House Convenes

By the member staff press and gas in the galleries to stand to be led in prayer by Reverend Wes Hillard. Of heritage Baptist church in Van Buren guests of represent Charlene Fite and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance by representative to be led by represent Lane Jean. Let's pray. We just want to pause when a humble ourselves before you any knowledge that you're the king of the universe you're the savior of the world and you have charged this body with the precious stewardship of the state of Arkansas thank you for these men and women who put themselves forward an offer themselves as public servants thank you for the sacrifices that they make in time away from home and work and family for the financial sacrifices the sacrifices of energy and heart ache I thank you for the sacrifices of listening patiently to their constituents complaints and criticisms and so lord today I asked the when they feel discourage you fill them up with encouragement when they feel in certain you would give them clarity when they need direction you give them wisdom when they are conflicted you would guide them by your peace peace when they are hurt you would hear when they're offended you would give them a spirit of forgiveness and when they're wearing and waiting upon you that they would mount up on the wings of eagles that they might run and not grow weary that they would walk and not faint may you give them courage to choose the good and do the best thing for the people of this state and not the interest of the few grant them kindness understanding patience and love towards one another and finally feel them with joy at this great privilege of representing the people of Arkansas may they hear from you well done good and faithful servants enter into the joy of your master I pray this in Jesus mighty name I'm in. Members please indicate your presence by pushing yellow present button prepared machine madam Clark. Cast a ballot madam Clerk. With ninety eight members present The chair sees a quorum of any request for leave represent under what for what purpose a quick request leave you're recognized leave a representative press is lead granted represent road. So noted. President Jeffrey Wardlaw moves we dispense with the reading of previous day's Journal without objection so ordered are there Reports from select committees are the reports from standing committees please reports by a court thank you for your committee on public health and welfare and labor seven was referred Senate bill two eighty eight basically report that we have in the same consideration here concerns I make a nation at a do pass as amended number one Mr Speaker you Committee on Public Health wafer and Labor Committee to whom was referred house bill eleven forty two house bill fourteen fifty two Bagley report that we have the same consideration here the time with same recognize that do pass quickly submitted Lee Johnson chair Mister Speaker we are committee on education to whom was referred house bill thirteen fifteen Begley report we have in the same consideration here the time with recommendation that a do pass Mr Speaker your committee on education to whom was referred house bill fourteen sixty three Beckley report that we have the same consideration and here the town same recommendation that a do pass as amended number one respectfully submitted Brian Evans chair Mister Speaker we are committee on Revenue and Tax to whom was referred house bill twelve sixty three big when when we have the same consideration here the time frame recognition that a do pass. Concur in the Senate amendment number one Mr Speaker your committee on Revenue and Tax to whom was referred house bill ten thirty two Senate bill one eighty four bigly Report we have the same consideration here transaminase that do pass respectfully submitted less each chair Mister Speaker you Committee on Judiciary to whom was referred house bill fourteen sixty seven House Bill fourteen seventy three Senate bill two seventy one thank the report we have the same consideration here the terms I recognition at a do pass thankfully submitted Kerr Carol Dalby chair. During unfinished business are there any executive communications. He's read the letter from the government of Clark. To the Speaker of the house the Speaker this is to inform you that on February twenty seventh twenty twenty three I reviewed and approved the following measures from legislative session of the ninety first General Assembly house bill ten ninety four ACT one forty two house bill eleven thirty nine ACT one forty three house bill thirteen seventy one ACT one forty four house bill thirteen seventy two ACT one forty five house bill thirteen seventy three ACT one forty six house bill thirteen seventy four ACT one forty seven house bill thirteen seventy five ACT one forty eight thirteen seventy six ACT one forty nine house bill thirteen seventy seven ACT one fifty house bill thirteen seventy eight ACT one fifty one house bill thirteen eighty six ACT one fifty two house bill thirteen eighty seven at one fifty three House for thirteen eighty eight ACT one fifty four house bill thirteen ninety ACT one fifty five house bill thirteen ninety one ACT one fifty six house bill thirty ninety two ACT one fifty seven house bill fourteen oh three ACT one fifty eight house bill eleven sixty three ACT one fifty nine house bill eleven ninety six ACT one sixty house bill eleven eighty two ACT one sixty two sincerely Sarah Huckabee Sanders governor Arkansas. Members we have several guests with us today we have former representative David Branscum in the back of the chair. We also have as the doctor of the day. Representive Branscum sign Dr Evan a brand scum of Harrison who's here as a guest of representative Ron McNair. And our nurse the day's Missouri been on. Madam Clark please read house concurrent resolution one thousand eight. House concurrent resolution one thousand eight by representative gene to recognize the folk high school panther marching band FOR winning class three A. state championship and recognize the folk high school and Pauleta Smith middle school concert bands for being nine twenty twenty two class three A. state honor band. All. Jean you're recognized to present the resolution. I miss Baker first of all don't ever go to file and call it fall. Very very offensive down there this is a resolution for their by and they have for five years in a row one the state marching band contest at three a so anyway the superintendent called what they do they're not going to come up here you senator that I can spend money drive a school bus and. Kids up there so I appreciate that fiscal conservative about it but of this is going to ban all and I it's it's a resolution for their band for winning the two thousand twenty two marching band FOR three a any questions Preciado good vote on it represent genes explain the resolution would anyone like to speak against the resolution. Would anyone like to speak for the resolution. Representative gene is closed for the resolution the question before the House is the passage of house concurrent resolution one thousand eight all in favor say aye. Any opposed. Resolution passes. Morning hours ended representative Cavenaugh recommend so we can current Senate amendment number one to House Bill thirteen eighteen madam Clark please read Senate Amendment number one. Senate Amendment number one to House Bill thirteen eighteen. President Cavenaugh you're recognized to explain the amendment. Thank you Mr Speaker this is just a simple amendment from the Senate that actually says that they're going to keep documentation on file for audit and review for the cost on the analysis with that appreciate a good vote. President Cavenaugh has explained the amendment would anyone like to speak against the amendment. Would anyone like to speak for the amendment. Representative Cavenaugh is close for the amendment the question before the House is the concurrence and Senate Amendment number one to House Bill thirteen eighteen. Repair the machine madam Clark. As everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast about madam Clark. Five or ninety five Yeas zero nine zero present the bill the we have concurred in the Senate amendment number one to House Bill thirteen eighty. Members without objection. Adam Clark please read Senate bill two ninety four. Senate bill two ninety four by representative bricks to create the lines ACT two memories provisions of the Arkansas Code as they relate to early childhood through grade twelve education in the state of Arkansas and to declare emergency represent Brooks recognized to explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker members today I bring U. S. B. two ninety four Arkansas learns I've heard often discussed recently that this is a fairly lengthy bill my predecessor in the former colleague of many of you represent Andy Davis would like to disagree in fact encouraged me to start as he did several years ago transformation which is by a potential line by line reading of the entire bill I'll spare you the excitement of that person thank you Speaker Shepherd my house co sponsors and many others who engage in a courageous debate to commit making the transformational difference for educators families and most of all students here in the state of Arkansas thank you to constituents from every corner of our great state who clearly giving a voice to the heartbeat of our free society which is vigorous passionate and respectful debate. As has been said many times Arkansas learns is a bellwether vision a multi generational commitment that we will not shy away from hard conversations and aggressive actions to ensure that the students of Arkansas are placed at the forefront of although we do within this bill we see the largest increase in starting teacher pay in the history of our state the fifty thousand dollars additionally teachers already at that level get a two thousand dollar increase beginning with the two thousand twenty three and twenty four school year we see a laser focus on tackling our literacy crisis with specials this point to those who need it most statewide recognition that the changing economy demands more workers and skilled trades which we will ready for a new dual diploma. I promise to teachers parents and students alike the school safety will never be an afterthought but our most vital role in that will only be strengthened. Preparing new teachers the Arkansas teacher academy program supporting new mothers who are educators to paid maternity leave and telling every parent grandparent guardian in child that no matter the educational need the state of Arkansas will step to the forefront and lead by ensuring education freedom for all this bill is certainly unique in its size and scope but the size of the challenge that we have in front of us and the expectations from children from every corner of our state demand that we acts with boldness to clarify related to foundation funding I use an example committee yesterday of