Member’s Day gives chance for legislators to review appropriations

Member’s Day gives chance for legislators to review appropriations

This week the Joint Budget Committee set aside times for what we refer to as “Member’s Day.” These are days for legislators to present proposed changes to appropriations before the final budget is drafted.

Some of the proposals introduced so far include additional funding for pre-K, providing post-secondary education for inmates, and additional funding for UAMS. The committee is still reviewing several requests but did endorse the UAMS funding. The committee voted against the increase in Pre-K funding.

One of the proposed changes adopted by the committee this week would provide one-time funding in the amount of $750,000 to purchase a new online campaign finance filing system for the Secretary of State’s office. The Secretary of State’s office says this system would provide more transparency by developing a more user friendly search engine for anyone researching campaign donations for candidates. It would also assist candidates in reporting contributions and expenses.

This bill now makes its way to the House floor for a vote.

The Governor’s proposed balanced budget includes a $23 million increase to education and a $20.5 million increase to Children and Family services to help with the increasing number of children in foster care.

The overall budget will be presented in the Revenue Stabilization Act. This is expected to be delivered to members for review next week.

Once it is released it will be posted on www.arkansashouse.org.

We have three days to review the bill before we are required to vote.

Although not every funding request by members can be met, it is important to keep in mind that this budget does not include any new taxes. It also includes growth and not cuts. Our unemployment rates show our economy is growing so request not met this time, may be revisited next year.

As we wrap up this Fiscal Session, we already have another session on the horizon. The Governor is expected to call us into a Special Session regarding highway funding shortly after we adjourn. I will keep you posted on any developments.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson