Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC)

So Legislative Council to order real quick a more recognized my co chair. Thank you Mr chairman like to welcome Our Hillman with Mitchell Williams Clark's and and interns here today with the Arkansas commitment program summer interns we have thanks for here so if you would stand up let's give them a round of applause. Thank you all for ten. So if that first things first representative Ladyman will recognize you for the opening prayer. Lord we we thank you for our state of the art thank you for allowing us to live in this wonderful state. Today I ask that you would give us wisdom and in the decisions that we make that it might be the best decision for all Arkansans thank you again for the things that you do life that we have asked these things in Jesus Christ. A man. Senator Elliot you have a. Yes ma'am. You're recognized. Thank you Mr chair I just want to take the opportunity because we don't see them very much to welcome our teachers here today and support personnel. We don't work I did we don't we don't get the opportunity thank you very much and certainly not as a collective and I know you're about to go back to doing what you what I did so much all during the pandemic and when we get the opportunity I want to say thanks to everybody who make makes our schools run and that's teachers all educators including support personnel so thank you all for being here today. Thank you senator and also thank you teachers for everything you guys do with that I need a motion for the minutes from June June seventeenth. Okay I have a motion and second all those in favor say aye. All opposed us have it missive a past with that Mr Kevin Anderson but the revenue report. Mr. Thank you Mr chairman Kevin Anderson Behr of Legislative Research we're looking at item D. this is the Arkansas revenue report for June I know there's a lot on the agenda so here's a high level summary when you compare fiscal year twenty two with general revenue collections the fiscal year twenty one you'll see gross general revenue collections end of year. Increased to six hundred and fifty two million or eight percent above the eight billion last year. Net general revenues those revenues available for distribution increased thirty eight point four million or five point two percent from the seven hundred forty point six million available for distribution in June of twenty twenty one. You'll see at the bottom of page one there nine to nine point two percent increase the net available for distribution. Mr chairman on page two you'll see the deviation of the collections from forecast in June we were hundred fifty four point seven million above forecast that forecast included a surplus of one point seven billion so when you add those two together that got us to the one point six you've been hearing about and after. All of the deductions we have one point three billion surplus. Chairman I'm happy to try to take any questions we have a couple questions Senate just feel you're recognized. All. Okay Senator Hendren are you pushing her buttons now I was. I mean I've been accused. All right thank you Mr chairman so couple questions first one is when I look at the General revenues I. see the increase that you mentioned of about six hundred million. so where's the other billion that we're talking about is billion six basically in terms coming from. The that that's our total general revenue that we have collected above what's in our state. But what what is distributed in our state that the collections that. The increase is been in sales tax and income taxes brawler increases came from okay but I guess what I'm trying to I know we're gonna talk later about some one time money from the federal dollars and come down for COVID relief and so on that's not any of that's and reflected in here all of this is potentially recurring dollars correct. Yes Sir Not withstanding any changes to our income tax collections that being discussed for the special session yes they are recurring dollars yeah and the okay I appreciate that and then on page three the other one number that I got a question about I know it was a hard year for everybody but liquor permits went from nine hundred sixty nine million to one point six billion it was our some increase in the fees or why set up sixty five percent. I'll have to research that I don't have an answer for you okay people drinking more during cold I guess so. Okay all right. Thank you. Representative makes you're recognized. Thank you Mr. Let us keep order in room please. Ask you to put on your crystal ball here a little bit Mr Anderson the record surpluses that we've been having month over month are those surplus is expected to continue or as long as inflation does or will we start to see the these huge surpluses begin a wine and and level back off closer what our budget expectations are. Well one thing that will affect it is if we do make changes during a special session to the income tax collections obviously that's again most of the experts that I reader saying they're talking about a recession within two years and that would obviously affect this so if that recession does come to fruition as everyone expects what will I do the surpluses that were saying now that get us closer back to budget or will we start actually being below forecast yeah and I had again I'm asking you to speculate here I understand this or what we have it's obvious we have a lot of room the difference twenty collections and what we have allocated in revenue stabilization if you have a four percent growth of five percent growth in revenue stabilization and we we have a we have a big hit for recession. You know we have that one point six billion dollar wiggle room. And there yes Sir and that's a that's part of the reason I think a lot of people feel like we can absorb. Moving for these income tax reductions thank you thank you Mr. Senator Elliot you're recognized. Thank you. Your mention out of liquor store just made me think about COVID in the money that people people got the covered money they spent it they paid taxes when they spent that money to us and did they not. Yes yes ma'am and obviously that is reflected in the purchases that they're making that money yes generator fees part of the reason we we're here it's not is this is money we got from the federal government that we spent at the local level local and state level yes ma'am and as we move forward and we do have the one point six billion that you mentioned it is a practice historically that we make decisions over the years it for such over the years in real time current and we pay attention to the revenue stabilization act of the legislature has to determine priorities yes does it not yes ma'am all right thank you. Representable you're recognized. Thank you Mr Mr Anderson do you do you have any number of is is how much inflation since January has contributed to the surplus and. A dollar amount relative to what covid perhaps funding has contributed to the increase of the surplus. A representative I'm sorry I have I haven't broken anything down like that to look at the effect of Covin percentages that something I could definitely do for you Sir I don't have any that okay thank you thank you Mr. Thank you see in no further discussion thank you Mystras with that we'll move on to my co chair Senator Rice for the executive subcommittee report. Thank you Mr members on June twenty fourth executive subcommittee exercises statute. Secretary of statutory authority to approve an emergency rule in writing for the department of agriculture regarding avian influenza and that review and approval was reported to all you'll see members the subcommittee met on Wednesday July twentieth and reviewed and approved three emergency rules for DHS a EDC and the FAA office of government intern governmental affairs approval of the merger rules reported to all eight members of a LC and the review and approval of those emerge rules will be effective upon adjournment of today's A. L. C. meeting in addition the subcommittee heard from the Siegel group regarding its proposal in response to the employee health benefits actuarial consulting service R. F. P. that was issued by the bureau in may the subcommittee authorize the bureau to enter into negotiations with single for a contract to provide the actuarial services and that the contract be brought to the A. L. C. policy making subcommittee at its August meeting Mister I move for adoption report. Proper motion drive second. I have a second all those in favor say aye. All oppose ayes have it up to report is adopted with that we'll move on to Mr Rolle Senator Hammer you're recognized. Thank you Mr okay the administrative rule subcommittee met on Wednesday July twenty as the subcommittee adopted reports and executive subcommittee concerning its approval of merge the rules subcommittee received agency updates and I'll stand rulemaking personal representative ACT five ninety five of twenty twenty one following motion by representative Wardlaw one update on by the Department transformation church services were referred to Legislative Council on September however is my understand the representative Wardlaw has clarified that he is okay with the update going to administrative role subcommittee subcommittee file the July report for the July. Monthly written updates pursuant to act five ninety five subcommittee also reviewed and agency rules recommending an expedited process for occupational licensing pursuant to act one thirty five a twenty twenty one all rules were reviewed and approved move for the adoption to the report was chairman. That's proper motion to a second I have a second Senator English all those in favor say aye opposed ayes have it. With that we'll go to the peer report representative gray you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair the pure Committee subcommittee met on Tuesday July nineteenth the subcommittee received reports reviewed items and approved requests for appropriation increases and fund transfers three items in the report are held by the subcommittee item F. one a rainy day fund transfer for Arkansas rehabilitation services Adamjee three a restricted reserve fund transfer for the department of the military and item H. for cash appropriation for the Division of heritage two items required follow up information those handouts are at your desk the first is a schedule showing the H. as funding allocations to senior citizen centers