State Agencies & Govt'l Affairs-Senate

Five eighty two for Senator Hammer that's really only to concur in the amendment Is anybody talk to you about it I think Senator is a concurrent if the somebody wants to carry it was to run that form I think that would be great. And I would be happy for you to run it were you seeded senator you don't have to I will allow you citizens to concurrence. Right will take up first Senate bill five eighty two and Senator English you're recognized for brief discussion on the concurrence on house amendment I move that we accept the concurrence of the House amendment on Senate bill five all right eighty two that's a proper motion all those in favor and by the way it does have this in your in your packet is just deleting one section in its entirety is what they've done it's not adding anything or just a leading from the bill I have a motion from Senator English to concur in the house amendment for Senate bill five eighty two do I have a second. The second Senator Davis all those of favour say aye aye All opposed no it is concurred to. All right members that brings us down Senator Garner is delayed in another committee he's got two bills on here and so in order with the agenda we have house bill nineteen sixteen would representative McCollum Senator Davis I think is a co sponsor on that one so be happy to hear that bill if you're ready. Representative McCollum if you would please state your name for the record. Absolutely representive Austin McCollum thank you for having me thank you Senator Davis just for the record yes Iran Davis state Senate district sixteen and I have a representative McCollum present the bill thank you you're recognized. Thank you senator thank you Mr chair appreciate you let me come over today and help present this bill to me this bill is. It's about not being reactionary it's about promoting what it is we would like to set C. R. State promote I know for many this bill is about a flag and. I understand there are a lot of different viewpoints on that flag which usually attention point and I visited with a number of my colleagues and it is indeed attention points I just wanna state early on that. Individual rights to keep display celebrate the flag will remain untouched in this bill we still have in state statute property lead to an October to memorialize those who died on both sides of the civil war I have P. ridge battlefield in my district and I know Senator Bledsoe does as well and my point in bringing that up is that it's not as though Confederate flag day became a day in Arkansas in response to our our it did not become a day right after the civil war as though it was to originally honor the confederacy actually I did a little digging a little research with some colleagues it came into effect in nineteen fifty seven in fact In direct response. At the time to. The Little Rock Nine not too far from here and integration and so you look at that a Democrat led legislature and the democratic governor Ralph office in their actions at the time it's it's hard to not think of what when and the place at the times a black eye on the history of this state nine no parties change over time and for me I actually makes me think about my party being the party of Lincoln and kind of an appeal to my party in that regard and so. I just want to go through all of that because I know all of you are hearing a lot of things whether it's from constituents emails other colleagues on this subject You know what one of the things we hear a lot about this bill is that it's a racing history I would just say that I think not and I would point you specifically to the language of the bill which says Arkansas date shall be a day to reflect on the rich history so says right there to reflect on the rich history national treasures diverse cultures on match hospitality shared spirit and human resilience that makes the people. Of this state. I could go on and not another those that want to say more about this bill so I'll just keep quiet for now. Right. anything for Senator Davis all right members you have any questions for representative McCollum on the bill. Seeing no questions we do have people signed up to speak for against his or anything further before we begin to take their testimony all right appreciate that will call you back up for opportunity close represent McCollum. But we do have ten people that signed up to speak on the bill and so we're going to now have them and I do not have anyone signed up to speak for the bill but we have ten speak against the bill so Senator probably get maybe for you take sheet and allow them and I would ask for everyone to be ready as soon as you can and would ask everyone to speak on the bill best you can so that we can get through make sure everybody gets a chance to be heard I'm going to call you off three times so that you know we're you're in line here so that you can get ready the first one to speak is Robert Freeman a sort of Robert will come in and just so that you're ready to go John Bowers enjoyed McCutchen will be after Mr Freeman so Mister Freeman if you're ready would be happy for you to. If it's up to you. All. And actually if you don't mind it when we would bring you to the time since we have to the table so John Bowers and that way everybody can be ready And Yes Sir it but if it need you pressure but no. Should be a button right there just press. No they'll they'll press it for you so that people can hear your online. after press the button there you go yeah are in Iowa is that better yes and I'll just have you we're recognize your name and if you represent anyone J. record all right. Good afternoon members of the committee just a minute Sir you state your name for the record okay my name is Robert Freeman. I am a former United States marine corps officer having served before and during the Vietnam War I live in hot springs Arkansas where I was born in nineteen thirty six. Throughout world history countries have gone to war for mercenary reasons glory patriotism home and family. Always at the head of the military columns was a distinctive banner identifying the regiments and notifying volunteers to assemble at a given place. At the fall of their colors mass confusion took place and the battle was considered lost. The capture of the callers of the opposing side was always considered a great feat of heroism and honor. Never before or since the war for southern independence. Have the colors of any such group of army's been so greatly coveted. As those of the Confederate states of America Arkansas being one of those states. In June of nineteen oh five at the annual re union of the United Confederate veterans at Louisville Kentucky. The US government. In a gesture to heal the still bleeding battle wounds after show admiration for former enemies returned over hundred captured Confederate banners to various southern states that had lost them in the bloody battles from persimmon **** to Appomattox courthouse Virginia. That was done during the administration of president Theodore Roosevelt whose mother was a devout Confederate from Georgia who flew the Confederate battle flag from her front apartment window it in New York City. What memories those banners must every candles and our gallant Arkansas veterans when they saw and touched once again the symbols they have fallen under so courageously those many years ago. Staying with the blood of the finer young man of Arkansas. Six thousand of whom did not return home at war's end only the battle flags of the southern confederacy or recognized by more people today than all other flags that have been without a country for over one hundred and fifty five years. All others have grown dam in the memory of the public but not so with the flags of Confederate Arkansas. Many of those flags may be seen today in the collection of the Old State House Museum here in Little Rock. It is my fervent hope that many still lost flags will someday be found identified and unfurled again for posterity. Then properly categorized for historical purposes and the admiration of the general public. Through the following congressional acts Confederate veterans are recognized by the United States Government as equivalent to union veterans by the following legislation. Congressional Appropriations Act of nineteen oh one. Congressional act of March nineteen oh six. US public law eight one old. by the seventy First Congress February twenty sixth nineteen twenty nine and US public law eight four dash four to five. Section four one oh approved may twenty third nineteen fifty eight. I will briefly read the names of some famous American veterans who were descendants of Confederate veterans. The thirteenth commandant of the United States Marine Corps general John A. Liu jun. His father was Confederate captain vede le June. United States Marine Corps lieutenant general Lewis chesty puller. His grandfather was Confederate major John Paul