The 88th General Assembly
has convened the 2012 fiscal session

Friday, August 31, 2007

Doddridge dilemma averted -- Update

The proposed 130-acre dump site near Doddridge that's been a hot topic this week on the blog and on the street has been taken off the market, according to sources close to the transaction. This also means, of course, that other Arkansas property may be the target of a proposed dump site for fish cleaning and grease trap residue. Here are the previous blog entries: 8/28/07; 8/24/07.

Update (Sat.):The Texarkana Gazette doesn't have its online content up as of the time I'm typing this, but click here to go to the electronic replica of today's paper. This story headlines today's edition.


Midday news

AP Interview: Pryor still backs secret timetable for Iraq
Associated Press: Huckabee says D.C. should be granted voting rights
Associated Press: Ark. computers erase criticism, make changes
Texarkana Gazette: Rep. Sullivan announces for the Arkansas Senate
KATV: Poker room in Little Rock plans to open despite warnings
KTBS: Idea to turn Texas interstates into toll roads draws more fire
On the blogosphere: Will Ark. legislators quit spitting in the House?


Bar exam results are posted -- Update

My cousin, Nate Steel of Nashville, Ark. just learned that he passed. Congrats, Nate. Top score was Sarah Keith-Bolden of Little Rock. Here are the results (Word Doc).

Update: Thanks to the comment in this post, I see that Rep. Dan Greenberg passed on well. Congrats, Dan.


Arkansas Week

It's Ann Clemmer, Lance Turner, David Sanders, and Larry Fugate joining Steve Barnes tonight.


Click here to watch it (must have a video player)

Here are links to popular video players for you to download if necessary:
Apple QuickTime -- Windows Media Player -- RealPlayer


Labor Day weekend in Arkansas

Whitaker Point (or known as Hawksbill Crag to some) -- my favorite spot in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness
A lot of the weekend activities have already begun around the state. Of course, the headliner is the football opener in Fayetteville, and many boaters will be getting in one last ride on lakes around the state. Here are some of the other events taking place this weekend:

Clinton: 22nd Ann. Nat'l Champ. Chuckwagon Race
Mountain View: Tribute to Grandpa Jones Concerts
North Little Rock: 37th Nat'l Singles Dance-A-Rama
Eureka Springs: Gospel Celebration at Passion Play
Lake Catherine: End of Summer Celebration
Solgohachia: Labor Day Family Camp
Dardanelle: Mount Nebo Labor Day Fun
Millwood State Park: Labor Day weekend activities
Bull Shoals: White River Days
Devils Den: Last day of the summer crevice exploration hikes
County Fairs: The Newton, Washington, Randolph and Miller County Fairs are taking place this weekend.


State disbursing add'l city and county turnbacks Tuesday

The 86th General Assembly appropriated a supplemental and additional $12 million to cities and $12 million to counties using a portion of the General Improvement Fund. The reasons for doing so were well publicized and debated during the session: (a) special and local appropriations are prohibited by the Constitution (buttressed by Wilson v. Weiss); (b) worthy local projects can be funded by local governments; (c) local governments have not had a one-time increase in decades; and (d) we had the resources to distribute funds to local governments, many which have been cash-strapped while the state has enjoyed a surplus. The funds will be distributed according to the normal turnback formula (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 19-5-601, 602) and will be released Tuesday, September 4, 2007.

Here are approximate amounts for my district:
Miller County: $165,383.78
City of Texarkana: $181,384.56

By contrast:
Largest county: Pulaski: $525,634.02; smallest county: Calhoun: $126,445.72
Largest city: Little Rock: $1,255,955.02; smallest city: Gilbert (Pop. 33) $226.32

Here are links to the Acts authorizing these disbursements:
Act 1202
Act 1753
Act 1093


Friday in Arkansas

Today's Arkansas Calendar
Legislature: There is one legislative meeting today:

TimeCommitteePlaceAgenda
1:30 p.m.Public TransportationXNA - HighfillClick here

Governor Beebe:
9:00 a.m.: Governor Beebe visits Watson Intermediate Elementary School (LR);
11:00 a.m.: Governor Beebe speaks at the opening celebration of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (Ft. Smith Holiday Inn);
2:00 p.m.: Governor Beebe holds news conference regarding new need-based college grant program (UA Admin Bldg., Fayetteville);
6:00 p.m.: Governor Beebe attends the 2007 induction to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (Hammonds Center, Rogers).