the house Education Committee adequacy report which as I said contains recommendations from that specific committee for funding and how example like that might impact a few different sides schools the number from the House recommendations include teacher raises which now are fully funded outside of the foundation funding as part of the learns initiatives let me re emphasise we as a legislative body will determine what the foundation funding amount will be for the next biennium which will be more than it was received the school year the debate around learns of which policy details begin to be ironed out months ago based upon feedback from stakeholders at every level has been necessary. As I've said publicly before we must look our collective sales as a state in the mirror and agree that on too many levels what we have done has not produce the results that are kids desperately deserve through this legislation we commit to only the best at every level. But through the Deep of the debate let us never lose sight of the real impact that of our Kansans tomorrow to Ashdown and every point in between. Impacts of the rule school teacher I know of a young mom who may have never had an opportunity to earn fifty thousand dollars in her beloved profession shall now have that raise which represents a life changing impact on income and opportunities even beyond that. As we give educators more disposal income simple economic principles validate that everyone in the rural community benefits I get it as a son of a twenty seven year Arkansas public school teacher who nineteen seventy five certain rule White County making six thousand dollars a year and ended his career working three jobs seven days a week to make ends meet for his family this is real money for real families. The impact of Judah Josiah Johnson his dad passed away years ago and left her mom frightened to raise our two youngest sons alone. Our commitments made as a state and expanded today she had the opportunity to choose educational options that work best for her boys one of whom now serves as the school's student body presidents seven years ago the trajectory of their lives changed. Today we open that opportunity up for countless others. And impact people like Ethan a young man struggle mightily with developmental challenges in multiple profound specific learning delays who's a brace by highly successful public school but who school eventually met with this man to say that they just weren't the right option it should they be able to they should consider looking elsewhere. Because of the opportunity to choose and specifically his mother's never ending to massively and total sacrifice for her own needs he sits in the gallery behind me is a testimony to what it means to break down every barrier and give every child the opportunity to succeed. Today we're building the house of education. Lawrence is the blueprint and with its passage were pouring the foundation for positive change for generations to come this bill is not the end of our work but it's the beginning of a transformation which makes a covenant with teachers with families and most of all the students in our great land of opportunity that we will not waiver on the path of leading in education. With that Mister Speaker I appreciate a good vote I'll be happy to take questions. President McCollum for purpose question recognized for a question representative bricks can you assure me that this multi piece omnibus bill fits the one subject rule on page twenty four for rule book stating and thirty eight J. No bill shall be passed by either house containing more than one subject which shall be expressed in the title and the subtitle. Thank you for the question president McCollum I can and to reiterate the titles an act to create a large act amends various provisions of Arkansas Code as they relate to early childhood through twelfth grade education the state of Arkansas to clear emergency so ruled germane as we are doing with early childhood through twelve connects a through twelfth grade education which is the same subject. The president Alan purpose question you're recognized. First of all I want to compliment all the office of the bill and the government for taking such a quantum leap to do something about public education I have a I do have a couple questions and I'll constitution article four section two. Finally states that we can only use school money for schools and no other choice so are we use the school public school funds to private to a one private education. So the cost to state Arkansas has allowed through prior legislation this body is pass for funds to flow from the state for specific purposes including education and that maybe private maybe charter maybe variety of things the Supreme Court is also made that clear the United States Supreme Court has made it clear through various cases yes notification of Montana as well as Kerr Somers making out of Maine but it is a it is permitted under under U. S. laws well. Follows. We'll private schools be able to make. Policy will they be a. Behavior history private schools in order to six having given broad latitude to determine what is best based on their missions requirements nothing in this bill would would change that and again nothing based on existing case law of the United States Supreme Court level has would disagree with that. Thank you Mr Speaker. Three or four purpose question you're recognized for a question a representative. I'm concerned about the students in third grade who who. Possibly will be retained probably in next year and so my question is will each one of those steeped students have a reading specialist in order to assist them so that they can read on grade level by the end of next year what students have ace reading specialists who will work with them individually so that they can be reading on grade level by the end of next year thank you for the question represent spring I think we can all agree that the reading process in our state and nationwide is profound and what learns does is learns aggressively addresses the challenges so if you'll referred back to the bill pay seven fifty seven I believe refers to the actual timeline of implementation which is the two thousand twenty five twenty six school year so as not next year two thousand twenty five twenty six school year and you look at the other components of the bill which allow us to aggressively address that through reading a specialist through other aggressive opportunities for what's being implemented what will put us on a place that we need to be to ensure that that those kids are meeting grade level again that's based in our it's it's put out over the longer time here that represent what and for what purpose question you're recognized for a question. Burch would you mind to share with me. The conclusion has been reached the three hundred fifty or four hundred million dollars can be taken out of general revenues and not impact the public school for a. the conclusion that's reaches is the same as any conclusion that the Department financing ministration reaches with any bill that we passed which is it what is the forecast based upon estimates and if you look at funds that are that of an allocated not just with in general revenue but also with another components such as Arkansans in other things they have have definitely confirm that this will be for when you're scum. All the. But this is not that money coming out of general revenues will not be available to be used in the public schools of this state our commitment as a state as as you will note we all know as provided free adequate adequate education for our children so we will continue to do that while we continue revised options for it. Question I am not represent women represent wouldn't let him finish his answer and then I'll allow you a follow up to that person would as you know I will always be respectful I will continue to answer the question as I said this bill has been very clear in what the funding is the funny it is additional funds that have been allocated from a number of different sources including our funds including general revenue including a few other places to fund the specific in the Arkansas learns Plan which does not touch our foundation funding that is separate so this want this continues to find it in the committee is made to do that going for you Sir. Thank you. I appreciate a good vote thank you Colin sent would occur for what purpose. President Brooks is. President Brooks has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Representative Shepherd you're recognized to speak again. Thank you Mr Speaker. I want to take my opportunity to speak from a different perspective I don't want to be re done did in some things that we've heard over the course of the last few weeks. I want to speak to you as a former board member with the little rock school district. In two thousand and fifteen myself and representative Springer we set for the state. This state of Arkansas told us we will follow action. But we're hearing that. Bold actions we will transform the Little Rock School District based on these bold action that we're going to take. We don't have faith in you all anymore you can't do it our plans the better. They had their plans package real nice and pretty have a nice the pretty bold on how wonderful the plant was going to be. So the state that take a cell. As a result of the state's plan for little rock school district you want to know what happened to my district which possibly is going to happen to some of your district to all of my high schools closed. School where the heart of my community. Charter schools were placed as a prop forty of the. This bold action that the state decided he would take. It didn't end well for school in my district. The test scores were lower. Student achievement went down. Because of this bold action that the state of Arkansas two against the Little Rock School District. So for those of you just want to know what's possibly going to happen on the other side of the state I'm your example of what could happen. Schools are going to close. Your communities will be get to suffer as a result of the. Many of you when I attempted to pass my bathroom Beals. Ole miss shepherd we support. However we cannot put mandates on private businesses. But however we are getting ready now to pass a bill what we are going to tell the professional educator in the room what they can and cannot. There was so many on answered questions in the clip in the committees when it came to educate. No one could answer the questions in regards to what critical race theory is. No one could for the answer the question at the related to teachers rights. The big elephant in the room is financially what's going to happen once we get to year three. So with that being state. In my experience with bold transformational changes that the state promised it would give to my children in the little rock school district. This state plan did not work. I think the majority of us in this room will agree