March 31, 2011
Video
Transcript
Bills discussed (21)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
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HB1901
· 4 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…gram recommends that we concur in Senate Amendment No. 1 of House Bill 1901. Mr. Clerk, read the amendment. Senate Amendment”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HR1026
· 4 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HR1026”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2188
· 3 mentions in transcript
Matched: “…owling recommends that we concur in Senate Amendment No. 1, House Bill 2188. Read the amendment, Mr. Clerk. Senate Amendment No. 1”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1322
· 2 mentions in transcript, chapter
Matched: “Mr. Clark, read House Bill 1322. House Bill”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB19
· 2 mentions in transcript
Matched: “Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 19-20.”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1920
· 2 mentions in chapter, transcript
Matched: “HB1920”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1118
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “on Revenue and Taxation to whom was referred House Bill 1118.”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1139
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ures from the regular session of the 88th General Assembly. House Bill 1139 is Act 850.”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1154
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “House Bill 1154 is Act 851. House Bill 1506 is Act 852. House Bill 1630 is…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1447
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…Speaker, we are commuting on education to whom was referred House Bill 1447, House Bill 1893, House Bill 2050, and House Bill 2142.”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB1893
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ommuting on education to whom was referred House Bill 1447, House Bill 1893, House Bill 2050, and House Bill 2142.”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2050
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…tion to whom was referred House Bill 1447, House Bill 1893, House Bill 2050, and House Bill 2142.”
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Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2138
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…absence. Okay, Representative Allen moves that we pass over House Bill 2138”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HB2142
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…rred House Bill 1447, House Bill 1893, House Bill 2050, and House Bill 2142.”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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HR1033
· 1 mention in chapter
Matched: “HR1033”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB337
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…eaker, we are a Committee on Education to whom was referred Senate Bill 337, Senate Bill 527, Senate Bill 780, Senate Bill 897, and Sen…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB527
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…ommittee on Education to whom was referred Senate Bill 337, Senate Bill 527, Senate Bill 780, Senate Bill 897, and Senate Bill 956. The…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB780
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…tion to whom was referred Senate Bill 337, Senate Bill 527, Senate Bill 780, Senate Bill 897, and Senate Bill 956. They would report we…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
|
SB897
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…referred Senate Bill 337, Senate Bill 527, Senate Bill 780, Senate Bill 897, and Senate Bill 956. They would report we have the same un…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SB956
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…337, Senate Bill 527, Senate Bill 780, Senate Bill 897, and Senate Bill 956. They would report we have the same under consideration and…”
|
Pre-2017 bill | ||
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SJR5
· 1 mention in transcript
Matched: “…the calendar. Representative Perry moves that we pass over Senate Joint Resolution 5 without objection and leave it on the calendar. And at this…”
|
Pre-2017 bill |
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Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
0:00
Members, if you would please take your place at your desk and stand with me along with the members of our staff and press and those of you here joining us in the gallery today while we're led in prayer by Reverend David Hanshaw, First United Methodist Church in Clarksville, and remain standing as we'll be led in our Pledge of Allegiance by Representative Billy Gaskell. May we pray. father i
Speaker 3
0:28
stand here today in obedience to your word which commands that those who believe on
christ should pray for those in authority and to give thanks for them this command i joyfully obey for i know that authority is a burden that is often a heavy load to carry so i ask you to give these men and women wisdom strength and the spirit of statesmanship that they may carry that burden successfully and i gladly give thanks for those who are willing to step forward to bear that burden Your word also tells us that the call to bear authority comes from you So that their service to our state is even more a service to you Bless this house of representatives with an awareness of your presence
That as they make decisions and dream great dreams for our state They may know your peace and your love
Speaker 6
1:23
And as a believer in Jesus as your son I make this prayer in his name Amen Members,
Chair
Unverified
1:36
please indicate your presence
by pushing the yellow present button. Prepare the machine, Mr. Clark. The yellow present button. Everyone indicated
their presence. Yellow present button. Same yellow present button.