they'll be distributed within two weeks after today's approval the next is a letter from energy and environment explaining liability insurance coverage for contractors of the weatherization assistance program and a map showing proposed distributions over the next five years. In item L. five the report also includes a recommendation that council expunge the vote by which item B. two in in the June seventeen peer subcommittee report was approved this item was a five hundred million dollar American rescue plan appropriation for the department of education I move adoption of the report with the exception of item L. five which will be taken up separately. That's proper motion how does and favors our second. I have a second representative Lowery I'm sorry you got a question on that report yes I do what what is the status of the three held items is it being held over to the next for your meeting or are we going to take it up as the full LC. Typically the rules are today hold on to the next meeting unless there's a motion made to release those items and I haven't had that type motion or I haven't had that type requests from the chair's appears so I would say that they're held to next month okay but any member could make a motion to. To release that you can okay well I I do I do that I make a motion to substitute motion to her motion I guess it be a substitute motion that we adopt the they held items as well and I know there's an entity's National Guard and in different department of parks they're waiting on this this grant money and sorry you know been allocated in so yeah my substitution motion that we would be that we would also adopt as part of the review those three held items. Okay discussion on the motion of discussion a lot of discussion Sir Dismang your representative you're recognized first thank you Mr chairman and it in on those three items we were awaiting additional information or just a little bit of clarification what was happening I do realize that we have a member that's mated disclosure but that was made today and I don't think most the members aware of that or even at this point able to ask questions that they may have about that again I mean I would asked that the substitute mo you vote against the subsidy motion I believe the first is is proper and that can always be discuss our next regular pure meeting. Senator hammer Hendren you're recognized for discussion. Yeah I I guess like a lot of members I don't quite know why these items were held in sort to being asked to vote whether to overrule the recommendation of the committee or not. And so I'd ask for a little clarification from the chairs about why they were held in what the disclosure is that you're referring to so that we can make a vote based on knowing what's going on. Senate just man you're recognized answer the question you're only ten teams that question it was brought to a chair's attention at least mine that we have a member that's spouse actually lobbied for these entities in there was at the time wanted some additional information about what that relationship look like I don't believe that that's been received at this point and so that's why would they were held to some additional information could be gathered. Senator Chesterfield you have a question on our statement on this discussion yes I do Mr chair just tell me what the three items are that are being hailed it's not clear to me. Representative gray can you I can go back over the items again Adam F. **** was a rainy day fund transfer for Arkansas rehabilitation services and that was seven hundred fifty thousand four World services for the blind the item G. three. Was a restricted reserve fund transfer for the department of the military which was five million of for the National Guard foundation in item H. four was a cash appropriation for the Division of heritage which was two hundred fifty thousand for the sole tan a disaster museum in one individual had access or had an interest in all of these things that might create a problem. A military and all of that it was it my understanding go ahead Senator staff is bringing you a letter I think that will help clarify some things aren't. In order to ensure compliance the potential conflict of interest disclosure under rule under Senate rule twenty four a comma I will respectfully recused from discussion and shall not a voter shall go present on the following items for funding which may be considered by the Arkansas Legislative Council on or after Thursday July twenty first twenty twenty Arkansas National Guard foundation so tenet disaster using them and we're services for the blind in case everybody I didn't get the letter I just thought I'd read it to you thank you so much for the information the letter will be sent to all councilmembers we received it as we start of the meeting this morning as chairs. Senators nine you're recognized for discussion and just for clarification on the commission and name but centre Johnson did ask that I clarify that is life is not a lobbyist I think the registered. She is a registered fund raiser Council. Fundraising council not a lobbyist. Senator Elliot you're recognized. Mister chair I am I am I speaking in reference to F. one of the biggest I am aware of four years where services for the blind has been training folks who could not be trained any place else and in fact for many folks it's a residential facility and they train them to be self sufficient but not just to do some of the things we assume people who are blind might do and I've been a part of these discussions S. or state senator and practice down the street from me and this this discussion has been going on for almost a year and to get to this point so I just want to make people aware this is not just something somebody from outside was doing as their state senator I have been working with them to get to this point I would have been a peer yesterday had I had any sense that would that would have been a problem but I can assure you this is something the board at world services for the blind has worked on as well as in support of and that the money is desperately needed and never think this is something just for one area they do training that prepare people for high level jobs right here in this state thank you Mr just want everybody to know that. Representative Dotson you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair I wasn't here the other day and these items. We're not presented they were they were held I guess or skip over so I think before we move forward with with considering any and we're talking about six million dollars a year that we haven't had any presentation on at all to know what they are and and other than a line item on here that says held. I don't have any information on what these funds are going to be used for what their in regards to and so I don't know if we can have a presentation like we would in here before we have a vote on this but I think would probably be beneficial to at least have an idea what we're voting on before we approve six million dollars thank you. Representative gray you have some that thank you Mr chair yeah I just wanted to speak to you senator Elliots comments on the rehabilitation services that seven hundred fifty thousand what was given to us in prayer is that was simply for campus renovation for a group home it wasn't any anything that was going directly to you to our constituents. Senator Rapert Jeff discussion yes I just want to give clarification as to why these were held in the first place. I want clarification on that. Service my you're recognized. They were held awaiting additional information about any relationship that may have existed between these organizations and the spouse of a center that's why they were held though that relationship was not disclosed until this morning while we were walking into this committee despite the fact that there was work being done well prior to today so that's why I was ill I believe that it is this bodies it's important that this body understand what we were voting on and it's important for the public that there be transparency. And that that's the simple reason that I agree with that I'm just and I would also and I want to speak to another question that was asked just a minute ago I which is I mean can we vote on this now well I mean we did not have any debate on any of these items or discussion of what they do in here the proper place to have that discussion. And so if we were to take this up now then I would expect that we'd be able to have the world services for the blind in individuals that represent its within here today testify in and make it known exactly how those funds are going to be lies that we expected we would have folks from the National Guard foundation here to testify making no exactly how they plan on utilizing those funds today and I would expect that we would also have folks here from the satanic museum so they can discuss exactly how they plan to use those funds and give us some testimony today about that however they were not notified to be here today and they also did not provide that testimony in the peer committee I mean that I think that we need to have that type of discussion in it it unrelated even to any relationship that may exist between a spouse and a. And those organizations Mr chairman five. But my point is is that I understand that we've had a disclosure today but I was wondering what was held yesterday or day before the pier that's that's what I'm because there was no disclosure prior in in our your committee there was no I guess I'm a little confused because it's something that we didn't know until today I don't understand it being excuse for what was held the other day at this moment question. There was a general understanding as I stated before an unknown for certain if there was elation ship okay between these organizations in the spouse of the senator we did not know you are correct. but it with not knowing it was decided that those would be held so that we can gather that information and and honestly not do it in this fashion so we can be sure if it existed or not. Now we know today that it does but we also then that certain minute our ability to have questions and discussion about these three items in the pure Committee and I think voting on them now would be improper we we don't have those organizations here to testify to even about what they're doing again unrelated to any relationship well I'm not speak for against voting only issue now I just really was interested in the time line of what's happening so that members can understand what all the concerns about and and obviously disclosures being made I also know that my goodness I know that disclosure and I don't know whether senator Johnson's made a disclosure the past on or not but many of us are aware of of the fundraising activities of the spouse I would not be but and I do appreciate that in the end this is not in any way to say that any of these organizations have done anything proper it's on anyway to say that Senator Johnson or his wife of anything improper it is all about just some transparency that they need to be add amongst this committee because disclosures really other way that they're set out you know happen in the Senate often but there is no requirement in the House for summertime disclosures thank you in a letter dated and I wonder if the A. L. C. has that same requirement for all the members thank you Mr chairman Senator Hickey you're recognized thank you Mister chair I just I want to say that I concur with Senator Dismang human I've been together on asking this to be whole be held. And what I'd like to say to you is US house leadership house leadership this was discussed with them this was done at the request just believing that it would would be held for a month I don't think anybody had any problems with this speak to be held for a month just so that we could do our due diligence between then and there I think Senator Dismang is said this correctly that you know we wanted to look at all that and then provide the transparency was out there so I would appreciate if you all would to give us that little bit of leeway for the month I don't think this is any reflection on any of the three entities is involved it was nearly us trying to make sure that we have we have are doing things correctly so again I would appreciate if we vote no on the substitute motion. Representative gene you're recognized. Thank you Mr chairman for some of us that don't know all of what's going on I we're trying to put the pieces together and I guess the six million dollars. What the question is that we want answered it is any of the six million dollars going to pay a fee. For a I guess it what we're talking about a spouse and if the if it is I think there's a problem but if it's not I don't think we have a problem that I think that's a question that we would what we would like answered and if it's not today next month to be fine. Thank you I think representive Lowery has a request yes you know I think this discussion's been worthwhile but I believe it would be proper to go ahead and pull down this motion if other members that have expressed concern for the money being held up to different entities if they want to make that substitute motion that's fine but I'm gonna pull Monday. Okay this proper. Page two people left in the queue are your questions to his our can we move forward with the motion. Okay so Senator Hendren first in my queue yeah I I mean I agree with the leadership that certainly this is ready to be voted on hadn't had a hearing and I guess the one question I have because what we are voting on by holding these is not funding the six million dollars for at least a month which again seems like the right thing to do my only question regarding that is particular to five million dollars for the National Guard on the on the report here it says department of military Arkansas National Guard but I heard from the chairman it was to guard foundation and I guess what I want to know whether it be the garter these other two entities is there any push back from them that this is going to affect their operations in the short term or as a month not going to be an impact and and would you clarifies is that the military department or is just a guard foundation representative right I am glad to ensure that those questions Senator Hendren and it is the guard National Guard foundation and it's for charitable and educational funds is pretty much the only information I was given had I thought it our Senator Dismang thought that any of these three requested by holding them and what affected our constituency in a bad way I think we might gonna hot gone hadn't heard it in at least you know follow through a little bit more none of these requests are emerging none of them will affect our constituency right now and I have not I can't speak for Senator Dismang but I have not heard I did hear from everyone that to you know to simply let us know if there's anything we can days there being patient with us so I have not heard any push back from any of the three thank you senator I also would let you know staff and Senator Dismang made it to my attention all these items were not on the regular calendar these items are all on a supplemental agenda so I think that's important for the membership no two of the three two or three I'm sorry been corrected to at three. Senator Johnson you're recognized. Thank you Mr chairman and I hope to move this along by the open with my colleagues understand real twenty four we are required to disclose a potential conflict of interest I don't know about the House rules or joint rules but in the past on several instances where I've had a potential conflict because having a family member that has a relationship with this I will even though I am a I am recused I will present or not vote on anything related to any of these entities I thank members of the Senate know that I had gone to the well of the Senate and done this before that was one of the I know Senator Chesterfield sponsored a bill which is a very good bill but because of my spousal relationship with the entity that would benefit I recused and did not participate in the debate nor the vote I also want to just for purposes of clarifying I want my colleagues to understand what's going on my wife is is a fundraising counsel she's registered under the the fundraiser law in Arkansas she registers with secretary of state and her her she her time she's called a fund raising council she does not receive any. Commissions or bonuses or anything related to your only received you know a flat monthly contractual fee or contractor on file with the secretary of state's office and she won't get any of this money herself so it's it's just advising. entities on their development program is all she does and that's so I've been very careful even though we're not required to recuse we are required to disclose I choose to do both our I do that so I again I was not going to participate in this at all it said I do want not leave this hanging and explain this to my. Colleagues of how that particular relationship works and as far as it is only being done this morning I'm not a member peer I did not know what was coming out of there and I I learned that the these could potentially be brought up in a LC today that's when I prepared the letter of disclosure and presented it to to the chair and to hear. And I'll be happy to answer questions if if it helps move this along I certainly think. this item it's totally up to the to the LC what you decide to do whether it's now or next month but I will be recused. Four out throughout the time that these items. Are a. Before the five. Senate dismaying NO guess and all related you get. So we have a proper motion on Florida's second. I have a second. Of the subsea motion has been pulled so this motion is to review the report all those in favor say aye. All opposed us have it representative gray. You have one more item. The. Senator Hickey I'm sorry. The thank you Mr chairman members of I hope that you all listen closely because I know there's gonna be some questions in regards to some terminology and words that are in this but first of all what I want to say is let me start by saying that we all know that no one person does anything down here at the capitol and what I'm about to bring you is been worked on by a multitude of members including the Speaker of the house and Senate it cheers the budget years and multiple others. So I'll start by saying in the memo issued by the federal Department of Education on December sixteenth twenty twenty one which you all have a copy of it your debts the secretary of education stated that the US department of education is committed to supporting districts and schools across this country in addressing teacher and staff shortages. The memo goes on to state that the Department urges states and local school districts to utilize it to utilize the resources made available through the American rescue plan S. R. fund to ensure that schools have the teachers and other critical staff they need to support their success during this critical period. In addition secretary key who's out in the audience today for does to us is information that the Arkansas department of education sent to local school districts regarding application for use of the ESR funds which includes the ability to use will utilize the funds to support educator and staff stability and well being which includes providing additional pay for recruitment and retention of a diverse and qualified education workforce. In light of a clear direction from both the US department of education and our own department of education that the S. R. funds may be and are encouraged to be utilized for retention and recruitment payments to public school employees the Legislative Council has the following recommendations. That is a key word with the recommendations and I hope everyone listen the school district utilize it that the school district's utilize available S. or funds to provide retention and recruitment bonuses to teachers in the amount of five thousand each. Full time classified school district staff in the amount of twenty five hundred each. And part time classified staff in amounts that are half of those awarded to their full time counterparts. A. D. will bring to the A. L. C. peer subcommittee specific plans for each school districts use of the funds as recommended by A. L. C.. And if. And if the school district is unable or unwilling to meet those recommendations a comprehensive statement as to why the school district is unable or unwilling to utilize the S. or funds in this manner. So at this time I want to make a motion and I'm going to move that the Legislative Council explains the vote by which it approved I don't be too in on June seventeenth. Of the twenty twenty to peer report which was a five hundred million A. R. P. appropriation request for the department