there are some magnificent things in the bill. But there are some things in the bill that will hurt Arkansas is most valuable asset. Our children. Effort that we can call the. I ask of you if we could work together those areas that we don't agree on what is the rush why can't we do not work together all of the areas that we don't agree on. So I'll close we use the little rock school district as an example of what will happen with the state board planes. Thank you represent Shepherd has spoken against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. President wing you're recognized. Colleagues I appreciate. I appreciate your attention this is an exciting day in Arkansas this is a day that is is when we can look to a pivotal point when we were able to change the trajectory for the children of our state. I've always said that of the many things that we consider here in the state of Arkansas and here in this chamber we deal with a lot of topics but the topic of education is the one item that will move the needle the most for quality of life in the state of Arkansas I think most of us could probably agree on that. We have set out on a course to be able to improve the chances for our next generation now here in Arkansas we know a lot of things we know what works we also know what doesn't work and here in Arkansas we've known what hasn't worked for a long long time we have failed our agenda our children for generations. We have been in the forties and just about every ranking system since I was a boy growing up in the northern rock school district as well. And so we have an opportunity to make an improvement on that so we know what doesn't work we also know what does work I like to speak to you about the principle of individual liberty. That's been one of our founding principles since the nation began and it has worked in seventeen seventy six and every generation sense because we have put faith in the principle that when we empower the people to make decisions that are in their best interest it raises everyone because it forces us and encourages innovation and ingenuity which brings about better products and better better systems that bring better results for the people. And so that principle of individual liberty is embraced by this bill because it allows parents and children to make the choice that is best for them. And when we do that we encourage that innovation and the ingenuity that we need right here in the state of Arkansas as proven by generations of time it is time for something that can give us a lift. The best path out of poverty is a good education. The best path toward prosperity is a good education and this bill puts a squarely on that path let's put Arkansas on the path of prosperity and happiness for our children by passing this bill. President McAuliffe what purpose question you're recognized for a question representative weighing could you see that it. That by taking my tax dollars that have gone to public schools and everything and and taking those and putting them somewhere for I might not agree with how they're being spent could infringe upon my the ready and freedom. What we're doing when we are putting our tax dollars into the system we as a society have agreed that what happens then that to the next generation is important to us that's what we all collectively agree to pay those taxes whether it comes from the federal the state or local property taxes it all goes towards that purpose what we want is the best result that's why we're putting that money in for those taxes And so when we're looking at what's best for the child that gives us as the taxpayer the best return on the investment because what's best for the child the best educational outcome is what we want for our children. Thank you president wing has spoken for the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill represents Springer you're. Thank you Mr Speaker good afternoon. Colleagues. As it has been indicated I have worked with children in the state of Arkansas for meeting years more than thirty and I also have had the opportunity to work with the audible the late great John Walker who you all know well as an advocate for children here in this state. For the past thirty years I acted as an educational monitor to ensure equitable office educational opportunities for students within the state so I do have a little background about this particular subject. Also you should know that I took it upon myself to this go to the committee meetings of both the house and the Senate to listen to the testimony of parents students and administrators to when that time I made a quite a few notes so I would just like to share with you those notes that I made. But before I do that let me just say this I didn't read the bill and I immediately concluded that there was chorus of language in that bill that were unclear and ambiguous and vague these additives are clear signs of some form of discrimination or discriminatory intent. S. B. two ninety four these two clearly address adequate equitable education for every student here in Arkansas so with that being said let me just briefly tell you about some of the things that say it. Pour in risk pools as well as school districts continue to exist in the state of Arkansas. There is no research validating vouchers improve student achievement. SB two ninety four. Focuses on wealthier students in this state. SB two ninety four does not address classifications between poor and rich districts a necessary component to determine whether or not SB two ninety four addresses an adequate equitable education for all students in the state. SB two ninety four does not address the generals the symbol is constitutional duty to develop policy to provide adequate equitable educational opportunities for all children in Arkansas. S. P. to ninety four does not address the state's responsibility to provide a suitable efficient school funding system choice is what I heard funding of education is based upon choice Senate bill two ninety four does not take into account the actual expenditure wars of each of the state's schools this is a necessary component in order to determine whether or not schools will receive equitable educational funding. S. B. two ninety four does not sit for the state's responsibility to accept. Evaluate and monitor student success in early childhood race through graduation this also is a necessary determining factor in order to determine whether or not all the state has substantially afforded and end of adequate equitable education there was testimony that this process started over two years ago four is the qualitative and quantitative data from those meetings that were hailed two years ago. That also is a key component of determining whether or not the state has made his obligation under the Arkansas constitution to measure the application of the law who will be monitoring the status implementation of SB two ninety four we already know. What happens when the fox is allowed to monitor the hen house my my final point is and I ask that earlier retaining students in third grade is not the answer I'm all for making sure that students are successful because we retain students you all know many of your educators in here you all know what happens to students when they're retained in my opinion what students are going to be retained these are going to be the all of these actions are going to be taken against students who look like me again remind you that it's the state's responsibility to provide an adequate equitable education for all students in the state of Arkansas let me just quickly do the math and I asked law. Of. I ask Mr Robert Beck earlier today about how many students he thought were in each grade level and not I had estimated about thirty two thousand and he said that that was about right so if we look at third grade level only and take sixty five percent of that we're talking about twenty thousand eight hundred students that right now or not meeting of reading on grade level so how do we address that I think we heard that they were going to hire That is that going to be enough students of teachers in order to address the needs of a hundred and all of twenty thousand students. Third grade literacy results as it stands today I'm not going to be the fault of those students so in order for us to address that we have to take that into account because we had COVID that address that call some of the problems that students of facing they didn't read receive instruction that they needed so my concern as I stated earlier the pen is focused upon those students that did not receive that instruction that they need it back three years ago so why can't we address this right now is it's already been see it before we go any further. So with that being said I asked you all to please consider all these things that brought to you I brought to your attention at this time and hopefully you'll see that there's a need for us to go back and work on this and I ask that you vote no on this bill thanks represent wing for what purpose. Represent Springer is left the well represent Springer has spoken against the bill would anyone like to speak for the bill. Represent Barker you're recognized speak for the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker. I think you know I rarely come down here to speak for or against any bill period but I felt compelled to come down today is not only as a public school teacher for over thirty years but also as a parent of three students who attended public school in. I'm very. Thankful for and proud of their public school education all their teachers all the administrators everything they were given in the opportunities and activities that they were given but I'm also a grandmother. And I'm a grandmother to five children but to everyone who came to us first through adoption and he's a special needs child he is non verbal immobile to fed and precious and we can't imagine life without him. However in the fall in August he left his preschool specialized preschool and started in public school a good public school with a good rating great teachers who love him and love on him but he's regressed since August and that's not what we want. I as a child was moved from one city in south Arkansas thirty miles down the road because my parents wanted me to attend a larger school I went from a to a to a six day we had a seller home and move because that's how you did school choice at that time what we could afford to. When I married when we had kids my husband went to a small school he was very passionate wanted our children to attend a smaller school so guess what we did we sold our home and we moved from where we work to another town so they could attend a smaller school. Now that's great because we could afford it also. Our my son and his wife they will move loop our precious special needs child to wherever he needs to go with this bill passes or not because they can afford to. I would urge you to vote yes with me for all of those who at this point can't afford