or fifth Virginia cavalry killed in eighteen sixty three. Army general George S. Patton's grandfather Confederate colonel George Patton was killed at Winchester Virginia in eighteen sixty four. Army lieutenant general Simone believe are Buckner junior was killed on Okinawa in nineteen forty five when commander of the United States tenth army. His father was Confederate general Shimon believe are Buckner. United States Army Air Corps brigadier general Nathan Bedford Forrest the third were shot down and killed over Germany in nineteen forty three. His great grandfather was Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest of Tennessee. President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt. His maternal uncle was Confederate chief foreign agent captain James Dunne woody ballock Confederate states navy. President of the United States Woodrow Wilson's father the Reverend Dr Joseph Ruggles Wilson was a chaplain in the Confederate army of Virginia. President of the United States Harry S. Truman a member of the sons of Confederate veterans. Was descended from a member of the jury's Confederate part is on Rangers. Confederate general Joe Wheeler should she leave Robert E. Lee's nephew. And many other high ranking Confederate officers appointed by president William McKinley. All served our nation gallantly during the Spanish American war of eighteen ninety eight. Hollywood movie actor Audie Murphy of East Texas was descended from a Confederate family and became the most decorated soldier of World War two. And lastly western movie actor Randolph Scott. Who's to grandfathers were Confederate officers from Virginia served as an artillery officer in France during World War one and was offered a commission in the French army in nineteen nineteen. More than seventy million Americans are descended from Confederate veterans the majority having served honorably in our armed forces. In nineteen thirteen on the battlefield of Gettysburg union and Confederate soldiers sailors and marines met face to face in a national spirit of reconciliation. If the men who fought against each other's came together for that purpose why do we not honor all American veterans. If we do not honor all American veterans today it will set a precedent to dishonor our troops to Morrow. In nineteen fifty nine president of the United States Dwight Eisenhower on hearing of the death of Walter Williams one hundred to seventeen years of age and a former Confederate soldier to be placed in the capitol rotunda in Washington DC for three days to be viewed by the public. I implore of the Senate Committee. Or consider carefully every aspect of H. B. nineteen sixteen. Before reaching a decision. A decision that may later proved to be a grievous mistake. In the hearts and minds of the citizens of Arkansas. Therefore I urge a no vote. On house bill nineteen sixteen and I thank you all so very much thank you Mr Freeman and thank you for your own service members is there any are there any questions at all for wrist Freeman. Shino questions we thank you Sir thank you appreciate that we're moving on now to John Bowers if you will and you you're happy you're happy to be dismissed first freemen and and I'd like to join the coaching to take his place that we can keep moving Mr marsh if you please state your name and who you represent for the record my name is John Bowers I'm just here as a concerned citizen I live in hot springs village my wife and I moved Arkansas in twenty thirteen it's in our home it will be our own to UIDAI under buried here. We came from Minnesota I had a relative in the first Minnesota Tallien during the civil war so I I come with a little different background. I don't wanna see Arkansas's over forty thousand veterans from the civil war period held in the kind of scorn or forgotten like many of our veterans in Vietnam or in the nineteen sixties and nineteen seventies. Confederate flag day represents those those veterans those men who served under those flags died under those flags were horribly injured in live with those injuries the rest of their lives I would urge you please do not do away with this holiday vote no on the bill thank you right thank you Mr Bowers members any questions. Saying no questions misfires are dismissed and thank you for your time. And representative lawyer mark could be happy for you to come and take his place and you're recognized mission catch if you please state your name for the record puncher button there will there go for. Thank you Senator Rapert members of the committee. My name's Joey McCutchen I'm from Fort Smith I'm here today on behalf of my great great grandfather John C. Wright McCutchen whose with the Alabama fifth lived in Scott County Arkansas until he died and was buried down there. I'm also here on behalf of my family in my heritage because as many things in this country today my heritage is been under attack we've been called racist as of many as many on this committee have been. There's a slippery slope when we start erasing sanitizing which I think's what this bill does canceling our history. Removing our monuments in our statutes taking down historic flags renaming streets and as here cancelling Confederate flag day I want to say this and I and I hope the the Committee will hear this and I've heard repeatedly that this day was created. In nineteen fifty seven in response to the Little Rock Nine. That is absolutely untrue. I mean history shows us that on February twenty seventh nineteen fifty seven Arkansas flag day was created. In September of that year specifically on September fourth nineteen fifty seven hence began as the Little Rock Nine. Our first black secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said when you start wiping out your history sanitizing your history to make you feel better it's a bad thing. And it is a bad thing. And where does it lead went where does it stop. Let's let's call this bill what it is it's it's cancel culture light sponsored unfortunately by Republicans who are under attack in this legislative session as well as others. If we really. Want to upgrade this bill and we want to talk seriously about the wrongs of integration that we living in a modern society now appreciate very fully. Then what we should do is walk hand in hand. We should walk hand in hand down this hallway. And we should take a sledgehammer to the statue to. I formal file this. I mean where does it end oral fathers was making the same arguments that this legislature may. Now the Democrats they've also had their form of cancel culture and it's the heavy version the one that the Nevers has seen the light of day it's the one that that cancels in effect are Arkansas flag and if if you would I'd like for us to look at a minute at the Arkansas flag because where I'm asked the question again where does this stand the Arkansas flag has a has a a blue star above Arkansas. And that the bill by representative Whitaker sought to remove that. But I would like to ask you to look at the three stars below. Which stand for as many in this room know stand for Spain France and the United States of America. Those three countries not only held slaves. They traded in slayings. Is that not hypocrisy are we gonna remove every star all four stars on the flag where does it end. What about what about the the American flag did we ever think we would get to a day in this culture where are American flag was under such a vicious attack. Let's be true and let's be real with one another can we our nation's history is replete with hurtful. Hateful offensive and sometimes racist history. Slavery was implicitly permitted in our constitution our original constitution. Are we gonna sanitizer constitution today are we gonna Ray Sr constitution today. Great men. Who have who have molded my life Thomas Jefferson was a slave owner. George Washington was a slave owner. What are we to do are we gonna join the forces the left this out in San Francisco and have the names of Jefferson and Washington removed from school buildings. I don't think so. We talked about fathers we've talked about Jefferson we've talked about Washington. Should we really view these men in the context of their own time. And not as the prism of modern values. We're here today talking about a war some wrongly called the civil war. but during that time there was a participant in the civil war who made the following. Wrongful hurtful racist statements. He said as much as any other man I am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. Sounds like white supremacy to me during his entire adult life he advocated descend blacks back to Africa even created a colonization office. To send back blacks back to Liberia. Jamaica and West Indies I don't approve of that. But Republicans in this room and we just heard it one of the the party of Lincoln. That's Abraham Lincoln my friends are we going to remove him where does it end are we going to remove him