Today's Arkansas news Ark. Democrat Gazette: State-worker raises urged
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Sides plan to meet on course dispute
Ark. Democrat Gazette: State, U.S. have control of billboards
Ark. Democrat Gazette: U.S. 71 4-lane section in MO finished
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Firm accused of selling fake licenses
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Analysts, shareholder blister Dillard’s
Associated Press: Health Dept. says 2 more people have died from heat
Associated Press: Beebe: High state worker turnover 'counterproductive'
Associated Press: Ark. announces settlement with defibrillator maker
Associated Press: Arkansas starts Spanish radio network for football games
Associated Press: Alltel, 2 other wireless carriers fined $2.8 million over 911 rule
Ark. News Bureau: Arkansas gets $13.2 million Advanced Placement grant
Ark. News Bureau: Beebe: Will work with legislators to address pay issues
Ark. News Bureau: Mengel named AHEC executive director
Ark. News Bureau: AG sues company, alleges sale of fake driver's licenses
AP via NWA Morning News: I-630-430 Interchange priority as price hits $130M

Today's local news from around the state Texarkana Gazette: Doddridge, Ark.: Proposed dump site causes stink
Texarkana Gazette: I-49 work continues on Doddridge to Louisiana link
Texarkana Gazette: School district candidates speak out at forum
Batesville Daily Guard: FutureFuels looking to change tax rate
Benton Courier: Mayor says he's covered up by FOI request
Harrison Daily Times: Ground broken for jail
Pine Bluff Commercial: Baggy britches focus of city proposal
Pine Bluff Commercial: 'School of Excellence' charter school is proposed
Hope Star: Welch: SW Ark. must educate for the future
Searcy Daily Citizen: Is severance tax high enough?
Helena Daily World: ADHE announces brand new state grant program

Today's Arkansas commentary Brenda Blagg: Medical campus a gain
Steve Barnes: Bipartisan ticket is just a dream
Meredith Oakley: Coast recovery slow but steady
Baxter Bulletin (LTE): What were the legislators thinking?


Thursday, August 30, 2007

The shrinking of Millwood Lake



My first bass at Millwood -- August 17, 1978When I was three, my folks sold our beat up travel trailer and bought a cabin two miles down the road from Yarborough Landing at Millwood Lake. I spent about half my weekends from that point until I turned 17 there at Millwood in Little River County. Once one of the biggest fishing spots in the South, it's now in trouble due to the build-up of silt and the influx of alligator weeds and hydrilla.

I spent the afternoon there on Wednesday discussing ways to save the lake with federal, state, and local officials. Once Giant Salvinia finds its way to Millwood, it'll smother out much of the rest of the plant life in the lake. Here are some previous entries in the blog about Giant Salvinia: 5/20/07; 6/30/07; 7/26/07. Update: Here's today's Texarkana Gazette article.


Sen. Mark Pryor and Congressman Mike Ross on Millwood Lake


Thursday in Arkansas

Today's Arkansas Calendar
Legislature: There are four legislative meetings today:

TimeCommitteePlaceAgenda
9:00 a.m.ALC-PersonnelCapitol, Rm. 171Click here
10:00 a.m.Revenue & TaxCapitol, Rm. 151Click here
1:00 p.m.Task Force on AutismCapitol, Rm. 151Click here
3:00 p.m.Public TransportationEureka Springs (Crescent)Click here

Governor Beebe:
10:00 a.m.: Governor Beebe will announce Arkansas as one of only seven states receiving a new grant from the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) supporting a new Advanced Placement training and incentive program. Beebe will be joined by officials from the Department of Education, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, NMSI and ExxonMobil, the primary financial supporters of the grant (Governor's Conference Room);
11:00 a.m.: Beebe presents award at the Silver Sneakers Award Ceremony (Statehouse Conv. Center);
7:00 p.m.: Beebe attends the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Roast and Toast (LR Peabody)
Looking for something to do today?
- Labor Day activities begin at Millwood State Park
- The Newton, Washington, Randolph and Miller County Fairs are underway.

Today's Arkansas news Ark. Democrat Gazette: Shareholder vote OKs Alltel’s sale
Ark. Democrat Gazette: SWEPCO plant cost estimate disputed
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Jefferson Co. audit finds ethics rules broken
Associated Press: Wal-Mart gives UA $1.5 million for "green" retail research
Associated Press: Pine Bluff's new marketing: The Anchor of Southeast Arkansas
Ark. News Bureau: Alltel shareholders approve $26.3B private equity buyout
Ark. News Bureau: Econ. impact of Fayetteville Shale surpassing predictions
Ark. News Bureau: Lawmaker pulls proposal to ban snuff from House chamber
Ark. News Bureau: ASU officials: Wireless mobile unit has unused potential

Today's local news from around the state Texarkana Gazette: City gets State Historic Program grants
Texarkana Gazette: Ross fields questions on CCCUA visit
Arkadelphia Daily Siftings Herald: State leaves marriage age question to clerks
Northwest Arkansas Times: Mashburn may return to bench
Searcy Daily Ciizen: Bald Knob school: Rumors hurt fundraising efforts
Searcy Daily Ciizen: Searcy students makes perfect score on ACT
Helena Daily World: Guitarist Hubert Sumlin named 'Sonny' recipient

Today's Arkansas commentary Arkansas Leader: Special session is not needed
John Brummett: Huckabee nice? What day is it?
Arkansas Times: Diminishing the FOI
Max Brantley: Risky business
Northwest Arkansas Times: Maybe, just maybe
Northwest Arkansas Times: Congress is not up to highway repair
Brenda Blagg: Grants benefit needy

Benton Courier Political Cartoon (no special session)


Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Rep. Adcock calls for ban of all tobacco products under the dome

Here's the Associated Press article from today's Rules Committee meeting.


