Representative Rebecca Petty
Speaker names can be wrong. Names are identified automatically through voice matching and may contain errors. Always verify speaker attribution against the video before citing it.
Committees
- Joint Budget Committee - Pre-Fiscal Session Budget Hearings
Recent Meetings
| Date | Committee | Speaking Time |
|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2020 | Joint Budget Committee - Pre-Fiscal Session Budget Hearings | 483s |
Recent Transcript Excerpts
Again, it's a great honor and privilege for me
will go down as having confronted some of the most weighty issues in the House and in our state's history, and the 93rd will likewise pick up that baton in January, I look forward to that opportunity. And while I understand that there are always going to be times that we are not going to agree on everything, I remain committed to continuing to work with all of those who are willing. There's still eight months left in the 92nd General Assembly, so let's finish strong for the people of Arkansas. Thank you again for your trust and confidence.
together to help our state and our fellow Arkansans to pick up the pieces that are left in the wake of this unprecedented global pandemic that has left our economy unstable but found our people unwavering that has disrupted our communities but laid bare our need to communicate. This will be our undertaking to reopen, revitalize, and reignite our state. And we will achieve that because we as Arkansans are resourceful and resilient. While the 92nd General Assembly
that the success that we've enjoyed and the qualities that we've exhibited have served to prepare us for what may be even a greater challenge for the 93rd General Assembly. I want us to continue to efficiently and professionally function as we have over the past two years, but we must have our eyes fixed on the looming challenges. First and foremost, as a state, we must turn the tide on the COVID-19 virus. But then beyond that, we must work
finally I'd be remiss if I didn't add that last fall we joined together to uphold the honor and integrity of the House. The last six weeks have been rather tumultuous and particularly in advance of and during the special and fiscal sessions there's been much work to be done. But no matter the time of day, the number of conference calls or emails, I keep coming back to the fact that I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to serve alongside each of you as we serve our state during these trying times. But there's no question there's more to be done. Quite honestly, I feel
We cut the House's appropriation by 15% for fiscal year 20, and last week we cut it by another 10% for fiscal year 21. We broadened the appointments and the assignments within the house. We reduced the overall per diem for the legislature. We implemented a rule change to provide for proxy voting. We conducted two additional sessions off-site in the midst of a pandemic. In an abbreviated period of time, we conducted the most transparent budgeting process in the recent history of the House. And then
all the way over to highway funding. And that's just to name a few. We implemented a system, a rule change, that provided for the speaker to make all of the committee appointments. I'm sure none of you were aware of that, but we actually had that rule at one point. But we implemented that system, and then true to what I told you two years ago, I said at the end of the session, we could take up and consider proposals to change that rule, which we did. We expanded live streaming to include virtually every committee meeting at the Capitol.
of those goals. In that process and in coming to characterize those goals that I shared two years ago, in that process we've also come together to accomplish much. We completed a successful regular session that saw much legislation passed. And I dare say that most members had legislation that they were able to pass. They were able to be effective. And some of the big issues that we took up included transformation of state government
Second, I wanted us to display civility and professionalism. I wanted us to maintain open lines of communication. I wanted us to do our business efficiently. I wanted us to work hard to find consensus where it could be found. And finally, overriding all that, I wanted us to strive to do what's in the best interest of the people of Arkansas. And I humbly submit to you today that by working together as a body that we've achieved each
motivation to run for speaker, and one was that I wanted to serve the members of the House. I'd been the beneficiary of several speakers who have helped me out along the way, helped me to learn as a legislator and to be effective as a legislator. But beyond that, I told you that there were certain values that I hoped, if I were elected speaker, I'd hoped that these values would come to characterize the House. Let me share what those values were. One, I wanted us to be a body that displayed great character, first and foremost. Second,
ago when you first elected me Speaker-designate of the 92nd General Assembly, there were things that I mentioned when I spoke to the House at that time that I think are worth reflecting on today. At that time, I told you that like each of you, that I had goals that I hoped to achieve, that there were particular areas of emphasis that I would like to work towards, and I mentioned a few of those, but ultimately those were not the primary reasons that I ran for speaker. I said that there were certain qualities in particular that really were the
the honor of a lifetime to serve as Speaker of the House for the 92nd General Assembly. In preparing my remarks for today, which Representative Dalby told me I had to keep it under 15 seconds. I told her I'm a lawyer and a politician, so that's not possible. But in preparing my remarks for today, I did what all lawyers do. I look back at what I've written in the past to kind of give me an example of what I should say for the future. But when I look back at what I said two years
I would like to also thank my family back home in El Dorado for their support and sacrifices that they've made over the past nine years as I've served in the House and over the past couple years as I've served as Speaker. And I recognize that all of us have friends and family whose support and sacrifice is made each of our service here in the House possible. And let me say it's been
and confidence that you have once again shown in me in electing me as speaker designate for the 93rd General Assembly and I want to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart.
elect the speaker-designate for the 93rd General Assembly. Seeing no further announcements, the physical session of the 92nd Arkansas General Assembly is adjourned. Signing die.
aye. That's a proper motion, it's not debatable. All in favor say aye. Any opposed? The motion
Representative Speaks? Representative Frederick Love moves we dispense with the reading of the previous day's journal without objection so ordered. Are there reports from select committees? Are there reports from standing committees? Is there any unfinished business? Are there
and to remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to be led by Representative Lane Jean.
Bills Discussed
| Bill | Title | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| HR1001 | TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXTENSION AND SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT OF THE FISCAL SESSION OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY; AND TO … | 1 |