from the five dollar bill should Arkansas consider removing Abraham Lincoln because of his clear race's history. Should we do away with his holiday where does this stand J. Williams Paul Bryant I'm not gonna go through all of that I'll leave that for the University of Arkansas but where does it end. Great men. Who have made mistakes along the way in a culture. What I suggest that we do is learn from our history and use it as an educational moment we all set in here the other day when we heard the folks from Elaine. and their stories of of our Arkansas history and I think there's opportunities there's opportunities to to not a racer sanitized history but to learn from it to have to educate each other to learn how those folks bill to learn how these patriots many of them wearing and you've seen him wearing wearing military at hats because they have served this country so. My position is if we don't learn from our history we're destined to repeat it and yes you can feel good about yourself today that you have an done Confederate flag day which some have said that that it had nothing to do with honoring Confederate veterans if you were here the day before Easter Sunday you would have seen a magnificent event where people who love their ancestors love their their families love their heritage stood out here and had a magnificent magnificent Honor to to honor inveterate veterans so where does it end I would suggest to you that at some point the ninety third General Assembly will be cancelled or attempted to be canceled for its views on issues such as transgender such as hate crimes and I totally support you on those positions I think you've done the courageous thing. But I think at some point. I've probably is early as last week and they're sanitizing going on there's there's canceling a going on so where does it stop. I would hope that it stops with this committee. Did you say no. To sanitizing our history did you say yes to educating learning and giving really you nine people not separating out heroes that sit back here who have fought in wars so that's what I would would hope that that you would can consider today a no vote as hard as it may be. in this political time it's not the time to feel good about yourself it's not the time to be politically correct it's time to put your foot down and let's preserve our history all of it the good the bad and the ugly senator thank you for the time thank you Mr McCutchen there was any questions for the witness. Seeing no questions should you be dismissed thank you for your time today members just briefly I want to make mention we have some observers that have come in these are the one A. state champions from rule special girls basketball we thank you for coming to stop by committee and we wanna give you applause for your championship. Thank you senator ran for having come by. You bet you bet K. Tatum is K. Tatum if you'd like to make your way to the open witness chair and Mr Mach I'd be happy for you state your name and who you represent for the record Sir. By my count okay. I Mark Bismarck Arkansas concerned citizen okay you're recognized thank you I guess if I said many times that have the server pre go very well no but when you go to testify before a Senate committee or house may I I quite like right and will you and they're really ready part just kind of your turn okay so. That being said I know you are pressed for time now okay my state taking them at how to get started. Fourteenth century Scottish king Robert the Bruce said issue written by those who buying heroes. History for you saying that the winners of wars rather history. Because the victors version of war is one tradition except by certain historians Americans I have a correct understanding of war for southern independence and I never will have entered a present from their conventional knowledge of US history and pay studious attention what really happened at that time. And I the previous person testify about their Senate bill six and for the people who live here but they're they're history are numerous times I hear that afternoon their time either he's really distorted asset walking right to that most certainly so. That being said standards and flags are important since our symbol to represent a people and their heritage is important that the meaning of symbols not dictated nor expressed by one's enemies but by those who design raisin preserve the flag examples will add the enemies of the bass road right to dictate what it symbolizes to allow them is this nation to dictate what currentness flag symbolizes. The. Do the Israelis have enemies the star David to dictate what it symbolizes our Confederate flags in a different. We celebrate Confederate flag to here to Calgary restore sanity we are the soldiers marking style thousands of whom died while serving in the Confederate flag and who defended their state from an unconstitutional federal invasion there is not just my opinion but the pain of James Madison the father of the constitution and the rest of the committee that holds who unanimously rejected glass clouds are resolved sixteen region you plan on May thirty first seventeen eighty seven which reads. And the call for the the fourth city union against any member of the union failing to fulfill its duty under the Arkansas there and quote. Medicines are that will reflect on use of force. The more you data the tractability the justice and efficacy of and where provided people collectively not individually he said this. A union of states contain certain ingredients and to provide for its own destruction the use of force against a state look more like a declaration of war than and fiction punishment. And will probably be considered by the party attacked as a dissolution of all previous compact by which it might be bound in quote. The whole crew view this closes federal over reach just maybe I'll who voted on Senate bill two nine force federal over reach. President change we can also reminded Congress that rejected Clausen December fifth eighteen sixty by quoting Madison's notes verbatim. You should know Arkansas elected to remain in the union dealing in cocaine consent illegal and personal demand that the state spry troops to unconstitutional but her sister states. Is often the men said by those have hung heroes that the south tower on the wrong side of history. M. F. Allen wrong setting the winner's version of history but they most certainly phone right so the constitution. Republican William Seward who I ran one consecutive state said this in union general don out of Ohio. He said this. We're bound to tell over paper kite called the constitution a written constitution is dangerous S. and the north south Asian as a shield. What is incriminating things say by federal officials to a written constitution is dangerous. That's right ma'am Arkansas phase we defend their state federal over reach. The Arkansas confederations and we honor flag there also made you inspections in nineteen fifty eight as opposed to previously by Mr Freeman so not only the confederations but you as a patient as well that's why we are in every Easter Saturday on Confederate flag day which was created by an act passed by the Arkansas General Assembly because they're proud of their patient services state of Arkansas. To my Arkansas Confederate sister sergeant Thomas David gill and brother private James a deal. Both of whom served in company B. nine Arkansas infantry James that is one of the home in March of eighteen sixty two. Nineteen fifty seven ACT which created compare my day short concise not remember by my have a copy of it right here ACT one twenty four. An act to designate the Saturday maybe preceding Easter Sunday of each year as Confederate flag down for the purposes be enacted by the General Assembly the state of Arkansas section one. The center may be preceding Easter Sunday of each year is hereby designates Confederate flag day in this state section two hours and parts of hours in conflict with this actor hereby repealed and it was approved favor twenty eighth nineteen fifty seven that's what it says that and then only. I personally tend the Confederate flag down the State Capitol grounds every year for the last twenty years I can faithfully attest to the fact that there are no hateful invectives sexual animosities or any other repugnant rhetoric spoken or tolerated during this event the ceremony Jose Sullivan we read a partial list of the names of soldiers the names of the Arkansas using which a server there's a guest Speaker and opening and closing prayer when the ceremony with a rousing rendition of the song Dixie. Three weeks ago we were celebrating Confederate flag in the State Capitol grounds a group of blacks approaches and ran asking us questions are who we were what and why we were doing this. There was no height or animosities order part in serving on ours because we know this is not a racial war. Recusant just want