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
2:18
All right. Thank you very much, members. The indication of 99 members present. We certainly have our quorum today. Representative Eddie
Chair
Unverified
2:36
Cheatham moves that we dispense with a reading of the previous day's journal. No objections so ordered. Mr.
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
2:43
Clerk, we have reports from select committees, reports from standing committees. Mr. Speaker, we are a Committee
Chair
Unverified
2:51
on Revenue and Taxation to whom was referred House Bill 1118.
They would report we have the same under consideration and herewith return the same with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. Respectfully submitted. Davey Carter, Chair. Mr. Speaker, we are a Committee on Education to whom was referred Senate Bill 337, Senate Bill 527, Senate Bill 780, Senate Bill 897, and Senate Bill 956. They would report we have the same under consideration and herewith return the same with a recommendation that they do pass. Mr. Speaker, we are commuting on education to whom was referred House Bill 1447, House Bill 1893, House Bill 2050, and House Bill 2142.
Beg we to report we have the same under consideration here with return the same with the recommendation that they do pass as
amended, respectfully submitted. Eddie Cheatham, Chair. Thank you. Executive Communication. Mr. Clark, read the letter from the Governor,
please. To the Speaker of the House, dear Mr. Speaker, this is to inform you that on March 31, 2011, I approve the following measures from the regular session of the 88th General Assembly. House Bill 1139 is Act 850.
House Bill 1154 is Act 851. House Bill 1506 is Act 852. House Bill 1630 is Act 853. House Bill 1641 is Act 854. Sincerely, Mike Beebe. Thank you,
Representative Gilliam. What purpose? Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker. You're recognized. Come to the well.
Representative Jeremy Gillam
Unverified
4:31
Colleagues, friends, we stand before you today to honor a request by
a dear friend and colleague of ours. And former Representative Monty Betts has asked that this General Assembly would serve as honorary pallbearers for his service. I stand here to make a motion today that you would honor that request.
and i'm not exactly sure at this point what the parliamentarian and the procedure needs to be so
Speaker 29
5:28
i'll yield well the chair would entertain a motion to accept your request and and be could put that to a vote.
Chair
Unverified
5:41
Representative Catlett moves that we accept the invitation for the members of the House of Representatives and the 88th General Assembly be honorary pallbearers at the funeral. all in favor of that
Chair
Unverified
6:10
the record reflect that
the motion passed unanimously and our extreme sympathies go out to the family of former Representative Monty Betts because he was
a very special person
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
6:46
to each one of us who knew
Representative Jeremy Gillam
Unverified
6:53
him in this chamber Thank you.
Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. on the campus of Wyatt County Central School System is when the service is going to be held. There is still some, it's not finalized yet, but that is looking to be where the services are going to be held. Thank you.
Speaker 21
7:16
For the benefit of members, when you make that determination, if you'll provide it
Speaker 16
7:21
to Kay, and we'll ask her to e-mail all the members who may be available to attend.
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
7:27
Thank you. Mr. Clark-Reed, I'll tell you, before we go into our resolutions, let me recognize some special guests that are with us. Guests of Representative Josh Johnson today. We have the Clearview Baptist Academy with their teacher, Ms. Dawson. Are you all with us in the chair? If
Chair
Unverified
7:50
you'd stand up and be recognized, please.
Thank you. And in the East Gallery,
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
8:06
Ms. Katie Henshaw, who's the wife of our chaplain today, and here's our guest of Representative Betty Overby.
Chair
Unverified
8:14
Ms. Henshaw, would you show your... There you are. I'm glad
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
8:24
you're with us today, Tom. And as a very special guest today of Representative Jonathan Barnett are his parents, Ray and Laureen Barnett,
who are at the wonderful young age of 91 and 88, respectively, and have been married for 70 years. Also
Chair
Unverified
8:50
joining Mr. and Ms. Barnett are Jonathan's brothers, Robert and Mark. So welcome to you all
Speaker 29
9:05
today. Thank you. Members, there are four Senate bills currently, one by Senator Dismang, 527, by Senator Salman, 780, by Senator Harrison, 862, and Senator Lamoureux, 923, a sponsor of those bills.
will be required to place those on the supplemental calendar. So I invite you to check with Amber and put those on the calendar if you're a sponsor of
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
9:29
one of those bills. Okay, Mr. Clark-Reed, House of Resolution 1033.
