBS), a nonprofit organization advocating for fundamental reform of state budgets, released a report showing Arkansas ranking 14th overall in the amount of total state debt and 17th on a per capita basis with a total combined debt of over $25 billion.
Although Arkansas is one of only four states – including Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota – to balance their general budget, the study also factored in pension liabilities and loans in the state’s unemployment trust fund. Arkansas ranked 15th overall with pension liabilities of over $21.8 billion and 11th overall with an unemployment trust fund liability of $359 million. Arkansas also carries over $2.7 billion in other debt obligations.
Overall, Arkansas fared better than most other states where the report found that total state debt nationwide presently exceeds $4 trillion. SBS’s report showed that the states with the largest total deficits included California, New York, Texas, New Jersey, and Illinois, respectively. States that ranked among the lowest deficits included Vermont, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming. Most of these states at the top and bottom of the lists were ranked in the same position in last year’s state budget deficit report.
“These deficit numbers are staggering and should be frightening to the American public. Due to budget gimmicks, many states fail to give an adequate picture of how much trouble they are really in,” said Bob Williams, President of State Budget Solutions. “This report makes it clear that if legislators don’t act immediately and decisively, our country will be facing a budget crisis that we have never seen before.”
Full report ranking can be seen here.
by - October 21, 2011 7:00 pm
Sen. Sue Madison, D-Fayetteville, defended the practice of state legislators meeting in northwest Arkansas on the same weekend as Razorback football games. Yesterday, Rep. James McLean, D-Batesville, criticized the practice. Madison, who is chair of the committee that called the meeting, explains why she feels the practice is appropriate.
"The purpose is to once again visit the issue of rising textbook expenses and see what has changed from our last meeting," said Madison who calls a meeting every year on gameday weekends in Fayetteville for this purpose. "I want to meet in Fayetteville as that is where the flagship institution is located. I am hopeful faculty and students will attend. Administrators are also invited. The meeting room at the jail is easily accessible and has great parking. If we publicize progress at the flagship institution, other institutions will likely follow."
"Meeting is scheduled for mid-afternoon so legislators can work Friday morning at their other jobs if they need to and still have time to come to our meeting. I also want to check compliance with the act we passed that sets deadlines for adoption of textbooks by faculty as that knowledge is critical for bookstores in determining what they will pay students at buy-back time. It is, after all, the net cost that is important. I was worried Friday afternoon would run late with the textbook price issues and knew members might have other commitments. Hence, the Saturday morning meeting," said Madison in defending why the meeting stretches over two days. "I want as many members to come to this meeting as possibly can and that is why I specifically chose a football game weekend. The meeting last year was well-attended and we have many new members who also need to understand this problem."
Tolbert’s Take
It appears to me that Madison’s motives are pure. She has championed the issue of finding a way to prevent the rising cost of textbooks. As someone who has spent over a decade in college having to buy such textbooks, I can sympathize with this issue.
But the carrot Madison is using to attract legislators to the meeting is funded by taxpayers. Madison is upfront that she plans the meeting to correspond with Razorback games on purpose so that she can attract more legislators to attend and increase the focus on her issue. This is not a case of a private interest group paying for the legislators’ expenses, but rather the state paying for it.
Perhaps the most objectionable part is stretching the meeting out over two days. Madison’s explanation is above, but it is obviously a bigger incentive for legislators to get double the per diem for a weekend trip.
It is also quite telling that Madison cannot attract legislators to attend the meeting without the chance to attend a football game on our dime.