to be informed we reciprocated and they even posed with those for a group picture in front of Confederate statues. During our conversation they tell us that they had no problem with this event that we should and we should be honoring or celebrating our our ancestors we shook hands exchanged hugs more importantly we exchanged phone numbers they want to meet with us created dialogue with us and keep and keep an open line of communication between us basically we all want unity I see no problem with this that's what we should be doing communicating. How do you feel members of Congress filed a bill to change or race or sanitized Memorial Day flag day her fourth G. Y. just because I felt the defendant early retained by them. I would hope that you would act as those those we're here today to oppose this bill and Boris your songs objections because yes there are like minded members in Congress today he would change rice or sanitizing if they could. I have a love my country warts and all and we're defend the principles upon which it was found is my last breath. If you're not there for us to like or dislike is there for us to learn lessons based on what we've been and what we want to be. It's not for anyone to rice as it belongs to all of us. I'm asking you to please vote no on this bill which was Senator Rice another partner he should because yes it specifically targets and races word Confederate fired words Confederate flag I've nineteen fifty seven ACT thank you very much for your time. Thank you Mr Clark members any questions. CNN thank you sure. And recognized now. K. Tatum and would ask Sheila Beatty if you're here you'd be welcome to come and take the open seat and misstated would you reach over press that button off and then you can get yours and Sir if you just state your name and who you represent for the record Redbank please thank you Senator Rapert. My name is Kay Tatum I'm the Arkansas society president of the national society daughters of clone wars in the Arkansas state president of the national society dames the court of honor I just completed my term is a state president of the national society United States daughters of eighteen twelve. Personally I am representing twenty three lineage societies today I have two ways with me in total all three of us represent over one hundred lineage societies. The society's offer membership to all with no regard to race in yes we do have African American membership as well as other minorities. We are here today to oppose house bill nineteen sixteen which would rename Confederate flag day. This day is uniquely southern it does not honor generals it does not honor battles it serves as a reflection of the southern people and the poverty hardships sacrifices tragedies in atrocities of war that our ancestors injured and likely your ancestors did as well. It represents the devastation of our south plan it also represents the efforts in healing of people to overcome this devastation represents the farmer the merchant in the people that had little to begin with and suffered possibly the greatest losses. Arkansas already has a statehood day and a national Arkansas day a name change is a duplication of two days that are already celebrated by the people of Arkansas. Changing Confederate flag day is an attack on the very groups that are actively working to identify African American soldiers in minorities to serve for their south plan. These men here today represent a group that has reclaimed preserved and now maintains an abandon African American cemetery in south Arkansas. These groups all of them. Identified in place team stones FOR African American soldiers who serve not only for the south the clone wars and the war of eighteen twelve. Senator Rapert visit went with me and not two thousand nineteen when we dedicated another six hundred and thirty four names to the war of eighteen twelve marker. Many minorities were included in this edition not just African Americans but immigrants from many countries committee who could not speak English we are inclusive when we remember history. Confederate flag day should not be changed it was created without prejudice without racism I respectfully ask that you vote no on house bill nineteen sixteen thank you all right members any questions for the witness. CNN thank you very much thank you. And. Ms Beatty you're recognized if you please just state your name and who you represent for the record in our ask Randall Freeman if you would like to take the open with Mr. You're recognized ma'am thank you my name is Sheila Beaty. And my family has been here since eighteen thirty six. Am I am representing United States daughters of eighteen twelve of which I a hold national positions for service to veterans and be a B. S. I am also an historian and have been acknowledged as such by my organization. SK eight Mrs Tatum stated I am a member of approximately thirty lineage organizations honoring all my ancestors. One of my favorite activities and I'm going to digress a little bit is the Vietnam veterans memorial. Day. Was actually a whole period of time and as you all know that war was very unpopular and most of the serviceman who served in that war were drafted. Some eighteen years old were put on a plane and went right to the battlefield there were many many. Correct the things that happened during the Vietnam War. And today we have in the audience some of those men who served in that war that war was unpopular. Questionable whether it should ever happen. And why were we there. I submit that to use a word that one of the other speakers used I submit that that's Senate ties that war and remove the recognition of those Americans who fought in that war. As it was stated where does it stop. This is our history. It's good it's bad we made mistakes we learn from mistakes that our children need to know what happened. Why it happened and that we move forward. Thank you senator I recommend a no vote for this. Thank you ms beating and the members any questions. Seeing no questions would appreciate you being here and the David clay if you would come and take the empty seat if you're still here and Mr Freeman be happy for you state your name and who you represent the record you're recognized. Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the committee I've had bad sinus my throat's really dry or try to get through this I sure appreciate else time today my name is Randall Freeman I'm here to speak against house bill nineteen sixteen that under the guise of inclusiveness to celebrate all cultures of Arkansas seeks to exclude and further purge the recognition of our state's history and don't tell me that it doesn't purge history because this is not the first time I've been up here to speak against something similar to this. I can grant you that no one in this room of the state of Arkansas more than I do to me every day is Arkansas day but the bringers of this bill are running it to celebrate the diversity of Arkansas they are running it to exclude part of the history of this state because it offends them the claim is that the original bill was created to intimidate black children but where is the proof show me that document that you were in possession of that proves the creation of this holiday was racially motivated. For Arkansas we already have statehood day on June fifteenth and national Arkansas day on June eleventh I January eleventh so what is Confederate flag day really about to us the ones who appreciate and celebrate this holiday it is a day descendants of Confederate veterans gather at the soldier's monument on the capitol grounds to remember the men and boys called up by the state of Arkansas to defend her borders. And they are veterans of this state I am I repeat they answered the call of their state every Saturday before Easter for decades now we have gathered peacefully respectfully and prayerfully. This is a picture from nineteen sixty nine. Four months before I was born but I was there in spirit I can guarantee you that notice that they're praying that's who we are. Names are called from a book of Arkansas soldiers ringing a bell as each soldier's name is spoken so that in some small way his memory echoes once more some of these Arkansas years are in unmarked graves in places we will never find them they are truly known but to god that war it was a horrible war to live through the state was ravaged our people were starved and murdered with many dying of disease we refuse to forget what our ancestors the pioneers of this state entered. And in the cases of those who survived they rebuilt this state from ashes we do this out of reference and for no other reason. On our past Confederate flag day for black lives members matter black lives matter members assembled on the ground they live stream the ceremony and we're very you know very just they were just there and when the ceremony ended they were absolutely amazed when everyone started