to. President Barker spoken for the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill represent wooden you're recognized speak against. Thank you Mr chairman. I mean first of all so I feel like boys crying in the wilderness. The date. Of electronic from the the boys climbed on the line's been. And I'm well aware of the Republican platform. I'm here to tell you today right is right and wrong is wrong and this is wrong. We hear an awful lot about. Kids will transfer water to move board to go to a different school go to a different school there is go to a private school. Let me sir two things with you through this bill. Regardless of what Mr Brooks shares with you our brand shares over in the Senate Senator Davis. Those of you who are going to vote for this you're denying money devoting money away from public education. The reason I'm speaking today is to raise. I'm thinking about the other four hundred and forty thousand kids in this study the deserve the best that we can give it to amend the state constitution says it's all responsibility it doesn't say one thing about PA Harding academy. Little rock Christian says. Our responsibility is a study in our constitution not one word is mentioned. And then the other reason I'm speaking today is because through this bill we have managed to insult. The United. Just like. Show this for every single person in this study that has anything to do with public education. And that's. I have received over a hundred and twenty five. Emails. Hello. I'm a teacher. I'm a veteran teacher. I'm a young teacher. Vote no. A phone call just a moment ago young lady and ward Arkansas. She says I'm calling for one thing I'm asking you this is your first hello hello. She said vote no. What no one to ninety four. All represent a mid level five a school and one of the larger schools in this state. And I've heard statements all through there Senate vote nobody because I was not held public education. Let me sir what's with very quickly. Any money. Any. Deferred. The general revenue impacts. Public schools. I don't care I could or how do you measure or what you're saying about. Do you have a disaster by. This will call in the fourth year of a hundred seventy eight dollars. And the very quickly added this and I'll verify this today to be sure I heard it right we hope. Not very many take advantage. We held up very many take advantage a hundred and seventy eight million dollars doesn't cut it with the. Is going to be closer to two hundred fifty to three hundred million. Eighty five percent. The member states is. Forty five percent of the people who took advantage of this in the state of Arizona. Make over eighty thousand dollars a year. We've heard a lot about special needs let me tell. My heart hurts for. I have been around autism. And I understand it wholeheartedly. But do you think these private schools are going to accept them. No a bill over in exempted issue sales and other schools for special needs. Do they need help. Yes. Okay so I'm familiar with his mother took him to children's hospital. The dentist dentist developmentally. This is what she was told. As one of the. Best programs for special needs students in this. That's a middle of a school. The point being that every teacher. Anything special that has anything to do with those children Lovell. And that's important. They're not gonna be taken to a private school Senate NO. We we. We can take our. Whatever money there's ever dollars divided diverted from. Education. The education is a dollar lost to serve them. Except. Private schools were in. I have a member of the board of directors of one of the largest private schools in this state tell me Monday. Unsolicited. I don't like this they don't like this bill. They're worried about let me tell you what. They don't want to take everybody that comes with proven by our Education Committee who voted down by a bill that required that they do that. And they fall back on capacity. We'll have to build more builders. What if we have two hundred students exile from Pulaski County too bright. You think those people down they're not going to have to build more buildings. Wave the flag and say we can take them. If they build new buildings because of this. Then those people in that school district will be paid for other students who came force them to have to build. That's what you're voting for. I don't think anyone. And we sure don't do it in public education. Has the right to deny a child. To come into their facility. I've heard from the Christian schools. I will tell you like adult Education Committee Christian schools up all are there for about general purposes. If I have someone apply who's not of their faith they also welcome that individual to come in the door. Have the opportunity. To share with them. About my savior Jesus Christ. They should not be able to tell them no we don't want you because you're of another fight. This talk about. Desegregation orders. We're heading down the path to back where we were fifty years ago. It hasn't been all that many years ago that this body had to appropriate money to pay out. The Little Rock School District and Pulaski County and North Little Rock for their indignities Davis told the bone. I know. We had those. In this bill has you right back down the same road. This is talking on what you think about. Three or four things. All right. Social and societal problems we face drug abuse. The deterioration of the family. Every single one of these. I haven't to be dealt with with our public schools the ones that we have insulted and told them they're not doing the job I'll tell you right now others will know month went by. The have a young person going to million and so the coach I in my car last night. And this is one. And they sent to me because my mom's boyfriend they got in a fight and he read me all. I went home last night and my mother and then or high on drugs or sharing with their friends. Your teacher in the classroom and you have the stub students bless their hearts some some time the only road to get from the hell they live in is when they come to the public schools because they will be loved and taken care of by the teachers by the superintendent by the assistant superintendent and we've been a little we told and they're not doing their job I'm the first to admit we need to improve. Then you won't talk about holding seventy percent of the third grade back. It's a proven fact that affects an individual's confidence in success in themselves. I'm telling you folks. And I prayed about this and I've been a committee in the. All nine. One. Coming down here today. And having to vote no. For my teacher's salary increases and I've got three in my family that are teachers and without exception. But it all for you told me you vote your conscience in Houston have you stand by our. And that's what I'm doing today. And that's what you will do for every public school teacher that you have. In your district. Dalby stampeded by the jerk reaction to an emotional issue that we know exist but we have to deal with some other way. We've got to. It's All responsibility but this is not the one. I will tell it's only athletics for just a minute because that's mine that's mine forever that's my favorite that's what I love about. Having been a football coach for twenty five years I can tell you that this legislation will destroy high school football is you know what they're state because instead of recruitment by PA in Little Rock Christians in silo one and Harding academy and others they won't have to spend a dime we're going to stand seventy four hundred dollars or maybe eight thousand depending upon what the directors to we're going to send the money and all the parent has to do is say Hey. All they've got to do is say Hey we want your son to come play football force or basketball or run track for. And then they Clausen dollar voucher over everything toward the. It is ongoing cause them to die. The thing that concerns me the bonuses about how we're running this bill shall draw them in the homes. And the helpless of the state would you tell me. Hello person who is homeless living under the I. thirty bridge with his mom and dad or just yourself how's he going to get out here on the west side of the Little Rock to another private school to take advantage of the eight thousand dollar voucher he can't get anywhere he doesn't have a car you didn't have a home he's living there's the bridge. And we're under this bill the back of those people we run the bill on the back of the. The special needs children. We ought to be approved raising more money in their service and have their needs and make it will ensure that everyone of them can go to children's hospital or some other institution. Not to a private school who may stand in the doorway we've heard a lot about that over the last sixty years and so no. We're not going to take you you're not coming in you're not going to be a part of this and folks they will do that. They will do that you mark it down if you will see the movie you will see the difference you go out here to this elementary school in west little rock you stand and you see those kids pull up those beside parallax. And I'm of the route. What you what you want to come in they fed the roll call then you go over here on the side of the Little Rock to another school and you want to pull up. No no tires on the wheels. No closed No Code. No shoes. Every school in this state has a food pantry why because our second care of their children everyone has a close the taken care of those children that are less fortunate. And I'm telling you this bill will come back to haunt you. Well I'm voting no and I hope you'll join me and stand up for what's right. For what purpose question you're recognized representative wouldn't that was a powerful testimony but I do have a couple questions would you agree that parents know what's best for their child. What would you agree that parents know what's best for their children I do. All. Why do you think two hundred kids would leave Pulaski County for Bryant I don't have any idea I just use that is in the upper let's say as far as. And they get a hundred students. I am I had to build a new building follow those limit let me back out to your other question. That is this. This bill is supposed to address seven thousand. He is the first year what about the other four hundred thirty five four hundred fifty thousand. Follows. Last fall and one last thing I want to ask you know you talked about kids leaving for recruiting for athletic purposes currently in the state right now don't doesn't the triple a have recruiting rules in place to where that can't take place not worth anything when this bill passes out you can do away with dominant success you can do away with the multiplier because it doesn't apply we've said you can take that voucher and go to that school and that's all that requires triple a is out of the ballgame. the representative thank you represent eighty question represent what. We would like to speak for