Chair
Unverified
9:33
House of Resolution 1033 by Representative Barnett and all, recognizing the many contributions made by the citizens of the Republic of Turkey and
Representative Jonathan Barnett
Unverified
9:40
the best interests of the state of Arkansas to promote relationships with the Turkish
Chair
Unverified
9:44
people. Representative Barnett, you are recognized to explain the resolution.
Representative Jonathan Barnett
Unverified
9:48
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and joining me this morning is going to be Representative Hopper and Representative Rice, Representative Slinkard, Representative Malone, Representative Fred Allen, and Representative Johnny Roebuck, and Representative John Woods. It's, I actually said Ryan King, but Representative King, but I'll say it again. There's been many opportunity for members of this chamber, both the House and the Senate side,
and even some state constitutional officers who've had opportunities to have great multicultural exchanges with the country of Turkey. And not only have they visited us and brought some of their parliament over here and a lot of their citizens, and we've recognized them from the galleys many times. And if you all recall earlier in the year, we had the Turquoise Council that we had a celebration with earlier with the governor and some of the state constitutional officers. But anyhow, it's been our great privilege to travel to their country
and experience how they operate in their parliament and how they operate in their country. And it's been a privilege for many of us to have had those experiences over the years. and I know Representative Roebuck has been involved in that for a long period of time, and it even got a lot of us involved in it, so I want to recognize Representative Roebuck. And Mehmet is here today from the Turkish Council, and Mehmet, if you'll stand, and we just want to read this resolution in its entirety, if that's possible, in recognition of
Speaker 41
11:21
our friendship with these people. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
11:25
Read the resolution, Mr. Clark. be resolved by the House of Representatives of the 88th General Assembly of the State of Arkansas whereas the Republic of Turkey and the United States of America are long-standing allies but dearly cherishing the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human rights and whereas in its alliances with the United States the Republic of Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to world peace and liberty as well as its tolerance of others in secular and religious venues and whereas the Republic of Turkey is the world's 15th largest economy and Europe's 6th largest economy is a value trading partner with the state of arkansas and is to be commended on its
contributions to the global economy and whereas the state of arkansas and the republic of turkey have enjoyed a strong vibrant and mutually beneficial economic relationship with the prospect of further growth and whereas it is the custom of the state of arkansas to welcome all who come to our state especially those who come in the interest of friendship and commerce and whereas it is in the best interest of the state of arkansas to further cultivate a good relationship between arkansas and the republic of turkey and other turkey nations and whereas it is the policy of the state of arkansas to recognize the contributions of our allies in the value of
maintaining beneficial relationships with allies of the state of arkansas such as the contributions made by the republic of turkey and the value of our positive relationships with this ally now therefore be it resolved by the house of representatives of the 88th general assembly of the state of arkansas that the house of representatives recognizes the many contributions made by the citizens of the republic of turkey and recognizes the value in arkansas and turkey continuing to build upon time honored friendships as well as promoting the cultural educational academic political and economic relationships between arkansas and the turkish people
be it further resolved upon adoption this resolution an appropriate
copy shall be provided to the turquoise council of americans and eurasians by the chief
clerk of the house of representatives Members heard an exclamation of the resolution. All in favor of the resolution say aye. Opposed no. Mr. Clerk, let the record reflect that the resolution was
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
13:38
passed unanimously. Thank you very much mr. Clark Reed HR
Chair
Unverified
13:45
1026 house resolution 1026 birth by
representative Hopper honoring Jim Gaston is the Arkansas business executive of the year and for his pending induction to the Arkansas State University Mountain Home,
Trout, Hall of Fame. Representative Hopper, you're recognized
Representative Karen S. Hopper
Unverified
14:03
to explain the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. In each of our districts, there's something special. In many times, we refer to those special places as points of destination
or just simply great places. And in my neck of the woods, when we speak of great places and points of destination, we think often of the White River as it rolls lazily by. And when we think of the White River, we almost automatically think of Gaston's. And when we think of Gaston's, we think of trout fishing. In fact, many of us from my neck of the woods spell Trout, G-A-S-T-O-N.