coming up to them and shaking their hands and welcome welcoming them and they ended up having a photo taken with this. And in fact the last guy that I talked to when he walked off that day his name was Fernando I have his phone number and we do intend on having lunch and communication one day when he walked off he said I never thought I would meet such a group of nice people here today. Now let me put that in perspective because on Jan July tenth of last year I'm the one who walked in the Oakland cemetery to find that obelisk vandalized spray painted and chiseled I'm the one who is raised ten thousand dollars to get that fixed that monument had black lives matter all around it all over it spray painted all over it they damaged our cemetery I never heard anyone you know say anything about that. I would still like to have a you know a condemnation of that act from the city or the state or someone. There has never been an incident with our gatherings we do not damage property or police monuments we don't throw soup cans or have to be tear gassed off the property and we don't school in the cemeteries at night with political messages we are decent conservative people who work and contribute to society and to the betterment of this great state. I'm tired of having the good names of my Confederate non slave holding ancestors dragged through the mud because some people are woke and offended about it. There is a Saint Patrick's day a Cinco de Mayo and a black history month the south has its own distinct foods culture music way of speaking our own history and our own heroes what exactly is so bad about that I'm asking you to leave Confederate flag day alone we are not the horrible people so many want us to be made out to be we have the right to keep the last holiday that allows us to truly pay reverence to our forefathers and foremothers. I thank you for your time and I want to leave you with one quote preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures Cesar Chavez. All right thank you Mr Freeman and. The Senator Hester Mr Freeman would you care to answer questions I think we have a question. Senator Hester you're recognized. Thank you Mr Freeman you clearly said historian on this issue and so on in inserm researcher by like we will perspective for me like you know like I think like Margaret singer's terrible human rights yes a lot of terrible things I'm not interested in celebrating her in any way and so like I've in some research and everything that I've heard can you tell me the significance on wine this state was set the Saturday before Easter I do not know why it was chosen for that day no I will wait might know or someone I couldn't answer that specifically but I know it was set before the crisis that everyone wants to point to it yeah you know that there's a rumor and maybe it's just a folk tale that it was sent on that day in signification of you know Christ rising that the south will also rise again you think there's any rumor to that I can honestly say I've not heard that okay but the thank you in in in light of that question I think it's been stated but to you and to most what is the day signify to you to me the day signifies it's just a time when a like minded people come together to celebrate our history and our forefathers I mean my my great great grandfather his name was John Caldwell Calhoun Freeman and is buried in a cemetery and in Baxter County but you know he he returned to the war from the war because his mother died and his father was sent to a he was arrested as a Confederate sympathizer and was sent to a prison in Ohio and when he came back his wife was dead and everything I mean these were hard scrabbling people they were not fighting for slavery they were fighting because someone was coming into their territory telling them what to do and they were just you know fighting for their home and hearth. It's very personal because I mean that's my family I will never disown my family do you happen to know and I guess some others can ensure this is will are there any other states that have done away with this particular day I don't know I do know today's Confederate Memorial Day in some states I think we all pretty much have a different kind of holiday. And I know I was just looking an article would come up that governor reason Mississippi I think they have they declare a Confederate history or heritage month I believe in April and they just did that again and they also change our state flag right so even though the change their state flag they continue to have their heritage month and that's been done I think for fifty years or something that to that nature so I appreciate you answering the questions will move on to the next witness Mr clay would you please state your name and who you represent for the record my name is David are calamitous and of west fork Arkansas before you get started I want to mention that I'm not sure on the first name but Mr or Mrs gallant I didn't see it on with this is. Cranford L. it would if you take the open chair Mister clay you're you're recognized Sir. Thank you I appreciate the time to be here and agency I have no speech I'm an old man my member short minders time is short I would not think a lot of time here I am a Vietnam veteran I joined the service when I'm seventeen and navy veteran as decorated As you make ten I did however get my highs to climb on the mother would not sign means a military Intel added education is always been important in my family she has also taught me not to be ashamed my can my Confederate heritage my Cherokee heritage on my wife heritage which I'm not United States of America's greatest country in the world here I am as a citizen and I'm address my state legislature freely that I consider talk to people you people can talk to me. But that's not the greatest country in the world I don't know what is. And I appreciate this time but I'm not ashamed to any of my here. And that's one thing about I have a. Kindred spirit with the Confederates because the way they're being treated today the way I was treated when I came home Vietnam I was told to hide my uniform and come home with my civilian clothes so that I would not be spent on and talk down to. To me that was that's America we had arrived in week to voice our opinions about wanting to do not right to solve read spent on me they have a right to disagree we all have a right is conscious constitutional right to be judged by a jury of our peers. That means somebody deserve my life. Okay we're judging the confederacy these men a hundred fifty years later we're judging them by our standards not their standards they were judged by their peers the man that observed in women is serve their lives where they lived America that war. There's monuments and statues all over this country saying that they were well thought. Now we're trying to whitewash homogenize a rock and wash it all into the bridge I think that's wrong Albany open encourages debate not arguments debate discussion when you're hired staff that's when the innuendos in the mist come out. And the truth doesn't come out either gets here. We need to leave everything out of the open I enjoyed being I've come down here and express for my Confederate heritage and I'm not ashamed of it we go through a roll call every year down here of the Arkansas saw people have died for the confession we say their names aloud it takes four years to go through the whole list. I have ancestors that fought on both sides. On my family dates back to. The American revolution I'm a member of the sons of the American revolution I think that's very important I'm become more politically involved as I get older when I was younger I didn't care about this place but I'm learning wine. My sacrifice for fighting for this country was important but it's also board that I fight now I want Arkansas to be open about its past not to hide it. Not to be ashamed of it. We don't have to agree why the Warsaw. I do know what a civil war we never tried to overthrow the federal government we use our constitutional right to leave the union. Free for the people decided to do at that time. With their way of thinking that's what they decided to do. They worry over brought back into the unit point of a gun which was unconstitutional. These facts can be brought out when we start talking about the war when you lack who won who lost. Doesn't matter at this point it has been decided. But we need to keep it alive so that people will talk about it and discuss it and. Ladies gem that's about all I can say I'm not fancy that's it. Is Klay thank you for testimony members any questions for Mister clay I want to thank this panel the ladies and gentleman for your time thank you. and the last one it is Mister Steve Higgs if you come take the the open chair and Mr Guillot you're recognized for your comments if you please just state your name and who you represent for the record. My name is Crawford