of education. The Department of Education bring to the A. L. C. Pierce about subcommittee its request for appropriation of those Esther funds in the coming weeks accompanied accompanied by the detailed plans of the school districts to utilize the funds in accordance with the recommendations set forth above and the peer subcommittee be giving the authority to meet as needed including outside the regular A. L. C. we to hear these request of the Arkansas department of education and that peer be given final approval of these appropriation request that's my motion. Has proper motion I heard a second. There's a lot of discussion. Senator just feel you're recognized. Thank you Mr. Over the last several weeks we have been. Touting the importance of teachers and support professionals and I assume that this is supposed to be in lieu of. Allowing this to be placed on the agenda for the special session is that what you're saying Senator Hickey do that your Senator Hickey. Senator Hickey you're recognized to respond yes ma'am I hate I hate to say in lieu because as far as from a leadership standpoint we have always maintained that we were going to do our adequacy study and that was going up and it was. Well intended that that that salaries themselves would be included with the within that adequacy study which will be due by the end of the year which are well aware and then that this would be brought up in a regular session in January well I guess was concerning me is when I heard the argument as to why we were not including the forty six thousand forty two thousand minimum salary the governor discussed was because we didn't have reoccurring funds and get Mr Anderson told us this morning that these funds are indeed reoccurring and as I look around the country people are using that to raise salaries instead of just giving one time hits a tort teachers and support staff so would you speak to whether or not this is the rationale and how is that going to get us into I'd say a contest really of recruitment for qualified persons if we're the ones still at thirty six thousand dollars this year and everybody else's raised user as raise the salaries of our educators and not us. I think by doing this and and you have to say that this is compensation so compensation and whatever and whatever form that it takes that's going to be be added to it I would hope that whenever the Department brings this to us that the they would of thought this through a little bit and possibly done it in maybe a couple of days a couple of different disbursements to help maintain that retention but again that's up to them to bring that detailed fourth plan. Fourth that we're requesting I know there's been a lot of talk about the one time funds out I particularly one who has of said that. And that has always been our practice down here especially as it as it deals with large amounts of money. That are going to be recurring every year not to do that and I know what your big bout to stay with the tax cuts the tax cuts. And nobody here can disagree with this that is already in legislation that we passed so those those cuts are going to come out of G. or because the legislation itself already already has that I will say to you of course that we are accelerating that and that Since we're excel rating that those those funds in those monies. They're actually going to be coming out of money they're actually going to be coming out of money that will be coming in we're not using that surplus we're not taking funds out of our surplus which is currently sitting in what's called a. are revenue reserve allotment account if I remember correctly we're not you taking fund money out of that. To actually fund those cuts. So there's been some confusion that we're taking that money out of an account and that's just not not the case at all. Meetings the protesters much but if we can speed up tax cuts this time for us to speed up salary increases for teachers and support professionals speaking in opposition to the. At the rate change. Audience alarm first reminder Rubino clapping NO holler no chance. This first warning. Senator Hendren recognized. Thank you Mr chairman Senator Hickey that may be one of the longest motions I've ever heard so I've got a few questions about it I guess the first part of that motion was we're gonna explain something and approval that this body may back in Jane which again I'm not sure the parliamentary requirements but to combine expunge motion with a whole bunch of other stuff seems a little bit to strange if not outside of parliamentary norms so I want to ask first about the expunge part of that because I don't think I've ever seen us either I know expunge those all the time in the Senate. But we had a plan presented. And it was approved by this body and now we're going to approve it and I guess what I want to know is have we checked with the districts to see how many dollars are encumbered what are they going to do this in order to comply with the recommendations that follow on the motion they don't have enough dollars to cover it so I guess I'd be my first question about the expunge have we even verified the impact this is going to have on commitment to school districts have made. Based on a good faith assumption that we approved it was approved yes Sir that'll be my next motion. Okay. And the other thing about the motion I guess I struggled following was it began with we're gonna recommend and you said stress recommend. as opposed to require that these districts two twenty five hundred or five thousand a different different pay levels. And so it started out as a recommendation but then it followed up with the procedure that that these these districts will have to come back and present this with a detailed report about why they've not done that and I guess what I'm confused are we then saying that we are going to approve everyone of these local school districts plans. That's that's really not a procedure Senator Hendren that language after the cares money was inserted into the American rescue FOR the ribbon American rescue money if I remember that language was included within the the FNA dispersing Bill I do believe I guess what I'm saying is having spent fifteen years on the school board I believe you did as well I can't imagine a scenario where we get approved and then we go encumber dollars to say build something or repair something. Is there procedure now when when they come down here and say we have chosen to this is our priority in this we have to have this for the safety of our kids or for whatever reason. And we say no you can't do that you got to have this twenty five hundred five thousand dollar bump just one time about it is that included in your motion. If if there's a procedure for them to do that yes yes do whatever whatever rule ruled the local school boards decision to do that what what we have in here that this is a recommendation in that if they decide not to do it will we fully expect there there may be some that do then they're they're going to bring that plan before so we're going to hear it in peer and I mean now if the and what was the reason Sir and what did we disapproving. Well if somebody out there was going to be buying some type of widget or something like that then I mean I guess that that would be the authority of that to the Committee to do that which we passed in legislation has been voted no so again to be clear here now is going to serve all of this authority on the spending decisions of these dollars from local school boards. We're making this recommendation at this time that that's what we think should be done based on the ground it's not only from our state department of education but also from the secretary of the federal department of education it should have already been done we've heard from our constituents out here as far as they're talking salaries but we understand this is compensation. These funds were available and it should have already been doing been done that way so what we're doing is bringing this to light. That these recommendations have actually been made by the federal and our state department of education I guess again I don't want to be late with this but I still haven't gotten an answer to the fundamental question is this state reporting back to us or do we actually have approval authority now if we don't like what they're doing. We actually do we actually do vote with the approval during that committee so again we have yanked from all the schools in Arkansas the authority on how they spend these dollars even though we approved a plan that that they presented to us that is not correct. Okay the final question is there's been a lot discussion is centered Chesterfield talk about one time versus recurring I think it's important would be crystal clear this does nothing nothing to salary base schedule for local school districts this is because there is no question there is some distance Butte about in our in our report Mr Anderson just presented about recurring versus one time and how much of this because the stimulus money that's been dumped in the economy and so on but there is no dispute this is one time dollars this is a one time bonus but does not affect the salary schedule for what schools can broadcast other states about our salary schedule at all correct a lot of talking that Senator could I have a direct. You asked me two or three things so if you're asking me if the if this particular motion if it passes is it just a one time bonus the answer to that would be yes Sir okay that that's again what I think it's important to be clear thank you yes Sir thank you. So members. Just make a few things clear from the chair there's a lot of members in the queue I'm going to recognize full members of A. L. C. first and then I will recognize alternates of AOC as long as the queue has as many people as as has at the current moment I will not be recognized in any non members so if you're a non member and you're not an alternate you probably need to find one of those two to get your questions asked we have to be conscious of the time. Of representative. Got for you're recognized. Thank you Mr chairperson the latitude and maybe this is for Senator Hickey back you mentioned the the an amount of the bonuses for full time and a classified and certified staff but how much is that total does not wipe out the remaining two nine hundred million dollars of as our funds is that over under exactly nine hundred million can give us to a total