House Resolution 1026 honors Jim Gaston as the Arkansas Business Executive of the Year and for his pending induction this weekend into the Arkansas State University Mountain Home Trout Hall of Fame. We honor him today for a lifetime of promoting trout fishing, and not only that, but tourism all across our great natural state.
Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that House Resolution 1026 be read in its entirety. Clark read the resolution in its entirety. be it resolved by the
Chair
Unverified
15:40
house of representatives of the 88th general assembly of the state of arkansas whereas mr jim gaston the colorful operator of gaston's white river resort at lakeview for 42 years was named arkansas business executive of the year for 2010 and whereas entrants in the arkansas business of the year awards program are nominated by the arkansas
business readers and whereas winners are selected by an independent board of judges and this year's judges were joe chaco vice president of wealth management with morgan stanley smith barney and Little Rock, Arkansas. Kathy Manis-Finley, Executive Director of Safe Places and last year's Non-Profit Executive of the Year. Lynn Wright, Area President of Region Banks. Joe Stanley, Principal and CEO of Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects and last year's Business Executive of the Year. And Craig Blair, an attorney with Rose Law Firm. And whereas, Mr. Gaston said when accepting the
award, you will never have any idea how much this means to me. I feel like I'm in the 1930s or 40s movie about a country boy coming to town. And whereas, Mr. Gaston always wanted to be in business and as he followed that path, he became an ambassador supreme for Arkansas tourism and transformed Gaston's White River Resort into a world-class destination for trout fishing. And whereas, the once rustic resort consisted of a boat dock, six cottages, and a few acres when his father, Al, bought the property in the winter of 1958. Today, Gaston's located two river miles
below Bull Shoals Dam covers more than 400 acres with amenities galore, a dock facility supporting 70 fishing boats, 79 cottages, 125-seat conference center, its own restaurant that seats 350, a private club, a 3,200-foot airstrip, marina, swimming pool, tennis court, game room, fly fishing school, conference lodge, gift shop, nature trail, all backed by a seasonal staff of 75 to 100 persons and whereas the 69 year old commissioner emeritus of the state arkansas state
parks recreation and travel commission has held various leadership positions over the year including the arkansas hospitality association and the mountain home chamber of commerce serves as a volunteer at the bulshul state park visitor center that bears his name and has served as president of the arkansas tourism development foundation since its founding in 1970 and has been a dedicated dynamic force in arkansas travel and tourism industry including its role in environmental education and whereas his credo is to simply make the world a better place however i can and mr gaston certainly has helped make arkansas a better place and whereas mr gaston
will also soon be inducted into the arkansas state university mountain home trout hall of fame at the second annual trout hall of fame induction and banquet on april 2nd 2011 as he is a living legend in the world of trout and trout conservation and the trout hall of fame will be located in the trout nature center which is currently under construction in the beta shield community development center on the arkansas state university mountain home campus now therefore be it resolved by the house of representatives of the 80th general assembly of the state of arkansas that the house of representatives congratulates mr jim gaston on his selection as the arkansas
business executive of the year recognizing his business accomplishments and acumen and and applause his selection to the Arkansas State University Mountain Home Trout Hall of Fame. Be it further resolved that upon adoption of this resolution, an appropriate copy shall be provided to Mr. Gaston by the Chief
Representative Karen S. Hopper
Unverified
18:57
Clerk of the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, members, please help me welcome Jim Gaston to the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
19:13
Members, I concur the resolution. All in favor of the resolution, say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Mr. Clerk, let the record reflect that the resolution was passed unanimously. Okay. Representative Ingram recommends that we concur in Senate Amendment No. 1 of House Bill 1901. Mr. Clerk, read the amendment. Senate Amendment
Chair
Unverified
19:41
No. 1 to House Bill 1901.
