The Arkansas 91st General Assembly convened yesterday at noon and tax cuts were the top issue. According to the Associated Press, Republicans are facing divisions over competing tax-cut plans months after the party expanded its majorities in the Legislature.
In an e-mail, from State Representative Nelda Speaks and the Arkansas House of Representatives, the monthly revenue for the state shows $2.6 billion so far for this fiscal year, which begin in July. Revenues are $38.2 million or one point five percent above last year however, $8.8 million under the forecasted amount.
Governor Asa Hutchinson has proposed a $50 million dollar income tax cut benefiting residents making less than $21,000 a year, along with a $13 million dollar income tax break for those who are receiving military retirement benefits. He faces pushback from some Republicans who are calling for deeper tax cuts than the governor's plan envisions.
Senator Scott Flippo says it will take a little time before tax issues and other debates will gather momentum. The first day of the session is fairly routine.
Listen: right-click to download mp3
Other issues which are at the top for lawmakers are education, Medicaid, medical marijuana, criminal justice reform and social issues.
Education has historically been the largest budget priority for the state. This year increases in education funding will likely be presented. In it's annual adequacy report the Education Committee recommended an increase of $45.6 million dollars for the next fiscal year.
All House proceedings in the Chamber and House committee meeting held in the Capitol building can be found in this story on ktlo.com or by going to arkansashouse.org where a link to a live video stream is available.
In an e-mail, from State Representative Nelda Speaks and the Arkansas House of Representatives, the monthly revenue for the state shows $2.6 billion so far for this fiscal year, which begin in July. Revenues are $38.2 million or one point five percent above last year however, $8.8 million under the forecasted amount.
Governor Asa Hutchinson has proposed a $50 million dollar income tax cut benefiting residents making less than $21,000 a year, along with a $13 million dollar income tax break for those who are receiving military retirement benefits. He faces pushback from some Republicans who are calling for deeper tax cuts than the governor's plan envisions.
Senator Scott Flippo says it will take a little time before tax issues and other debates will gather momentum. The first day of the session is fairly routine.
Listen: right-click to download mp3
Other issues which are at the top for lawmakers are education, Medicaid, medical marijuana, criminal justice reform and social issues.
Education has historically been the largest budget priority for the state. This year increases in education funding will likely be presented. In it's annual adequacy report the Education Committee recommended an increase of $45.6 million dollars for the next fiscal year.
All House proceedings in the Chamber and House committee meeting held in the Capitol building can be found in this story on ktlo.com or by going to arkansashouse.org where a link to a live video stream is available.
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