amount of what this thing is is that the no ma'am it would it would all be it would all be less than the five hundred million that we're doing that's a good point that you make though there are within the accounts and I'm I'm going to speak in general numbers there is a little bit over nine hundred million of those ESR funds that are that are still out there this is is just the the motion which was made last month in June it was for a five hundred million appropriation that is the only one that we're dealing with at this point. Okay so. But just to clarify the additional part of the the bonuses how much is that total it every every school. Accepted your recommendation and did indeed give a one time five thousand dollar bonus or twenty five hundred dollar bonus to every staff member how much money is that total it'll be under the five hundred the the issue that I have been in you heard in my motion that we had we also included the other staff in addition to the teachers some of the part time and some of the full time you know that classification is done through the destruction that done through the department of ed so I cannot give you a specific number on that other than it's less than the amount that to this motion is thank you for the clarification one more quick follow up is if A. L. C. now has approval authority of the funds does that not put and either the department or the district in conflict with the requirement that these F. as refunds be flexible that districts must have flexibility in the way they spend the funds I know that that's in this memo and we heard that from the Department earlier this week and here that is the I provision of how these things must be spent in Houston plan for is that districts must have flexibility in the way they use them does this new approval authority put us in conflict with that requirement for the funds. This isn't this isn't a new approval authority this is this was in legislation that you all voted for the past as it relates to all American rescue funds all American rescue funds whether it's this or coming from any other agency what it does is it comes before peer with a detailed report as to what those funds are going to be used for that is actually already within our code within within the state. Thank you yes ma'am. So I think there's a good time to point out in your motion you gave peer the final approval so as peer meets and takes up these items they have the final approval of the set set items I had to members asked me for clarification so to make sure that that's pointed out that's true and the reason for that of course is we understand the needs the needs to get these funds out and we knew the next question was going to be the only once a month so what we're doing is we're being proactive now what we anticipate what we anticipate is that uh Senator Teague and his group are going to get a water request from water districts who did not understand that they could do this that they want to do it and they can bring those to us in blocks and hopefully we can just pasos in blocks and you know as soon as they get here so it's our intention to move quickly on this thank you for the clarification center I'm leaving your Michael. Representative flowers you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair of I suppose that I would pose this question to Senator Hickey through the chair of I'm in a relatively unique situation as a member as I represent a school district formerly to school districts. that is under state control and as I look at what S. R. funds are used for and recall the impact of of The challenges for my school district of inside and outside of these emergency funds. Because as it relates to safety as well as health. I'm wondering how we. Can apply this and expect that school districts. Either under state control or with issues looming that might place them there would be impacted by something like this whereby S. R. funds would be used for teacher raises or I'm sorry for a teacher bonus or what whatever this would would entail. And those needs would still be looming in those troubled school districts. And I would have a quick follow up yes ma'am this that would be part of the motion or they would bring that comprehensive statement this is why they're unable or unwilling to do it so although they may be under state control that is whoever the management of that through the department of ed will bring that before peer. And so my follow up would be. Whether you bring it before appearing here says yes or no. Either the already troubled school. Would be impacted by something like this versus getting more sustainable support for teachers by taking away funds from immediate and emergency needs or teachers would not get the support that other school districts would get in those districts and especially in a district like mine it's under state control and and then moving forward we're accelerating tax cuts. And then moving into a session where. Candidates a candidate for governor and other members running are supporting the zero of income tax so how would we moving forward be able to even address some of these inequities or support teachers represent when we'd be digging in space my question thank you let's stay on on the subject matter well and and Mister chair I'm I'm trying to but I think we have to look at now and look forward to in to determine what the impact of doing this now B. it's my opportunity to pick what's on the subject matter and in this committee I was trying to do that Sir. Senator Ballinger you're recognized. Thank you Mr just for clarification in any case I'm wrong this five hundred million dollars that we're dealing with today as none of us has ever been dispersed correct minute there is not none of this money is actually benefit applies spoke with several my superintendents and someone didn't even want even aware about this five hundred million that's coming out so is that is that the cases were we're not talking about pulling anything back that's ever made it to district what about holding on the stuff correct there's there's Mr chairman chair. That man that's my next motion that is actually what Senator Hendren was kind of referring to that there's like forty two million four hundred eighty seven that was supposedly out of this block which I have a letter from the FDA for us to do that appropriation immediately following this. Senator Ingram you're recognized. Thank you Mr and you know I think all of us here. We all or trying to find a way to make sure that our teachers are paid for what they do for of the future of our state and certainly I think that the the Esther funds if they could be used of up certainly that Dalby utilized but I I want to make sure that this is not being considered this in K. in lieu of a salary increases we go for that's that's one just statement the second I'd like to ask of. Senator upset said Johnny key would would he come forward to the table I have a question for him. Yeah. with we're not well excuse me forget that we're not affect my question would be would be would be that of I have for instance a up school district that has for six months of. Shop got bids architectures four X. two and a half million dollars worth of exterior doors that need to replace now they're ready to sign a contract and to answer Senator Ballinger questions about no no money the money is all reimburse the school districts spend it and it's reimbursed is there the possibility of this five hundred million dollars that we are going to hang out of these local school districts that are that have worked for months to get this thing to go to bed and now of their rate signed a contract and there's no money for it is that is that a possibility. I'm sorry Senator. Your. He told me just a whisper in his ear sense of right here but the. The list a property right. I apologize Mr of course this money as everybody knows been as been sent out and three blocks this particular block of money as well as been stated here multiple times was in the June was in the June meeting we know that there's forty two million of course if there is specific contracts that have already been in before the peer meeting it is my understanding and correct me if I'm wrong that Senator key it sent out and told the. Educational community that this was being looked at and considered before the legislature of course they could be in the detailed plan that's that's brought before them and that is something that would be considered so yes Sir it would be considered in Pierre so it that would be something that come back to. We would have to approve all of these in Pierre all this money every school district we would come back to us in prayer actually that's where legislation is set up because whenever we whenever we you included Sir asked me in me also I'm not just saying you we all did whatever we uh when it this body. I requested multiple multiple times that after the cures money was there in the American rescue money was available that we would look at detailed plans of disbursement of any and all agencies so it's actually in our legislation and that's the reason that the peer subcommittee is planning on meeting as needed to do to do the work well I I think it's a good thing that I mean it is an interim this is you know we wanna get our teachers all the money that they can but I don't want this to take the place and we're. It seems to be we're working hard just not to face up to of. Raising the salaries when we can and in making it work through this S. R. and other states have raised their salaries for their teachers annualized Esther money up for bonuses so I don't want to forget that thank you Mr. Senator dismaying you're recognized thank you make some good points other states have also utilized as your funds for bonuses and and one thing I do want to just provide clarification it will be the Department education that will be bringing the appropriations to the pier Committee not the individual districts I know the injured individual district police have a plan and they will be stipulating you know what they plan on utilizing the funds for at least the remaining funds for but it will be the Department education that will be burned bringing those actual plans to the your committee just clarification. Sirtis main those individual districts could be available for further questioning though correct. Yeah. Thank you. Representative of. Murdock you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair