I'm a fourth-generation farmer here ….

I'm a fourth-generation farmer here in Arkansas. Before I was a farmer, I was a student at the former Rich Mountain Vo-Tech, where I learned the skills I needed to become a diesel mechanic. That training opened doors for me. That's why I’m urging you to join me and vote YES on Issue 1 this November. Issue 1 is about investing in our future by expanding access to vocational and technical training.

Right now, scholarships funded from proceeds of the Arkansas lottery can only be used at traditional two- and four-year colleges and universities. Issue 1 will allow those dollars to support students who choose to pursue valuable trades at technical schools and institutes. We have a critical shortage of skilled workers in Arkansas.

[ Editor’s Note: Sorry, I didn’t get this until after our deadline on Tuesday, but as you’ve seen, most Arkansas voters agreed with you. Issue 1 passed with 90% of the vote, meaning it was endorsed across all party, race, gender and economic lines, which is very rare these days]