Representative Ingram, you are recognized to explain the
Representative Keith M. Ingram
Unverified
19:48
amendment. I'd appreciate a good vote. This is a concurrence on House Bill 1901, the foundation formula for education. Thank you.
Speaker 54
19:54
Members, heard an explanation of the amendment.
Chair
Unverified
19:59
Anyone wishing to speak against the amendment, for the amendment?
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
20:03
If not, the question for the House, concurrence on Senate Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 1901. and prepare the machine, Mr. Clerk.
Everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot by a vote of 90A, 0, nay, 0, present. You have concurred in the amendment. Representative Cowling recommends that we concur in Senate Amendment No. 1, House Bill 2188. Read the amendment, Mr. Clerk. Senate Amendment No. 1
Chair
Unverified
20:37
to House Bill 2188. Representative Cowling, you're recognized
to explain the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Representative Larry Cowling
Unverified
20:44
This is an amendment that my good friend Senator T put on, and it comes from DF&A.
It's just an amendment to our bill that made it a little bit better, and I'd appreciate a good
Chair
Unverified
20:56
vote. Thank you all. Concur. Members, there's an explanation
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
20:58
of the amendment. Anyone wishing to speak against the amendment, for the amendment? Not a question for the House. This is concurrence in Senate Amendment No. 1, House Bill 2188, pair of the machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone voted? Everyone voted. Cast up a ballot, Mr. Clerk.
By vote of 88, yea, 0, nay, 0, present, you have concurred in the amendment. Members, before we proceed to regular bills, I want to recognize from the city in the heart of my district, where I graduated from high school, McGee and Deshaies County, we have the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year candidates in the East Gallery.
Chair
Unverified
21:45
So are you all still with us in the East Gallery for McGee?
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
21:51
Okay, well, I wish my folks were here for McGee. but we welcome them in their absence. Okay, Representative Allen moves that we pass over House Bill 2138
and leave it on the calendar. Without objection, we'll leave it on the calendar. Representative Perry moves that we pass over Senate Joint Resolution 5 without objection and leave it on the calendar. And at this point, let me see. Representative,
Chair
Unverified
22:53
Mr. Clerk, read House Bill 19-20.
House Bill 1920 by Representative Johnston to amend the offenses of forgery and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card to include electronic
checks. Representative Johnston, you're recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr.
Speaker 61
23:12
Speaker. This is a simple bill that adds the terms electronic check to the offenses of forgery and fraudulent use. Everybody's on board. Appreciate
Speaker 62
23:19
a good vote. Thank you. Members, there are an explanation of the bill. Anyone
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
23:27
wish to speak against the bill, for the bill, if not, the question for the House,
Speaker 16
23:32
passage of House Bill 19-20, pair of machine, Mr. Clerk. Has everyone
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
23:49
voted? Has everyone voted? I cast up
Chair
Unverified
23:53
the ballot, Mr. Clerk, by a vote of 89, yea, 0, nays, 0, present. You've passed the bill.
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
24:22
Mr. Clark, read House Bill 1322. House Bill
Speaker 43
24:33
1322 by Representative Hall to establish the congressional districts in Arkansas. I represent Cheatham. You're
Chair
Unverified
24:40
recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr.
Representative Eddie L. Cheatham
Unverified
24:48
Chairman. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, House Bill 1322, I think you're very familiar with.
I had a chance to look at the map since yesterday, I believe, and to find out where each one is. I'll just remind you that it's a difficult job to please everyone. I'll remind you that the third district had to gain $110,000. The fourth had to lose 75. The first had to lose 44. The second gained 15.