so these are questions to the maker of the motion through a chair please. So going back to the incumbents issue I'm still not clear on that because the process that this Senator Ingram outlines of how projects are done many times there is progress of dollars paid for preliminary work as at least to a project so certainly we're not saying that the design and the planning in dollars that have been paid. By district and they may have even been reimbursed for that we're going to just throw those dollars away if we so choose to when it comes back to us to not do these particular projects so that enforcing the districts to do the five thousand or twenty five hundred dollar allowed me did you suggest. So the encumbrance. Of dollars is the real issue that I think needs to be further discussed and explained and it various levels of determinations made on what makes sense I think the feasibility the economic feasibility Senator Hickey is a question here of what the you can really do that and it be economically feasible that's a real question that I have with not understanding exactly what you're going also so you want me to mail as the state will do you want me to answer that first you says a question but will will go ahead sponsor but I I want to go back to. If I remember correctly there's been one point seven billion dollars of these funds and this was in the last in the last amount of money that just come through. And you made a statement to and you and you and I are friends and stuff so I'm not I'm not be disrespectful but you made this the statement that we're forcing this and I will go back to this is what we're recommending so we're recommending to do this and we're allowing the process that during the detailed report if that particular district through the department hello the if that's going to be their decision and that's what we're going to look at I read somewhere to with these ESR funds that you know this was supposed to be done with the with all the stakeholders that are involved and I think a lot of our teachers and staff maybe they didn't know that this was available out there we've heard from multiple people that it's to have told us that I think obviously now there's not going to be any question that it can be done and so they're all going to have to get together and make this work and that's what we've been saying. We're providing this option we're providing this option out there within those districts with the stakeholders involved. With a full understanding now of what they can do with it to bring it back before peer. I think what you're going to find is that the Department eighty did a good job I think of explain the district's their options and flexibility is that they had you will find that where the kut some districts have done this already where they could do it what was allowable that they have use that flexibility to do what they could do now the the the real issue they are going to point number two because local control when we we what what I understand your motion to say it's going to put us the hundred thirty five of us in a position of being school board members for up all these districts because we're going to then make decisions that we're going to take away. In effect the duly elected local school board authority in effect as it relates to this pop this this issue we're going to take that away per your motion and we're gonna make a decision down here on whether we think. Is what it should be I think that that's. I would line I don't know that we can legally do that I don't think that's going to be acceptable that we take on that and I don't know that we can do it in an effective manner. Last name was a statement that was just a state okay my question there. So. If the good faith effort for additional phones is great. I like what you're saying with the five thousand and twenty five hundred let's do that I do like that. But. I don't want it to be mixed with the surplus ask. That's a whole different conversation I love this did you come to this and you've put in the form of a motion. So you're willing to do this and then we'll talk continue to have a discussion hopefully about really the big point that we do something to supplement. The salary schedules of our teachers in the circuit so thank you so much for bringing this forward because if you're really saying something. By doing this today you're really saying something and we're glad to hear that you do want to help and that you that the attitude will be that we want to help and take care of our teachers thank you. Representa five you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair of one of my superintendents is asking me are they required to spend twenty percent of these ESR funds on learning laws would this affect that at all. No ma'am that will be part of the part of the plan is brought back a by the department. Thank you. Representative McCaw. Seven fifty thank you Mr I do want to echo what my some of my colleagues have said about this not being away just kick the can down the road that we've got to do better for teachers in Arkansas but my questions Senator Hickey is if a school maybe has received less money than maybe even surrounding schools around it and they use their money for things that they really need like learning loss in student achievement. Are they going to be able to get any money to help their teachers. That that is going to be that is going to be within that part of the motion we've discussed that were either unable or one with unwilling to do that through the department they're they're going to have to list that within their detailed plans for that to be considered so yes ma'am I'm not I'm not telling you that will not be considered it's it's just going to have to be in the plan whenever comes back pool to peer. I just wanna make sure there there seems like there are lots of ifs and lots complications and not many guarantees and what we're talking about and I just wish when we were a approving this money in June we would have from make sure that we were that concerned about this money going to teachers then thank you thank you ma'am. Centerman you're recognized thank you just a point of clarification so just point of clarification we this isn't about school safety. That that's that's a different conversation just so as we're looking at this I go back to that memo from the United States Department of Education where they emphasized that this as our money should be used for recruitment and retention primarily for recruitment and retention of teachers and staff and so I did yes that has nothing to do with the school safety issues so I I've heard some members kind of talk about that that's a whole separate issue in category and that these S. R. funds really are designed for recruitment and retention and they're sent learning loss and other categories so I just wanted to point that out as a point of clarification and and to represent a Murdoch's question there's a full commitments there's a full commitment from the the education committee's during the adequacy study to really engage in this issue thank you. Representative Ladyman you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair It seems to me that I like everybody else here I've got tons of emails from teachers maybe some of them in this audience that say that they need funds and they needed now and I've got the emails this morning that said do something now. You know we need help now. So it seems to me that our leadership has found a way to give teachers. Funds five thousand dollars I believe in right away and what I'm hearing. From our committee is reasons that we can't give these folks five thousand dollars right now a lot of what ifs what if this doesn't work we can have a debate about whether it's going to be a continuing we can do that later on. But members I believe we ought to vote on this and we ought to give our teachers the money that they deserve and we need to give it to them now we can that they later on these other issues our leadership has found this funds they found that it can be used the federal government as supplied it to us for this purpose so I think we should do that now in the the my question is. Senator. If I understood you correctly the peer committee can meet at any time they could meet next week as soon as they get the request from the department of education to distribute these funds they can meet and approve those right away is that correct we can be done right now yes Sir. Thank you. Senator Elliot you're recognized. All right thank you Mr chair and Mister chair I I guess I would be asking my first questions here are two Senator Hickey if that's okay. So Senator Hickey But by your motion if you were to just explain to me just as succinctly as you can what is the. What is it that you're trying to do that's going to address the issue of our inability right now to. Recruit and retain teachers how is your motion how do you see your motion addressing. Senator Senator Elliot I guess I would have to say that the letter that we received from the and I hope you all have a copy of that in front of your desk you're supposed to so I mean so that maybe you don't think that we received we received a letter from the federal secretary of the department I apologize I don't remember her name don't miss pronounce it. That was specifically what these for what these funds were supposed to be used for. So that that actually was what the design of these. Or both through Esther funds were for to be used for our that was that was definitely part of it and they've actually stipulated that to they wanted that to happen that that was their recommendation what what I'm talking about though is your intention there's your motion come with the intention of this is going to address the immediate problem we're facing in recruiting and retaining teachers absolutely absolutely yes yes ma'am all right so if there are some school districts who have already encumbered their funds and this is optional because I can imagine that would be school districts who need to recruit and retain the most I will what we are doing is saying that we are recommended that you use this money for this purpose so I'm a school district I'm ready to start school I need to recruit I need to retain and I've now have to number one decide is this Mister chair can you as members to quieten down I'm I'm having a hard time hearing okay I will I will and I know she's going to ask you questions yeah I am yeah