goal that I am just a citizen. However I better citizen come next Wednesday for eighty five years. Hi I am a airforce veteran I'm a Korean veteran and I had five and gestures to vote in the war. Back in the eighteen sixties. Of someone was on the northern side some moments on the southern side. Hi wouldn't hide like to recognize my hand gestures on both sides. A home a little closer to the ones on the southern side because I'm in Arkansas here. The I don't to see any problem with keeping. People. Understanding why they are. Celebrating something everyone should have something that they look up to. And hi hi admire the American flag as much as anybody but he has a much sordid history than their southern plugged it. I thank you for your time thank you and I appreciate your server server and frankly all of you in this room that have served regardless of who it is we absolutely appreciate that thank you for your testimony your excuse or if you'd like to be and we have our last witness Mr Higgs if you'd state your full name and who you represent for work record thank you my name is Steve Higgs as citizen of Arkansas I am a Vietnam that. Two. And my answer was born in seventeen nineteen in Germany came the United States and fought against the British someone in my family his fault and a reward. My son is filed under Rick. My grandson will be eighteen and next month and he's joining the marines that way he can keep up our family history. I have nine people who is in the confederacy and my side of the family and everyone was in the union. Which I honor all of them. And when I was in Vietnam does anyone know what a Silver Star is. I am a separate that that I have a silver star me and one other guy win out and can't it got wounded and dead soldiers off the field under fire and the gentleman was side me who was helping me with black. I didn't ask him to nothing I covered him when he ran in an hour in the did the same for me and I'm very proud of this yeah do not know what his name was and that. But I was proud to get in and we both hopefully he got a silver Sturch the we got are dead and when soldiers all that battlefield. So you know we would like to keep our history are they going to get rid of all of our history because even Vietnam was it yeah like they said it was unwanted war and I understand that and like they said when we come home we had thought if things throwed it is we couldn't even come home under uniform. We had to dress in civilian clothes and sneak out the back gate. And that just would wrong you know we served our country served are playing as Pete you know what we supposed to do I went in when I was eighteen years old I know listed because I thought that was the right thing to do. So in my birth date is on veterans day. And so I'm very proud of in the United States and my two daughters I brought them the United States their father was killed by the military the escape one to the grandfather health and I run the United States now my two step daughters are American citizens and are proud of our history here and both my step daughters are from Guatemala. And the oldest one went to college and committee as a computer science and would graduated as a student. So hopefully you guys will say no on this because we like to keep our flag day because it honors our ancestors at is what we're here because we're older we get our kids do not care about our history anymore. So hopefully you please say no on our history thank thank you thank you mystery H. thank you both members any questions sing no questions thank you. Thank you for your presentations in your testimony members or is there anyone else that you're aware that would like to speak for or against the bill that I have one I allowed ma'am if you'll come. is there anyone else I know that we during the last two weeks we've had several meetings with Iran late was unavoidable and. We're very happy to give you an opportunity to speak. Magic writer named him for when she is. Ma'am as you saw everyone else if you would please state your full name force and who you represent for the record. Punch a button there. Yes. You might repeat yourself sometimes I'm a little hard of hearing and just understanding yes Sir right you state your name and who you represent for the record yes my name is Linda Kate Vandenberg quite. And I am the national corresponding secretary for the colonial dames seventeenth century. I am a citizen here of Arkansas resident of Arkansas and I'm a member of fifty eight l'image groups. Well I personally cannot speak for the national organization I can speak for myself. And. Our national president was here this past weekend and at marking ceremony at a Confederate cemetery and some of her comments were all group's support the history of all different groups and that's what we're about not to single out things. And I certainly agree with that. I'm speaking in opposition to the bill. Because I think that we do need to keep the Confederate flag day. Celebration. It also reminds me of a conversation that I had this past weekend I'm the it's called the AG G. the action in the DG deputy governor general for the Mayflower society and the national officer for the Mayflower society. And in our meeting we were discussing with doctor Robert hare who is a professor of history at the university of Arkansas in his specialty is European history. And he had mentioned that he specializes in German history and we were discussing different things such as going to dock house which I want to about thirty years ago and he had the same experience that when I had gone to dock out which was not the death camps like Treblinka or I switch but unfortunately for work today it was outside of Munich and was one of the first work camps that the **** operate it started in nineteen thirty one. And when I had first on the dock out there were very few cars in the parking lot. At the dock out every hour on the hour of the show a film the start with English French German and Russian. And that was one thing that surprised me that there were very few people there. Shortly after that there was a mini series shown in the United States talking about the Holocaust and it was shown in Germany after that it was very controversial because the government wasn't certain whether they want to do that because at that time young Germans did not know about the Holocaust and they were taught about German history. But it was shown and open up the eyes of many of the students and after that I had gone to Dachau in the parking lot was full and many even where your insurance. Because they also have that same philosophy that if you don't learn about your history you're destined to repeat the mistakes that. So that's what caused mine on that because as we all know the civil war was a disastrous war there were more people killed in the civil war than all of our wars combined. And it's just part of our history that that we need to learn from my mistakes and that situation from Dachau reminds me of that and all of our organizations believe in that that history is important to our citizens and it's an important part of our culture and life. And I appreciate the opportunity to speak to this issue all right any questions members saying none thank you very much ma'am for your time thank you and did you did you you gave us your full name as you all right would you like me to repeat it again I think she got it thank you I appreciate it members single other questions I'd ask representative column to come close for his bill and Senator Davis if she would care to. Thank you Mr chair thank you our senators and. I would also have some to say thank you to all those that spoke today in support of our soldiers and I've thank you for your service and I agree that we ought to honor our soldiers And to our. I can assure you that voting for this bill you can still honor your soldiers about. I don't know the number of Vietnam vets that we have in the house but I know multiple Vietnam vets in the House voted for this bill in fact in speaking for the bill on the house floor marine officer Marcus Richmond spoke about his patriotism and in support of this bill I don't know how much info or fax you want regarding the discussion on on the when this all Confederate flag day went into place but considering some the conversation that you heard today I just want to go over a few things the bottom line is Confederate flag day was passed in nineteen fifty seven. That was one of the three sessions fifty seven fifty eight fifty nine Victoria's four anti segregation other your other racially charged legislation which was a direct response to the nineteen fifty four brown decision in the nineteen fifty six and abilities if you want additional force the integration of Central High and associated branch racial tension that Pete did not start in September nineteen fifty seven in terms of the comments of you know when when Wallace and I know