Anytime you move people, areas, you're going to have people that are excited about it. You're going to have people that aren't excited about it. We've tried to do the best we can. We think this is the best map that we can come up with. it's kind of like if you've ever seen lava flow off a volcano it kind of goes where it wants to go and as we looked and talked this kind of went where it could flow and that's kind of
what it is thank you Mr. Speaker
Chair
Unverified
26:05
members have heard an explanation of the bill anyone wishing to speak against the bill I represent
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
26:23
Collins you recognize to speak against the bill thank you mr speaker the Fayetteville's finger splits my house seat almost exactly in half so I'm pretty familiar with it and I know that partisan political advantage is definitely a
principle of redistricting. The problem is it's not supposed to be the only principle. And if you force this down our throats with rough edges and hot sauce, you risk overplaying your hand. There are polls out. Over 80% of the people in Fayetteville are opposed to this plan. You've got a former Democrat AG who's asking for the resignation of the
Fayetteville legislators who would support this plan. And some of my colleagues, like Representative Harris, don't want to come to the well because they worried they wouldn't be able to talk about this in an unemotional manner. Adopting this plan opens the door to the next legislature changing it. I'll leave you with this. About a month ago, a liberal activist came up to me at a chamber meeting and said, Representative
Collins, you're the worst representative I could have ever gotten. You never agree with me on anything. I pray every single day that on just one
Speaker 71
27:52
vote, you would agree with me. Ma'am, today your
Chair
Unverified
27:59
prayer is answered. Representative Collins, spoken against the bill. Anyone who wants to speak for the bill? the bill. Representative Powers, what purpose? Representative Shepard, I didn't recognize
you. What purpose? Representative Powers, I recognize you to speak for the bill.
Speaker 72
28:25
Members, I respect everyone's opinion on this matter. Representative
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
28:30
Collins lives in the Fayetteville Finger, or what has been called. But let me give you my perspective. I live down on the tip. Most people know I'm from Hope. It's a change for us also. I believe
the independence of this state creates a diversity, and I think that's a good thing. I think our State has been able to adapt to many things over the years that didn't look good on paper, but virtually every one of your comments, Representative Collins, could have been made about every map drawn by someone in here, and that's the problem. I don't think anyone would stand here and say, is this perfect for every constituent,
every legislator, and everyone in this state. But what we can say, there's been a tremendous amount of work put into it. It's the map that is before us today. And I trust in the independence and the diversity of our people of this great state to adapt and make this situation work. And I would ask for a
Chair
Unverified
29:50
good vote. Representative Powers, spoken for the bill.
Representative Lindsay, I recognize you to speak against the bill. Thank you,
Speaker 61
30:11
Mr. Speaker, members of the House. it's with a
Representative Uvalde Lindsey
Unverified
30:17
sense of remorse that i come before you today to speak against this bill
it's unfortunate i think that we've come to this as all of y'all know congressional redistricting is partisan always has been always will be I know that. Everybody in this room knows that. I know change has got to happen, and I know that change will make somebody or maybe even everybody in this room unhappy.
I don't think those are the issues that are before us today. But I'd like to talk for just a moment about some things that I think are important in this decision. I've heard testimony over the last week or so about putting Fayetteville in the fourth was the path of least resistance, a volcano flow down a hill.
I've heard testimony about the absolute necessity of keeping the river delta together and the piney woods together, and I agree with that. together in a community of interest. The Delta should be together. The Piney Woods should be together. But what I haven't heard much about is that same level of concern about community of interest in northwest Arkansas.
Maybe we haven't done a good job, and that's my fault, about explaining why preserving community of interest is important to us, and it's important to this state, I think. Let me try to paint as clear a picture as I can, and I go back to history to do that. 20 years ago, the four cities of the 540 corridor were, for want of a better word, fighting each other for the crumbs off the table.
we were playing Friday night football seven days a week we weren't getting much done we knew we had to do a better job some way somehow we knew our region had to improve if we were going to be able to compete with any other region in this country for the creation a new job opportunity, and to improve the economic well-being of everyone that lives
in northwest Arkansas. But to do that, it became very clear to all of us that we had to work together. We had to join together. We had to become a strong community. Quite frankly, our folks stepped up and made a commitment to build Northwest Arkansas. That was over 20 years ago. Believe it or not, we did put aside partisan politics and parochial interests.