absolutely. if you would take conversations out of the room. So I I am a school district and I am right now in a position where I'm trying to recruit teachers and in some cases retain retain teachers because those teachers are gonna go someplace else and get a real radis not not a bonus How and it and they've spent the money on something else even when they come before us to say I don't have the the the funds for that we are dictating that they spent now because this income bird. And you do you are you under the impression that teachers are going to. Wait around. For that to wait for this bonus. Rather than go someplace else. It's that I guess let let me. The money is going to be of of mediate Lee available if if they have it like that I guess I need to go back one more time and members I apologize there's been one point seven billion dollars this is the five hundred million that was just done last month so there was no authority approval given we have tracked that down Senator Hendren asked me that earlier and my motions going to be there's been less than ten percent or there's been forty two million skews Amendment forty two forty two million of that money is is what has been spent. So that money that money should be available out there. For that to be done in the event that there is a situation as you discussed that's going to have to be brought before us is peer through the department. And in the end cases say like Helena West Helena right now that's a district that's under state control one of the reasons are under state control is they can't hire enough certified teachers that's one of the reasons. I would like us to think through what or not we think given folks a bonus is going to help. Helena West Helena hire certified teachers when they can go someplace else. And Mister chair I I I would be really like I have recognized for your opponent with premier procedure. But they're just questions here I have that hi we need to hear from the secretary to explain some of the things to us what has gone on is that just out of the question for you or maybe we didn't have him up here to explain some things to us. I have questions. I understand your questions it is out of the question at the moment we typically don't hear from witnesses during a motion and this is considered discussion on a motion that Senator Hickey has made so I would rule right now that we would not hear from anyone from the tape might we do so before we vote is that a very serious I have a question before we vote. We're we're still in a motion and we're gonna be in a motion until we vote so the answer is no. I then I'm senator Hickey And I know there's been something said about adequacy out. Ever all of us understand that. Our surrounding states have surpassed us we've seen the the proposal from the governor and it's a it was a proposal that was funded. Do you insist that that proposal does not have on going funding in it the one from the governor. Senator again I'm all role that's not part of the subject matter and since I've made that ruling earlier I'm going to be consistent. Well I don't know Mrs here how I don't know how to be will inform to vote because this this is presented to us as our only option. And we can't even look at the possibility that something else was already funded and that we had to be here. I'm trying to get to the to the to the notion that. Is this the only way that we could do this because of not having a plan with on going funding when clearly there is a plan out there that has on going funding and it is not fair to the teachers here to support personnel that we say we're going to give them a bonus I'm not saying that's nothing but is not described that's not addressing the issue that we have that like the folks in Helena West Helena who under state control because they can't hire enough certified teachers for example and they are not the only one. And and we can't even get the secretary to common answer some questions for that leaves us in a pickle I guess you would say. One last question Mrs here I need to ask you this but through you if you will allow me to send seats chair of the Senate Education Committee addressed adequacy may I please address the chair of questions to the chair. You're recognized. Thank you and senator urban when you said that we are totally committed to making sure we address the issue at hand which is far less the bonus then the on going work we need to do to recruit teachers and retain teachers and support personnel. What do you mean by that do you mean that we can look at the problem that's in our faces right now and that the adequacy committee fully intends to come through with the funding that is going to address the issue on related to any kind of bonus. Thank you for the question so if you'll remember and twenty twenty one and I passed legislation that overwhelmingly passed by every member I think in the General Assembly that actually did dramatically increased teacher salaries for to reach a higher average teacher pay and we created a new categorical fund separate and above the adequacy matrix formula and we can pass out the matrix worksheet for all members here where I think we fund teacher salary plus benefits at about seventy thousand plus separate from principles back in that categorical funds there was an additional fifty two million dollars in additional support given to schools so that they could raise teacher salaries to meet a higher average across the state that was my legislation with representive Cozart that we worked very hard on and that got us to the new upcoming schedules raised to create a new base salary at thirty six thousand so when I say I am fully committed I think I have a history to show that I'm fully committed as I voted for every teachers of funding increase every education funding increases in the past and our legislature has supported that Anderson English's leadership for so many years and so you know we're committed to this issue as we always do an adequacy study to to to always look at and teacher salaries All expenses diesel fuel for buses instructional material professional development I mean there's a huge laundry list but we also need to look at the recruitment the retention of bus drivers of classified personnel as well as certified personnel I'm very mindful of the fact that there were some school resource officers who are classified person. Now but not law enforcement officers who did not receive a bonus at a one time bonus after out of what we did for law enforcement officers some dead because of their employment agreements so. That is my commitment we've always been committed to that we have a history of showing that we're committed to that and we're going to continue down that process with recommendations in November and to conclude in November for recommendations in the twenty twenty third channel session citizens Irvin I I hear it heard everything you said except the answer to my question so what I'm asking you is useful for the entire committee when you when you spoke. And so I'm asking not about everything else you said about the committee's commitment to making us competitive at least with surrounding states there's no surrounding state that pays thirty six thousand dollars that that's a for starting salary I'm not saying we did make progress but that's not my question if we give everybody this bonus that we're talking about today that is not going to do our thing toward the future and making sure we can recruit and sustained an average retain teachers my question is. What's the commitment are you saying this committee is committed to teachers getting raises at least at what the governor had put out there and even pull back on to make us competitive with at least with surrounding states. What's the answer to that question Senator Elliot I stated my position. A state my answer so your position then is not to answer my questions no ma'am we are in the adequacy study you're very familiar with that you're very familiar with that's why I go to this question we're still getting off thank you so I'm willow I will finish then Mister chair with this because I do want to be clear to folks that we are in a position right now for people may I may not get teachers and and person the other personnel opponents so I don't know how we vote for something where we don't know exactly what's going to happen we don't know how many school boards out there having convert money we don't know if they say they have been they come talk to us and say we like to give a bonus but we can't we don't know we're gonna be able to do that we can't get answers from the Commissioner not get what you what you're saying and we can't even say to people because this is a bait and switch if we are not careful about what we're doing we're gonna give somebody a bonus and that's not the issue that we need to address in this state. And we're going to act as if because we're still in adequacy that we cannot give people a raise but we J. and without some kind of full blown study we can do something about taxes Mister chair that's my concern. No I don't want us to go out of here saying we have given a bonus an addict otherwise it's going to do something that the chairperson of said we're going to we are fully committed committed to what. Is the question Mister chair and I'm not going to get an answer to it and and yes I've been on that adequacy committee for a long time and I know how this works what we generally do we get down to a point well let's just say what does global inside say I know I'm about to finish and then we go over everyone says there's a three percent total we got to get the other says maybe a five percent or two percent and we just go somewhere in between that is not going to get us out of that pickle we're in that's my problem with no one how all how to we're supposed to vote with all of those things out there that we are not addressing thank you Mr chair. Representative Ladyman you're recognized. Thank you Mr chair well you know I believe this been a really good discussion but not a lot of things brought up that we need to address and I agree that we need to look at teacher salaries and we need to help them wherever we can. But. What I'm fully committed to right now. Is to give you all five thousand dollars that's the debate right now these other things that we're talking about we need to debate this we have time to do that but again the teachers that have talked to me said that they need help right now in