the build representative. Thank you Mr Speaker. Although I'm new to this chamber membership in this body can be counted weeks as opposed to years. I want reflect for a B. and not get lost in the moment or the politics or in some instances the vitriol. During the house Education Committee presentation of SB two ninety four we heard from stakeholders in all educational capacities from every corner of our state without fail almost every person who sacrifice time energy or effort to come to little rock to let their voices be heard started with the preamble of something approximating not with I agree with seventy or eighty or ninety percent of this bill. And like most of my fellow members of house education I think that turn of phrase into somewhat of a commonality that we expected before her hearing additional information data or heartfelt stories. But I wanna take a moment to pause and reflect on that fact. And revisit the ever the evident fact that we live in hyperpartisan times were policy in politics or a zero sum game or we only exist in the binary of winning and losing or running the perfect bill. I challenge you want to think about that for one second the perfect bill. As most folks this chamber can probably agree that term is somewhat oxymoronic. We all make compromises in the way that we choose to write legislation or prioritize policy or manage the politics of the day. But in the world outside these walls in a day and age we can choose the best path for our constituents and for all Arkansans we must do better. I said this in committee and I do believe this I believe that this bill does achieve compromise. In our current world education where children are under underperforming parents are marginalized our teachers are underpaid our administrators are felt on empowered in our school scored the school boards feel left in the dark we can do better and we must do better. I believe that seventy percent good or eighty percent good or ninety percent good is good. I believe that we all agree that what we are currently doing is not working. We must and we must and I absolutely must do everything in our power to improve our student outcomes for future generations of our Kansans and so that they can flourish. With that I thank you for your time and attention I encourage good vote on SB two ninety four percent McKenzie spoken for the building would like to speak against the bill. President Duke you're recognized speak against the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker I don't know this exactly accurate to say that I'm speaking against the bill I asked if there was an option to speak on the bill and I was given that is not currently not an option but I tried. Like representative can do said there's a lot that I like about this bill. A lot that I like piece of this bill that a lot of people have even really discussed from the perspective of a public school and. But. Well I would wanna going to say that school choice is a piece that I like about this bill I like it a lot as well. But I have people back home and myself included that have a lot of concerns about this bill they were kind of wrap it up in three. One is. The scope. And the the way and the process and how this bill has moved forward the other one that they've expressed to me a lot from my district and I also share is the speed in which the card and I get that people disagree on this that's fine I mean that's what this is supposed to be about but the third one that has been one of the hardest ones for me to get past was the financial piece the financial piece on what is going to the local school districts and what it could do to the state in the years to come. Those are the hurdles and what I would like to say is. For me to vote yes on this bill. We go against everything that I stood for. Before I came down here. And part of the reason why people sent me here because of those questions. I'm here to be the voices District twelve. And most of my people felt the same way there were some that did not but those people's voices who felt that way with those concerns need to be heard two. And that's why I'm down here speaking. When this bill passes as I'm confident is going to pass. I will do everything in my ability to make it a success as I firmly believe the people in district twelve will do as well because we have to we cannot fail it has to be a. At the end of the day. This is how I team access and this is how our team works. And I'm gonna do everything I can to help support this. Because I'm team Arkansas. Them to spoken against the building would like to speak for the bill represents Charlene Fite recognized speak for the bill. Good afternoon. I am a public school educator. I am the child of a public school educator my mom started college at age thirty seven and became one of the first reading specialist in this state I'm very proud of that my sister my sister in law and my nieces are all teachers my dad was a bus driver. Change is never easy and change in something as big as education is especially not easy my pastor was just here earlier and I think you would agree with you that there is a very good book called the seven last words of the church which are we've never done it that way before. It's also true an education. We need change it's time for it we have a chance to do it in my area we are blessed with excellent public schools but my responsibility is not only to the children of my district my responsibility is to all of the children and this great state and I want them to have the opportunity to have what the children in my district have so let's do that I'll be voting yes represent fight but is speak spoke for the building would like to speak against the bill represent garner your. Thank you Mr Speaker thank you colleagues. Anyone who's visited with me for longer than a couple of seconds knows my passion for early childhood and the early childhood to. But many of you may not know that I come to that passion for education for early education through healthcare. So most of my family our K. twelve public school educators I chose health education as a nurse practitioner. My field of study in clinical practice Fortner psychology which is brain development and function and photo learn biology oncology we just had neck cancer. Even though I've retired from clinical practice I try to keep up with the newest therapies through my husband and son who are both on colleges. They're blessed to work in a large highly successful practice that partners with UAMS and the national Cancer Institute to make certain that their patients receive the most up to date effective therapies. Our patients lives depend on it. So what does this have to do with the law. Justice each of our cancer patients every single child deserves our best efforts in utilizing the most effective strategies when dealing with one of the most crucial determinants of their futures. With the passage of this bill we will implement one of the largest clinical trials affecting our children's lives. But instead of choosing a treatment plan using evidence based research with positive results we're opting for one with zero statistical significance in improving overall student success. Over twenty years of academic peer reviewed data show vouchers don't work unless we're trying to start accountability and transparency undermine the public school's or find discrimination. Our constitution demands and our students deserve the most effective and equitable education. But proven approaches to learning strategies. And we know through research three years of research what works early childhood development zero to three. Universal pre K. after school and summer reading programs and wraparound services for their social determinants of health. This bill is not the answer. I hope you will look past the politics into your hearts and vote for our students and against this bill. We can and must do better than this for our children. Their lives depend on. Well hello colleagues I was going to give up here and give a resume my family and how many educators we have in our family but I can't hold up to some of you. What it tells me is we have a room full of people. That has the education profession very well represented. And I want to want to say thank you to all of those have been a part of the process. I each one of us has received many emails Tax phone calls Facebook messages I do not think that it would be an exaggeration that collectively we have really received thousands my district has spoken to me very loudly and very clearly. I am not on the Education Committee. But boy did I get to find out how you can watch videos on arctic. Hours and hours of video. I don't want to say this the superintendents that I know the principles I know the teachers that I know the teacher aides that I know that many people that I know all love their kids they have a passion for teaching a passion for education they're good hard working people who want what's best for their students. And my district I represent schools that got some good grades some schools that are still trying to recover from covid. But when there is change. I just know from experience any time there's change in I'm not the one initiating the change I'm uncomfortable. It's hard I would have an answer questions I would have the fear of uncertainty. But yet we cannot let the fear of uncertainty hold us to the past. This week I was listening to those. I Mark community and across the state to speak for against. One particular German from Little Rock stood out to me. He pointed out that legislation could not fix unengaged students. Or unengaged parents. They can't. That is a huge issue. But later he said in action gets us nowhere. So doing nothing is not the answer. There are many reports and I haven't heard this mentioned yet and I'm sure you're about to Google what I'm going to say. There are many reports that sees the United States no longer top tier nation the comes to reading math and science. You can we all know if you find one report says one thing you can find another report to refute that report but if you look at the composite of the reports internationally the United States is no longer a top tier nation in reading math and science. Why Senate. Yes we look at every child individually in their special needs their individual needs their spouse their desires. But we are forming the future. We are also forming. I future work force that can lead the return of the United States and educational prosperity health care science and hopefully we can even in the future by more and more products that were created and designed and made in the United States. I heard the word blue pants print earlier. As a young adult I spent ten years doing electrical work and one of my pet peeves was the great architects and engineers that would work so hard to design a beautiful building and we give me a blueprint that made absolutely no sense. And yet we will go out to the job and start working on the job trying to make sure we had everything working according