you steam centers will focus on the bill in front of you and you know. It's worth noting that on the same day that we passed this bill in the house we also pass the Senate bill by Senator Johnson protecting the statues that were mentioned you know the set doesn't have anything to do with the constitution or the you know I symbols within the Arkansas flag or changing the Confederate flag we we can still honor. Fallen soldiers and this bill I completely reject the idea that we don't honor soldiers in the future if we pass this bill this does not make. The confederacy forgotten property for the day in state statute says it it It is there to memorialize those who found civil war on both sides in this state to remain committee of actually asked why am I taking this state for Arkansas that a that was in direct response to multiple colleagues who said that are Confederate flag day currently is a big day in their districts where individuals like to do re enactments and so we thought it was important to keep Arkansas day on that day give the nod to the rich history that we have I think my main point is just calling it Arkansas date I wish the following description in this bill alters our Kansans who participated in the civil war in a much broader sense rather than exclusively given a nod to the Confederate flag some other notes. I heard a lot of statements today about what Confederate flag day Means to different people you know whether it's merchants at the time of Confederate soldiers at the time. The law does not say that the days for those things I understand that that's how people receive it my main point stating that is. The same way that the day is currently used for things other than particularly cited in the language of the current statute you could still use Arkansas day to celebrate all of the things that you have mentioned In fact again this language is more broadened compasses everything that you might have said in honoring all those and individuals and it is a not to. our rich history. I guess I'll just stop and say you know it. Just because a certain percentage of the house voted for this bill obviously we've experienced that doesn't mean that against the full support of the Senate but I do want you to hear a few things that a few house members mention when they spoke for the bill representative Justin Gonzales the sort the sole member of our Hispanic caucus on the house side he felt as though passing Arkansas day got rid of the black guy on our state not. Not take you not talking about the confederacy but talking about the response to integration at the time Thank you might have some. I can just say in closing that and again with this bill or not canceling anything rather we're just making the stay more inclusive of our registry we value the military service and an honor the military service of the gentleman here today he testified and people across the state can continue to celebrate and honor the flag they can continue to celebrate and honor their ancestors and they can continue to celebrate on or the war on this state or any other day of the year we're not taking that away were simply making that a more inclusive and of the wonderful history the state of Arkansas pass in with that and we're closed and ask for a good vote thank you all right. Thank you members you've heard a testimony and you've heard the closing was pleasure to committee. I have a motion from Senator Tucker do pass as our second. I have a second all those in favor of the bill say aye I'm sorry you have to I'm sorry you have discussion all right you got me just a second time. Me at it just you from from my perspective is something that I just want to say to everybody in this room is a now I'm old history teacher a lot of even though the the civil war was a was a hard time that that we face is very significant time very important time in Arkansas history and and something that I've spent a lot of times through the years studying in and it you're looking at but one thing that I would want to say to people is that if you are counting on the state of Arkansas to preserve your history your you have misplaced your trust. It is I mean this state no government ought to be the one who is entrusted with preserving history period I mean it's going to be important to you to teach your kids your family if you want if you want to message a history that you truly believe to come out don't count on the state in the one the the preserves you go out and do it you have your Arkansas date you have you can your Confederate flag day if that's what you want to have don't count on the the seal of approval from the state to do it right that's that's a given nothing in this bill that prohibits you from from going forward and doing that. This this session this committee as are the ones who seem to bills bill or preservation of monuments this committee voted them out supported them you know it's it's I think it's going to be in a on the Senate floor today to concur in the amendment and that is going to the governor because we said you have the monuments that are out there deserves to be preserved and by the way that that was ran and pointed at the computer monuments was the defaced and virtually everybody condemned that action has as an action that is that was unwarranted there was there was no reason to do that now having said that one thing that's really important is that as the state we do need to think about how things are perceived and and you know how this the voting for this not because of what the Confederate flag means or what the Confederate flag means the people in this room but frankly what it means a lot of other people and honestly. Probably the reason why this bill was passed is more consistent with what it means to some other people no originally it was put into law probably based on racism which is the perception that the more people see when they see that see the flag I hate it people of my district they they think of it as heritage and I I support their right to demonstrate that way but that's not the way the majority of the public see if and and that probably wasn't the motivation when the passed bill and originally and so I'll be supporting it but but my underlying you know messages you know if you want heritage to be taught then you need to go out there and and do the work associated with with communicating it and don't lean on the state to take care of that for you. All right members any other discussion. Since we had discussion I'll just just say in general you know listening to all this when I started making trips to Ghana West Africa let eight mission teams there the very first trip I was overwhelmed to not only with what I was saying what we dissipating in to help people but I was taken down the Coast of Ghana and of course the Coast of Ghana as the go coast is where you have many slaving for each down through there and there were two things that struck me during that visit and by the way Cape coast castle is where president Barack Obama visited when he had some footage that was aired I was there at the door of no return I stood in the dungeons where they had the slaves that were there is very horrible thing and I also there's two things struck me that I want to mention since you had a little discussion number one was a plaque from the nation of Ghana. Apologizing. For their role in slavery. And I was taught that it was the Phonte tribes on the coast they captured other tribesmen in the north and brought them to the coast and traded them with white Europeans. The creed the slave trade and they had an apology and you know what I never read that in any history book. In any of my classes. I was told it was all the white man's fall. But I love intellectual honesty. And intellectual honesty faced me there as in our cans and it's something I didn't even understand wondered why was there an apology from the nation of Ghana for their role in slavery. So that was one thing the other thing that struck me there and I have a picture of it. I was walking down that coast line and there was a vote in the adorn their boats with beautiful pictures and flaxen things and guess what was painted on the side of a fishing boat. The Confederate flag. With the dove right in the middle of it. And all I will say is since you've had some discussion as to say it just dawned it's it's it's it seems to to me. I sure wish this whole nation. Everyone of us. Could allow peace to reign in the turmoil in the blood that was spilt to be enough. Fighting this war over and over and over. Because to me the memory of the people that died on either side. And the peace that finally came after it. Was enough. And so again I was going to say anything at all but it just strikes me because these were symbols and things that I saw on the coast where many people were taken it was a horrible tragedy and I will never ever take up for the vote and you know people being put in bondage