some of the discussion here does not even talk about the five thousand dollars that we want to give to you. Now and I think that's what we need to vote on right now so I wanna make a motion for immediate consideration as proper motion non debatable all those in favor say aye. All those opposed. Is have a motion passes with that we'll take a vote on the motion the Senator Hickey has presented all those in favor say aye. Hi all those opposed. Is haven't only see two hands with that we'll move on to review subcommittee. All right roll call. I was only two hands in the air at the time by the way. Sturch. Okay. Senator Hammer. Senator Hammer. Senator Hammer vote yes. Senator Pitsch. Senator Pitsch votes yes Senator Leding. Senator Leding votes no Senator Mark Johnson. Sir but mark Johnson votes yes Senator Ballinger. Senator Ballinger vote yes Senator Hill. Senator Hill vote yes Senator Davis. Senator Davis votes yes senator Wallace. Senator Wallace. Senator Blake Johnson. Senator Blake Johnson. Senator Blake Johnson vote yes. Senator Flippo. Senator Flippo Senator Hester. Senator Hester vote yes Senator Hickey. Senator Hickey vote yes Senator Stubblefield. Senator Stubblefield Senator Hendren. Senator Hendren votes no Senator Ingram. Senator Ingram. Senator Clark. Senator Clark Senator English. Senator English votes I. Senator Caldwell Sir called will vote yes Senator sample. Senator sample votes yes Senator Dismang Senator Dismang vote yes Senator flowers. Senator flowers Senator Rapert. Senator Rapert. Senator Chesterfield. Senator Chesterfield votes no Senator Teague. Senator Teague Senator Elliot Senator Elliot votes no senator Bledsoe. Senator Bledsoe votes yes. Senator Irvin. Senator Irvin vote yes. Senator Rice summarized vote yes. Some representative Milligan. The representative Milligan. Represent million votes yes representative McCullough. Represent McCollum votes No represent Cavanaugh. Representative Cavenaugh vote yes representative Richmond. Yes represent Richmond vote yes represent Vaught. Represent vote vote yes representative speaks. Represent speaks votes yes represent flowers. Represent flowers. Representative Lanny Fite. Representa Lanny Fite votes yes representative Kenneth Ferguson. Represent Kenneth Ferguson. Representative Rick Beck. Representative Rick Beck vote yes representative gray. Represent great vote yes representative Ladyman. Represent Ladyman votes yes representative McNair. Represent McNair votes yes representative eaves. Represent eaves votes yes representative Deborah Ferguson. Represent Deborah Ferguson. Not here represent Davis marsh Davis marsh represent Davis sorry as her first alternate. Represent Davis. Representative Nicks as a second alternate. Represent Nicks. Represent Hillman. Represent Hillman vote yes representative would occur. Represent would occur votes No representative fight Charlene Fite. Represent Charlene Fite votes yes representative Bragg. Represent Bragg votes yes representative Womack. Represent Womack representative Miller. First alternate representative wing. Represent wing second alternate representative wouldn't. Represent wouldn't vote yes. Representive Lowery represent Lowery vote yes represent Cozart. Represent Cozart vote yes representative fielding. Representative building first alternate representative Bentley. Represent Bentley votes by representative Eubanks. Represent Eubanks votes yes represent Deffenbaugh. Representative Devin vote yes representing Shepherd. Represent Shepherd votes yes representative Murdock. Represent Murdock votes No representative gene. Representing those yes representative Meeks. Reserve makes votes yes represent Dotson. Represent Dotson vote yes. Represent Wardlaw vote yes. With the vote of the threshold a two thirds vote motion has passed so with that we'll move on to the review subcommittee representative practice. I'm sorry since. Senator Hickey recognized Mister charity this is not the appropriate time again there was some discussion that with a letter that was that was it is it related to those funds that came to the day after day or we go address that now or later in the now good okay. So members at the time at the current time I move approval the appropriation requests for the department of education amount of forty two million four eighty seven six hundred and twenty nine that six hundred twenty nine dollars as requesting the letter we have been provided this morning from the FNA. That's proper motion drive second I have a second Drivin discussion on the motion on the floor. Senator Elliot you're recognized. This is where I might might question was not on that motion I my question that we're going to take up this discussion first up. The representative Murdock you have discussion on this motion you will appoint clarification or questions yes to clearly define exactly what that is for the motion I'm looking at something that just was handed to me yes so if somebody can confirm I clearly defined in detail what exactly this is yes represent Murdock as the discussions during the discussions of the five hundred million there was some questions ask of course on how much of that money had been spent we've done we've looked at this and that is what that money is is for the Department of Education Division of elementary and secondary education. So that's what that's that appropriation that's got to be it so far out of that five hundred yes not not the one point seven of course and they're still other moneys available this is out of the five hundred five hundred million skews me sir. So what we voting on this is just a report that that this is the appropriation this is the appropriation for that money this program that money. You still have a question get past it. What what your question was not germane to this most. Okay but if you're ready for a with it's going to be still asking that we hear from secretary. We'll come back to that thank you. Senate bill and you have a question on this motion know that was that was my question to them when we get through this at some point could be asked Secretary key questions we'll see what kind of time we have at that time. Senator Hendren you're recognized. So to be clear this is the first forty two million of the five hundred that every school district is going to have to come up here and say mother may I on is that correct. For. What how is that not correct. Mother may I I don't think any school district's gonna come inside mother may I so that they cannot spend any of that five hundred million dollars without us bringing it now before us to approve is that correct. That is correct what this is is the forty two million that was already spent from June seventeenth to this day. And again my point on that is there is another four hundred and sixty or so that we just unapproved and said now has to come back for this process for every dime correct that is correct. Representable you're recognized. Thank you Mr chairman of Senator Hickey does. What about the salaries of I've had some superintendents asked me since I've heard about this is that they have committed to some celery Hello this money. Fortner for new teachers in other words a minute into contracts with are there because those gonna be honored are they still will be viable. That that wasn't that was in the other one that that should that discussion should have been other one this is this is just as it relates to the appropriation of these of this forty two million. So. Where do they stand if they've entered into a contract with new teachers that are gonna come in. Salary wise again represent with that's a that would be in the detailed plan that they would bring before us they would allow and and all right that would be part of that comprehensive climate Mr chairman I just a point of personal privilege here. Collins I hope we've learned what we have what we have here we referred to the white Kelly is a mess. A mess. Forty two years ago chair the first finance school finance commission we have the same discussion that we've had here today. And I hold. For the teachers say they will do something about it and make sure it's done right. The teachers heard two things. From the governor the governor said. I'm going to include in the call three hundred million dollars. They heard two things special session. Representative was hello Mister but I think this may I will represent it is no listen it's not germane and I've made this ruling all day issue to the fore. Okay here we go so I have a motion and a second all those in favor say aye. All opposed Is haven't motions fast representative Wooten. The representative would. This body not addressing the teacher and the school is. Thank. He represented Bragg you're recognized again review subcommittee report. Thank you Mr chair the review subcommittee met on Tuesday and reviewed methods of finance discretionary grants services contracts and additional lease agreement disclosure was made to the committee no items or hail I move adoption of the report. As proper motion I have a second. Members were still in session so let's keep our conversations kuat I have a second all those in favor say aye. All opposed ayes have it with that we'll move on to the employee benefits division oversight Senator Rapert you're recognized. Chairman The employee benefits division oversight subcommittee met on Wednesday July the twentieth at ten AM in committee room a here in Little Rock the subcommittee approved the actions of the state board of finance which met on July the eleventh twenty twenty two the actions approved for the adopted health insurance premium rates for Arkansas state employees and public school employees for the calendar year beginning January one twenty twenty three. Intrum secretary for the department of transformation and shared services Mitch rouse inform the subcommittee that he intends to pull down the current procurement for pharmacy benefit manager services for EVD and will not be issuing a contract under that request for proposals Secretary road stated that he will work with the B. D. and the Siegel group to issue a new procurement for the services in the near future as the report Mr chairman. Is that your motion sensor yes motion correct proper motion and a second from representative makes any discussion on the motion seeing none all those in favor say aye. All opposed us have it members you have the reports that follow their their non that need action today there's no new business is meeting stands adjourned.