to the blueprints and sometimes the pictures looked fuzzy and you would be on the phone with the engineer getting a clarification with this and you were trying to figure this problem out in this kind of problem trying to make sure everything would work together but you had to work as a team. I do believe in our educators I believe in our legislators that we can't get details worked out to the chief what is best for children. Last session I stood right here. And I got a little bit upset a little bit passion. Because sometimes we make our educational system about the system an institution and we forget that it's about the child. It's about the future of the child education is about the child in about the teacher then everything else comes in behind it. They're going to be many questions in the future the future months they're they're they're going to be some frustrating times there but there's going to be success story. Just like the builders I used to have to work with with architects and engineers let's go to work for children let's make our good schools better let's help for struggling schools and let's help teachers make better wages. As we start this journey. Let's work for the common goal of what is best for our children. They deserve it. They need us. Regardless if we're in a school that would see very little change in the next few years or school that would see many changes or choosing another school it's about the children it's about their ability to compete in a world market place it's about them providing for their family and children. Summerfield for what will happen to rule schools. And real communities. I'm a product of a public school in a rural community. Would not trade it for anything. A real communities the schools are much more than just. Education. They're the identity of the community. They're the heart of the community it's not just academics it's about community pride it's the community center the school is often the largest park near the largest employer in the area if you live in my area you're known as a leopard panther of Beaver cardinal a minor Lionel warrior NET. Because we're proud of our communities. So I am very careful when I listen. And I remember the faces of the children of a seat events that's the community in a C. families together R. C. O. Sunday morning. And I do not want to do anything that harms those children I do not want to do anything that will hold him back academically. Making them disadvantage to those who but will they will compete with other jobs with people who had better opportunities in education. Questions yeah some questions. But I don't want to be the one who had the opportunity to give a child an option an education that best fits them says no you can't have it right now. In my district I do not hear a lot of complaints about academics we have concerns about student behavior discipline. We love and appreciate our schools our educators. My district I really haven't heard any one wanting to do away with any school they just want to make it better they just want choices. Voting for learned is not a vote against educators or against public schools it is a vote saying it is time to move forward. To keep the good. Work on the broken thank you parents for choice. What I've heard from my constituents is we want more choices without some of the current limitations and on that issue they have spoken loudly. Clearly and in large numbers. Because doing nothing is the wrong answer. I'm going to keep my eye on wavering support from a public schools in my district. The educators administrators and all also support the parents who for whatever reason want to make it. A decision to utilize choice that's best for their child or they feel best for their child so when we vote let's remember the debate. But let's move forward and giving parents a choice let's work to make Arkansas great in education let's do our part to make sure every child can have an opportunity to receive a quality education because doing nothing is the wrong answer and I would appreciate a good vote representative Holcomb for what purpose. That's your motion immediate consideration. That's proper motion it's not debatable. All in favor say aye. Any opposed. Does have a. Representative for. Representative McClure is spoken for the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill represents flowers you're recognized speak against the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker. Many of you know that we. At a marathon. Committee meeting the other night and heard from. People all over the state almost a hundred people signed up to speak I miss my Committee dinner. And and it was well worth it because The people that we heard from. That day are the people who we need to be listening to. Not. The second floor. And I mean any statewide elected official we have three branches of this government. And we are legislators in the legislative body sent here by our constituents to represent their interests to vote for them. So I will start. By saying that it is not an exciting day for everyone. For many of the people that we heard from concerned about what will happen to their schools. What will happen to their communities. What will happen to their educators. What what will happen to our children. It's not an exciting day. Throngs of public school teachers. Spoke to us in committee and implored us. Despite the raids. To vote against this bill. They spoke to us because although it was not it's not a perfect bill and by the way no bill is. And they did not stand up and ask us to wait for a perfect bill they were very specific about their concerns. Most of the parents who spoke for the bill. And teachers and administrators who spoke for the bill spoke very specifically about special education. I want to say I heard two maybe three people who spoke for the bill. And didn't say one thing about special education which to me says. But this is something that we should be focused on but this bill does not adequately address special education. No one has asked for perfection. And while this bill has been. Described. AS one in which. People from all sides and from education and from across the aisle and from the delta have participated in or have been heard from being heard from is very different than being at the table and crafting legislation working together to address issues and concerns and those unintentional consequences those unintended problems and issues that we see in bills as a part of this process and we come back. And we provide amendments. We make suggestions we make changes often times people get in the well I say I never come here but I I I got a chance to speak with my colleague I never come to the well and I want to thank my colleague for listening to me and making an amendment that might affect my district or might affect something or someone who might not have been considered. We didn't have that opportunity. It hasn't even been two weeks since the bill has been fine. We have an opportunity you ought to do that and so I don't know that this is a compromise bill in the spirit and by definition that we have understood it for other bills that have come through this. Body. With this class or at. What I do know. Is that this bill compromises. Aspects of our state and people in our state that we don't want compromised. It was compromised in this bill. D. and F. schools are for sure compromise. I heard that this is a public education bill. Do you have schools are not provided. Any additional resources or care finding programming. As a matter of fact there are disparities there further mandates and disparities placed on those the enough schools and then when the threat. Comes for them to be taken over which is very likely now. Because we know by the history including in my district. That the state does not have the capacity to take over any district and make it better it's never done it. Every single district that has been taken over. Has come out worse. So what we do in this bill. We say we will incentivize you and we'll give you some funds not all of them. Even though you might be in fiscal distress will give you a little money so we don't have the full which you. And then you can what. Wait for it. You can. Consult with the charter school. The school has to be at least a C. grade. But again another dispiriting. See public schools. Don't have the benefit. Of being considered to consult with anyone. See charter schools I me see public schools have to prove that they're worthy. Of maybe becoming a bill one day. Our rural schools. Certainly well schools with the N. F. grades but even if they don't have enough grade we have great incentives in this bill. Like the maternity leave incentive. But in order to take advantage of those funds you have to provide a fifty percent match. Do you think our rural schools that are already having trouble. Recruiting teachers are going to be able to provide that the person match and when they don't do you think they're going to be able to adequately compete against other schools in the school choice environment they will not. And let's talk about what will happen to those. The end of schools. Those rural schools really all the schools. Because the freedom Fund. Which will provide dollars. Two one point five percent. Will. Grow to three percent in the second year. But in the third year. Everybody in this state. Is eligible for those funds. Now I need everyone in this room to know I voted for the success vouchers twice. So I'm not an anti voucher on its face just because it's about. But what we know is that without any caps. Except maybe by the cap. Of the budget. When and we're telling people that this is going to provide parental choice. What is going to stop the legislature from being pressured. To take money from existing public schools would you say we're not doing that we're not and we're maybe we're not doing it now. Directly. But certainly by priority we are. But what's going to happen when these parents were telling them they have all the choice in the world now. And we have these funds where if they want. They can send their kids to a private school which may or may not exist in their community. They can home school their kids. Which requires a process for sure. But I want everyone in this room to know that in Arizona. That was estimated to cost thirty million dollars. It cost three hundred million dollars. In Arizona. And they're still asking for more money. This verities. These barriers for public schools. Do not make this bill. A public school bill. It further. Challenges our already challenged public schools. It puts us in harm's way those schools that are doing okay and those that are doing well. You have to ask yourself why not create. Some sort of cap. If we want to protect our schools. Why not doing. Where did that one point five in that three percent come from. I talked to Mr back he told me he can tell me about the money but he didn't know where that came from because it's arbitrary. How do you go from one point five