no matter who it is but it did strike me that that does up in the middle of that flag it just totally blew me away I couldn't believe it and I just wish today that everywhere in this country that we can find some peace and put this stuff to rest because we're using that and fighting battles that we really don't need to fight anymore but with that I appreciate your comments and I appreciate presentation and I believe that everybody has good will and intentions on either side well that members this is a very important vote obviously I really do need to have you help me to hear the vote if I don't hear the vote clearly our roll call vote so with that no further discussion we have a motion from Senator Tucker I believe we had a second from senator Davis all those in favor please say aye. All opposed no. Right I believe that we do have five votes from what I was hearing if anybody objects would be happy to do a roll call. Let's roll call vote so that I'm clear on this I don't want to have anybody upset about it so if you would please call the roll so that we've got it taken. Senator Bledsoe. No Senator English. Now Senator Hester. I Senator Davis. All right Senator Ballenger aye Senator Tucker. I senator garner. No Senate bill what do you have. Bill fails for lack of majority. Members get Senator garner's got a couple of bills. I'm sorry. Yes. Members if the if if the audience would clear we have a couple bills. We still have order please. Excuse me. if you please take your conversations outside thank you for that senator garner you're recognized and then yes and and we do have that Senator Ingram as well I have sent a message to represent of winning I don't know if anybody is prepared to present his bill but I see it's on our agenda Senator Garner. You mention to me that you're going to present one but not both correct correct I think I'm going to pass owns six eighty seven this couple things and I re read it out and to clear like if that makes sense I'm run six SP six eighty four. Okay you're recognized for Senate bill six eighty four. Thank colleagues what this does is very simple bill or creates a minimum for filing for certain offices in Arkansas this is the standard we typically had a political parties of handle it and this is Craig and basically a standard for minimum to make sure you have office integrity we have election integrity and that the people running a committee to bare minimum as far as be able to follow a fee without take any questions. Members questions. See any questions and I don't know that we have anybody signed up on the bill so. I see that the the values that are set throughout this bill. I guess I would ask where did you come with the values the least amount of the major political parties in the last election cycle okay. All right members no questions. All right are you close to the bill Sir I'm close I make a motion to pass I have a motion to pass from senator garner is their second second from Senator Ballenger all those in favor say aye I'm sorry I'm sorry. Thank you for catching me again when there was no questions Senator Tucker I assume there was no discussion so go ahead you're recognized for discussion I'll be brief I just want to make the point that. I presented to a a joint resolution on open primaries which. Was not gonna have a lot of support which I understand but even within that proposed amendment when there could be two members of the same party on the ballot in the November election I thought it was important to preserve the ability of the political parties to determine who their own candidates are that that which have changed the nominee but if you're gonna run. With the a political designation next your name it should be up to your political party to determine whether you're eligible to run with that designation on what the filing fees are this should be something that's turned by each party clearing the Republican Party of Arkansas and the Democratic Party and it should not be something that set by the state in my opinion I just wanted off that brief comment. All right center thank you any other discussion. All right centers we have a motion do pass for the second all those in favor say aye aye aye All opposed no. We all right. The Bill pass is. Senator do you have another one. It is house bill nineteen thirty eight house bill nineteen thirty all right that's when I was talking about yes Sir apologize you're recognized for presentation of house bill nineteen thirty eight yeah there has been some discussion about how we handle mental health issues within our fire departments and first responders there is a bill to add them to worker's compensation and kind of change that dynamic that was really contentious it didn't pass the house this kind of a good kind of secondary measure to do on the city's on board with that the fire departments on board it just allows is training to kind of help with mental health issues the training is free nobody has any problem with across the board just allows and get that second better understand some structures come up as mental health issues come up that they're able to actually address it with that I'll take any questions. All right members any questions. Seeing no questions you oppose the bill come close thank you. I have a motion to pass from Senator Tucker the second from senator. Garner all the favor say aye aye opposed no the Bill pass thank you Sir. Members Senator Ingram. If you have the last bill of this session I hope. While I appreciate your patience Sir that. Senator Ingram. be happy for you to state your name just for the record of those viewing in you're recognized up Senator Keith Ingram of Senate district twenty four up an amendment is being passed out now Mister chairman okay. I haven't seen Amendment myself Senator Ingram do you want to speak to it is we're getting it yes it all it does is it deletes lines of three and four on page two. So it it it deletes three and four on page two yes the state entity state employer election official that is the subject of a lawsuit if any it removes a. Okay. I have a motion for adoption amendment from senator Tucker I believe in second from Senator English all those of favour adoption amendments say aye. All opposed no the amendment is adopted and could you get that explanation again because I know it pulls that out but what is that effectively going to do well it it it instead of identifying who is responsible the entity or the employee or elected official that is it that is the lawsuit is is about it just pulls that up it just pulls that identifier out of back to the A. L. C.. You're recognized for presentation of the full bill Sir thank you very much Mr chairman committee I'll be very brief of this is simply a bill that was modeled after the one regarding the presidential report from the AG regarding the executive order to review it would require that the Attorney General at A. L. C. twice a year give us an update on lawsuits that are ongoing plus the any final judgment of settlements except drug of the total amount of tax dollars that have been spent defending or prosecuting the losses and if the state was successful in the lawsuit or if they fail what. Right to damages we had to pay. That's sort it and not in a in a in a in a nutshell and I'll be happy to take any questions. Members any questions. I don't see any questions Senator anything else you'd like to say on the bill no Sir I'm closed all right. members force pleasure. I have a motion to pass from Senator Tucker I have a second from Senator English all those in favor say aye. All opposed no. All right let's rule is colors rule I'm I'm we're to point here where I don't want anybody feel like they've been short changed. Senator Bledsoe. I Senator English I. Senator Hester. Senator Hester. Senator Davis I Senator Ballinger. No Senator Tucker. I senator garner. No. Bill fails for lack majority senator of thank you very much and I would like to thank the committee for hearing this and all the hard work the job done this year I know constitutional amendments can be very of also known to sit through so thank you all very much thank you. Members is there any other business to come before the committee I do want to make mention to you I have not gotten an assessment from B. L. R. on this news but I was given news that apparently that the census bureau is announcing some population numbers. That's a bit of a surprise and so we know we've been told it will be September so as soon as I get some actual firm information on that then I will try to relay that to you but I was given that this morning they were releasing some information I don't know if that was just preliminary and hopes that it would lay some of our concerns I have no idea when I find that out will be send that on to you and I do thank you for your hard work we've had a lot of work here on the committee this year and I do appreciate it with that we're Jr thank you.