We chose instead to work together for the common good. We chose to work for projects that would benefit the entire region And serve all of its people the best way it could In my old adage We all turned and picked up the same hymnal We turned to the same page And on that same song And got on the same verse And we sang that song together
in unison, in chorus. It didn't matter whether you were from Bentonville or Rogers or Springdale or Fayetteville. It didn't matter. We were loud and clear singing the same song that Northwest Arkansas could do better, but it needed all the help we could get. We sang that song in Little Rock, in this capital, and with various governors and in D.C., with members of the congressional delegation, In fact, all six, both senators and four representatives, every time we sang that song that resulted in building $700 million worth of regional infrastructure projects that helped us grow and prosper.
A regional airport, completion of 540, that fabric, I think, that we created to help us enter a decade of the 2000s and unprecedented growth and unprecedented prosperity. Working together, brighter future, better future for our kids and grandkids. We could not have done that without a strong community.
A community united to a brighter future. but my friends this map that you've seen yesterday afternoon tears our community apart it divides us potentially rendering us unable to speak together with a common voice if enacted I believe this map
could cost us the economic opportunity for our region in Northwest Arkansas, but also for the entire state. I think that's why, as Representative Collins has said, 80-plus percent of the people polled in Fayetteville say they oppose moving Fayetteville to the fore. my folks tell me the hundreds of emails and phone calls I've gotten
they tell me if this goes through we will lose everything that we have worked for for 20 years that's a scary statement that's a scary thought we will lose everything we've worked for for 20 long, hard years. That's the risk and the danger in this map.
And I think it's risky for the region. I think it's risky for this great state. I think there are unintended consequences in this map. An example, down to where we live. When Madison Murphy retires from the Highway Commission next year, could the next Highway Commissioner for the 4th Congressional District come from Fayetteville?
Of course he could. When the University of Arkansas Med Sciences Campus chooses its next enrollees, there are so many that have to be chosen from each Congressional District. That means Fayetteville high school's graduates, the kids that want to go to med school from Fayetteville will be competing with Eldorado or Pine Bluff or Texarkana for those precious slots.
Is that a problem? Is that something we intend to happen? We're all going to be fighting for more seeing county money, both federal, state, whatever. And all of those are distributed on congressional boundaries. You all know that. I think there are many, many unintended consequences to this math. I think it's risky. It's risky to our region, I know.
But I think it's risky to this great state. And I would urge you not to move Fayetteville to the fourth. Thank you, Mr.
Chair
Unverified
39:04
Speaker. Senator Cowling, what purpose? Motion. What's your motion? Consideration, please. Proper motion, not debatable. Care of the machine, Mr. Clerk. Question for the House, immediate consideration of House Bill 1322.
Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot. By a vote of 48, yea, 49, no. Needed consideration. Motion fails.
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
39:45
Members, in deference to the fact that we have Lady Fema Women's Day in the Capitol today and there is a program, we're going to recess for 15 minutes.
We'll be back in the chamber at 12 o'clock.
Agenda
Call to Order
Invocation
Roll Call
HR1033
HR1026
HB1920
HB1322
Recess
Documents
No documents posted.
Speakers
Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr.
Unverified
Speaker 3
Speaker 6
Chair
Unverified
Representative Jeremy Gillam
Unverified
Speaker 29
Speaker 16
Speaker 21
Representative Jonathan Barnett
Unverified
Speaker 41
Representative Karen S. Hopper
Unverified
Representative Keith M. Ingram
Unverified
Speaker 54
Representative Larry Cowling
Unverified
Speaker 61
Speaker 62
Speaker 43
Representative Eddie L. Cheatham
Unverified
Representative Charlie Collins
Unverified
Speaker 71
Speaker 72
Representative David "Bubba" Powers
Unverified
Representative Uvalde Lindsey
Unverified