percent to three percent to one hundred percent eligibility. And how in the world do you think that with one hundred percent eligibility and no caps that that is not going to affect our schools. Anyone who thinks that this is going to be of benefit. To minority schools to the delta it will not. And the disparities that have existed for years that have affected our schools. That is close our schools. This will not help us. But I guarantee you one thing. Whatever hurts us. Will hurt all other schools in this case. I talked the other day about the success narrative that is missing when we talk about our public schools. I was around. During the late decision working as staff right here. I heard I'm attended the meetings I help staff meetings. And I know. That activity was long lasting it included the public it included educators. And then there was a Blue Ribbon commission and their recommendations there were recommendations that were heard that were addressed and implemented and format wall because everybody has been here a long time you don't know this from that we saw improvement. We went from forty nine to forty two nobody's telling you that. We were number one and improvement in pre K.. And then. We started spending less than adequacy. And then. We started going the demonisation of public schools and our teachers. Teachers are not in this for the money. Teachers who spend their own money. On school supplies. And to help raise and take care of other people's kids were not being taken care of. All this bill is rife with double standards. It does nothing to support our children and the public schools across the board. Literacy programming starts out as a pilot that's not going to help my school it's not going to help many of your rural schools. While they compete with schools who will take advantage. Of the maternity leave. Benefit and straw teachers to that school. While other schools are left behind. Wondering how they can recruit. Good strong teachers. I want to make a couple of last points and then I'm gonna sit down. I have several questions. About the home school component because while a lot of these measures that are contained in our bill. That we are discussing today. Have been addressed and proposed in other states. In states like Idaho. Perhaps more conservative in the state of Arkansas they said no. Supermajority Republican state of Idaho said knowing you know why. They were concerned about accountability. And they were concerned. About the budget and the cost. You heard my colleague. Representative Shepherd talk about basically. How this bold action that was promised turn the Little Rock School District. Into an experiment of sorts I sort of Petri dish. I don't know that that's what you want for your communities in your school. The Bill. Mandates. That the state board of Education shall promulgate rules. To effectively and efficiently administer the Arkansas children's educational freedom account program. Including without limitation the awarding of funds to participating students. Most of the language in this bill supports emboldens and strengthens. Private school. Supplementing the funding. And charter schools. This is not a public. Education bill we can do better. And if we don't do better now we will certainly be forced to do better later. This is standards that have been proven or simple. We pay our teachers we find pre K. after school and summer we find adequacy we overhaul specialties programs in public schools and we address poverty we know that works. I ask you to please vote no represent flowers spoken against the bill we would like to speak for the bill. Represent right you're recognized speak for the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker in the words of the great philosopher Roy Ragland everything's been said but not everybody Senate. I want to I want to commend my good friend representative Brooks and senator Davis for their diligence on this bill for their patients and for their courage and determination in pushing it forward and also want to commend our governor governor Sanders for doing what we expect of our leaders and that is to cast a bold vision for the future vision that takes us to a better place tomorrow then where we are today. And what she's proposed here is bald it is transformative it's not nibbling around the edges. It's not interested in the hundred year plan. Because we're all going to be dead in a hundred years. The question we have to answer is what are we going to do today to solve the challenges we face today. This bill is a massive investment in public education. It is a massive investment in the teaching profession. But if if money alone we're going to solve our problems that are education problems would've been solved long ago along with our health care problems are all along with our crime problems and all the other problems that ails society. It's easy on I want to talk about the teacher pay the starting teacher pay component for second because it's easy to forget how we got here in two thousand eight when governor Beebe took office the starting teacher salary in Arkansas was twenty nine thousand two hundred and forty four dollars. And it stayed that way in two thousand eight two thousand nine two thousand ten two thousand eleven two thousand twelve two thousand thirteen two thousand fourteen in two thousand fifteen. At twenty nine thousand two hundred forty four dollars. The ship started to turn when governor Hutchinson worked with this legislature. To start gradually raising teacher pay over the course of the next eight years to get it where it is today thirty six thousand dollars. It was raised twenty three percent over the last eight years. But this bill would take us to among the top five in the nation for starting teacher salary. And when you factor in the cost of living it would make us I believe the number one state in the country for starting teacher salary. And for the good part of last year when we debated this issue I know I receive hundreds if not thousands of emails making the point. That the starting teacher salary was. The categorical imperative in this debate that had to be addressed that it was becoming difficult more and more difficult to attract attract qualified people into the teaching profession. And this bill is going to be a game changer in that regard. Or someone in. Marianna are Pocahontas who's thinking about going into the teaching profession in their community they can do that and know that they'll earn a salary in a way that can help provide for their family. And when it comes to giving parents a choice we've had this debate over and over. But some of the rhetoric that we hear on this topic is just so over the top what in the world is so terrible. About parents getting to choose the school where their children attend and allowing the tax dollars to follow the student to that school. Do we honestly think that the politicians and the government we're going to do a better job allocating those resources then the parents well. We keep hearing that the public money should not go to private institutions that would certainly be news to anyone who's ever received a Pell grant or GI bill. Or used food stamps or with our Medicaid or section eight. The idea that we're not gonna have. High school football anymore if school choice passes. That's just not reality. Their school choice programs in schools all across this country. And last time I checked we have no shortage of football in America. For my son Williams and my daughter Charlotte. I'm a lot more concerned about whether they're going to learn to read then if they're going to catch a pass. The school their school choice in states all across this country. Where parents are empowered to choose where and how their children are educated. And there's not a single state in this country where the doomsday scenarios that they pay with the opponents pay has come to fruition. At least with tax cuts they have Kansas to kick around. But will school choice there's no state where these doomsday scenarios that come to fruition this is a bill. That puts people over politics that puts schools are those that put students over systems and that's why I'm yes represent ray has spoken for the building would like to speak against the bill represent a call you're recognized speak against the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker I'll start with question. Why did you work with us on this bill I was encouraged by the word used over and over collaboration collaboration and open dialogue was not my experience during this rush process. You know we all want what's best for children in our schools. Asaram is defined not only my career as a teacher but who I am as a person I miss teaching and coaching I know what it means to fight to save the school district I can list a hundred things are public schools need right now to help our kids thrive I sincerely commend Education chair eleven and the committee for listening for public testimony for seven hours. But there is a difference between allowing teachers to speak but still not consulting with or really hearing them not even this one here in the legislature speak to you right now. I care more about helping teachers and students than I do about political affiliation and many of you knew that when this bill was getting drafted. But no one chose to reach out to work with me or anyone in our caucus. This bill is not right for Arkansas this bill will not unlock success for kids who struggle it doesn't address poverty hunger early childhood education it ignores proven solutions that Arkansas used to be a leader in like pre K.. Along with our Senate colleagues we sent thoughtful amendments to representative Brooks for consideration not everyone is reflected in the amendment here today And somewhere just technical corrections that were ignored. Is this how we make our laws now. Behind closed doors weeks of delays fights with educators on social media. I understand we have a new governor with new plans but why is this body changing how we have made laws education policy for entire history. Expert after expert tells us the truth this bill will dismantle and the fund our public school system it will threaten our school districts. It purports benefits it's purported benefits will not reach your students in greatest need. It tells teachers you can have your overdue raise but we will we can your workplace protections and devalue your experience that's a slap in the face to educators as is calling them liars I know you're superintendents and teachers are telling you the same I know many of you worried. I know the pressure of having a new leader must be tough so I urge you not to make a mistake with your vote I believe this will be the wrong path for state's future if this bill is passed I would have told you this before we got this far I taught nearly every type of school district in Arkansas for over three decades public private rule urban small medium and large coed and all girls and in every quadrant geographically in our state. I want our private schools to thrive I wonder home schoolers to be leaders. I want our children with special needs to have all their needs met. But this bill won't do that it jeopardizes our public schools with an unproven voucher scheme that hasn't worked any where ever and outweighs any good intentions that might exist R. G. to vote no semicolons spoken against the bill would represent Pilkington for what purpose the motion let's hear motion motion for immediate consideration that's proper motion it's not debatable all in favor say aye. Any opposed. You guys have it. C. five hands. Repair the machine were voting on the motion FOR immediate consideration. Per machine madam Clark. Everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast up the ballot madam Clark. By a vote of sixty three days and twenty eight days the motion passed. The question before the House is the passage of Senate bill two ninety four we do have two pairs on the desk. Representative Stephen Meeks votes yes represent Vivian flowers votes no. Representative a witness by representative Brian Evans represent flowers is the president member. There any procedural objections to this pair. Please do not vote either of these two voting machine. Representative Brian rose votes yes. Representative mark Perry votes no. Witnessed by representive Underwood represent Perry is the president member are there any procedural objections this pair. Please do not vote either of these two voting machines. Per the machine madam Clark. Voting on the bill. And the emergency clause has everyone voted. As everyone voted. Cast up the ballot. Madam Clark by a vote of seventy eight yeas twenty one days and everyone present the motion I mean the bill an emergency clause half past. Madam Clark please read house bill fourteen ninety nine. Has the fourteen ninety nine representative Pilkington to execute and feasible study on the development of Arkansas spaceport. President will continue recognized to explain the bill. I just really want to get to my bill. I'm getting a little levity is probably what we need right now ladies and gentleman today president to House Bill fourteen ninety nine which is to add the framework to do a feasibility study on the spaceport now would be very clear this is not any money is just putting in language to allow us to do the feasibility if the money becomes available so you may be asking what is a spaceport why do we need it we'll just like with seaports and airports space is the next frontier they're already about thirteen other space ports in the United States scattered across the south of the United States in Arkansas is actually a prime location to happen or central location the United States makes an ideal location for launching satellites and other space missions secondly or location easily provides access to both coasts which can facilitate launches in need direction and secondly are relatively low population density compared to other state makes an ideal location for space launches so are actually using one of our weaknesses to become a string The reason why we went to a feasibility study is because obviously what we do believe it's an ideal spot to do spaceport we just wanna make sure that before the state goes and spends money or creates private partnerships that that's feasible and makes sense and is something that can we can grow potentially we've we believe that a space where it generates a sixteen hundred jobs and generate up to a hundred million dollars in economic impact according to the FFA and that's what we want to make sure is true for Arkansas as well with that I ask forget that thank you president Dalby represent represent all before purpose mission you're recognized I'm sorry I missed hearing how much is this feasibility study gonna cost and where's the money coming from sure there's an appropriation at centerpoint has when I talked to him yesterday on the actual cost of the feasibility study it's about nine hundred thousand is is put his estimate like I said this doesn't have any funding in it the language access as if funding becomes available so we other that appropriation passes which will vote on later or for some reason there's federal grants or things like that that go for their authorized to go ahead and make this a feasibility study thank you. President bill Clinton's explain the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. We would like to speak for the bill. Pilkington is closed for the bill the question before the House is the passage of house bill fourteen ninety nine per machine ma'am Clerk. As everyone voted. Has everyone voted. Cast a ballot madam Clerk by a vote of eighty nine yeas three nays and to present. The bill is passed man Clark please read house bill fourteen forty one. House Bill fourteen forty one by representative shows to restrict the use by a political subdivision of competitive bidding for medical emergency medical and ambulance services. The president feels recognized explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker. Hello colleagues after the day we've had so far I believe I can actually say this is a very simple bill Basically what this is. This came from the county judges. Currently if a county seeks bids. For an ambulance service. For a doctor to take care of the in my. I have to go by lowest bid. If they seek. Legal financial advisory architectural engineering construction management or land surveying. It's a different process their questions or if you and I go through it that way all this bill does is it seeks to take those medical. Things. Take it off of lowest bidder. And instead we go through an RFQ process to select someone with the most qualified. With that I take any questions. Thing not appreciate a good vote represent shields it's plain the building would like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. President Schulz is close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of house bill fourteen forty one per machine man Clerk. Is everyone voted. As everyone voted. Casts up the ballot madam Clerk. By a vote of ninety five Yeas zero nine zero present the bill has passed Manford please read house bill. That's the fourteen eighty by representative back right to amend the Arkansas law concerning the membership of the delta cultural center policy advisory board. Represent McElroy you're recognized explain the bill. Thank you Mr Speaker. This bill is a local bill and Helen of the delta cultural center advisory board call for two board members to be appointed from the. Main street Helena group that organization no longer functions makes it hard to get a quorum I appreciate a good vote I would vote is bill it wouldn't do it thank. Represent McElroy has explained the bill would anyone like to speak against the bill. Would anyone like to speak for the bill. Represent McElroy is close for the bill the question before the House is the passage of house bill fourteen eighty two prepared machine madam Clerk. Everyone voted has everyone voted. Asked up the ballot madam Clerk by the vote of ninety two yeas one nine zero present the bill is passed represent eleven for what purpose. Motion that's your motion after the announcements reading of bills transferring the bill's place the calendars on the desk members amending their own bills with their own amendments members withdrawing their bills finalizing resolutions reading communications any remaining committee reports I move that we adjourn until one thirty on Monday that's a proper motion it's not debatable all in favor say aye. Any opposed. The ayes have it. Any announcements represent hawk for what purpose point of personal privilege you're recognized for your point of personal privilege. Okay thank you Mr Speaker I know today's been a day but up real quick I know last night was saw one that we did not expect in our basketball game there's a lot of high hopes on me but all is not lost. Because last night there was one member in this chamber that brought home a victory for the House and if I could at this time I have representative Jamie Scott come to the well. So. Last night at the basketball game we've had a Dodge ball game at the house and it came down between Jamie Scott and repertoire of governor Sanders on hot Sanders and they took on three senators. And we're able to pull out the win so with that I created a certificate of recognition for representative Jamie Scott as well as the son of governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders as you building have going for. I plan to take on the role we're going to be a team across this country. Represent Wooten for what purpose one of personal proof. You're recognized for your point of personal privilege I just want the record to reflect. Representative Roy the withdrawal I didn't say it would hear the football Senate were destroyed football as we know it thank you. Any other any other announcements representative Warren for what purpose. There will be no public retirement Monday morning. You represent wing for what purpose. Announcmenet you're recognized House Management meets upon adjournment room one thirty eight just about ten minutes from now any other announcements representative Joe we Kerr. Represent McElroy for what purpose a point of personal privilege. Hey you're recognized for. Colleagues I just want to recognize our basketball team last night although I. And in the cheering squad was wonderful last night and I made up a chair to make you feel a little bit better although the outcome was kind of sad. And we know you need to hook just remember sometimes you're the windshield and sometimes you're to vote. Any any other announcements. The desk will remain open as needed for the reading of bills. Reps represent Richmond. For personal privilege. You're recognized for. Thank you Mr Speaker I was happy to see the enthusiasm that you embrace my point of personal privilege. That's okay I just there's a couple things need to be. Considered about last night's ballgame. As I know that we had. Two guys they gave everything they had. And end up being injured. That's because hustle. Now the Senate had absolutely no chance. Of anybody being injured unless they bit their tongue while eating popcorn sitting on the bench. But that doesn't matter. The other thing is when you consider the Senate one. But no senators beat us. That it was the governor's staff that one. That me being almost sixty seven year old play an twenty year old folks when I was a challenge. I can only cake keep up long enough to found just a few times in my normal five fast. The final thing is about this whole situation is is that when and Jack Ladyman brought this to my attention and I thought about this is that when you take and you consider how many points Senators actually scored during that game. The House was victorious. Any other announcements if not the desk will remain open as needed for the receipt for for the reading of the bills and upon completion The Addams named in the joint resolution the house will be adjourned until