Candidate announcements today

Rep. Scott Sullivan (D-DeQueen) announces his candidacy for Senate District 20. The only other candidate for this position so far is former Rep. Larry Teague (D-Nashville). [Hope Star]

Jerry Lee Bogard and Tiffany Rogers will face off in the House District 14 Democratic primary to replace term-limited Speaker Benny Petrus. Both candidates are from Stuttgart. [Stuttgart Daily Leader]

Thomas Akin (D-Russellville) will kick off his campaign for House District 68 at a reception at the train depot in Russellville on September 20, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.

For a list of all 2008 House races, click here.


State capital eateries

The Thicket has a good post on well-known restaurants in capital cities around the nation. Doe's headlines the article and the list for Arkansas.


Wednesday in Arkansas

Today's Arkansas Calendar
Legislature: There are three legislative meetings today:

TimeCommitteePlaceAgenda
9:00 a.m.Rural Fire Depts. Study Comm.Mountain HarborClick here
10:00 a.m.Advanced Comm. & Information Tech.Rm. 151Click here
12:00 p.m.House RulesRm. 428Not available

Governor Beebe: No official events scheduled today.

Lt. Gov. Halter: No official events scheduled today.

Looking for something to do today?
- 9:00 a.m.: Fayetteville Shale Symposium (UCA Reynolds Hall)
- The Newton, Washington, Randolph and Miller County Fairs are underway.

Today's Texarkana Calendar 2:00 p.m.: "Fix Millwood Lake" meeting to discuss silt, aquatic plants

Today's national news New Orleans Times Picayune: 2nd Anniversary of Katrina
Washington Post: Congressman offers revisions to 'No Child'
Washington Post: Bush wants $50 billion more for Iraq war
Washington Post: Paper by Cho exhibits disturbing parallels to shootings
Washington Post: Bush may fight for new attorney general
AP/New York Times: National poverty rate declines
Stephens DC Bureau: Asa not hunting for AG job, but won't rule it out

Today's Arkansas news Ark. Democrat Gazette: Snyder hears worries on immigration
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Court ends hold on cash for Brooks
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Fort Smith: Directors to weigh English use only
Associated Press: Swepco hearing to resume today
Associated Press: Ark. bank takes Mexican IDs, joining other banking chains
Ark. News Bureau: Governor announces need-based college grants
Ark. News Bureau: USNWR editor defends rankings; some Ark. schools opting out
Ark. News Bureau: Pryor, bus. leaders discuss extension of broadband in Ark.
Ark. News Bureau: AP test takers, scores up; SAT scores remain above average
Ark. News Bureau: PetroQuest Energy acquires acreage in Fayetteville Shale

Today's local news from around the state Hope Star: Rep. Scott Sullivan asks for promotion to Senate
Stuttgart Daily Leader: Bogard, Rogers announce House Dist. 14
Helena Daily World: State lawmakers meet at AHEC
Northwest Arkansas Times: All in favor (satellite UAMS campus)
Texarkana Gazette: CenterPoint Case Revisited: Delays could go into 2008
NWA Morning News: Former PTO treasurer arrested
Batesville Daily Guard: Polls to open for uncontested races
Hope Star: Beebe lends support for Yerger Museum
Hope Star: Chuck Welch to address workforce need

Today's Arkansas commentary Benton County Daily Record: Hope for the best (no special session)
Paul Greenberg: Skyscapes
David Sanders: Controversy's familiar friends
Texarkana Gazette: Obese America
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Correction and objection
Meredith Oakley: Obesity hurts economy as well as health
Gene Lyons: Another buck passed
Searcy Daily Citizen: Living in Wide County
Rome News-Tribune (Ga.): 'Not' very intelligent


In Memoriam: Billy Watkins (1929-2007)

A devoted worker for Timex for 32 years, Billy Watkins was as hard a worker in the campaign trenches as I've ever known. He drove his old blue Chevy decorated with Democratic stickers to every single campaign event within Pulaski County. He died Monday after a brief illness.

I had the opportunity of getting to know Billy back during the fall elections of 1996. I last saw him at the JJ Dinner at Alltel Arena last month. He served on the Pulaski County Democratic Committee as well as the DPA State Committee. He was a member of Senior Democrats and was a delegate to the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. His signature reply to how're you doing was "I'm doing good for a young fellow!"

If a Democratic campaign needed someone to put out yard signs all it took was a phone call. Soon, Mr. Billy and his cigar would arrive ready with the stakes and his mallet. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He volunteered for many worthwhile organizations, served as a crossing guard, and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He worked hard to serve and help others until his health failed three weeks ago. I'm gonna miss him.


Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Miller County Fair Parade

The parade was held in Fouke last night. Here's the website for the fair. It'll open at 6:00 p.m. tonight and every night this week.


Doddridge community meeting

There were over 75 people in attendance last night at the First Methodist Church in Doddridge to discuss the proposed garbage dump site southwest of that town. As a little background, the owner of a Texarkana, Texas company has petitioned the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to allow it to dump grease, fish cleaning residue, and car wash solids on a 130-acre tract it is obtaining in southern Miller County.

The seller of the tract was not in attendance but apparently did tell someone that he now wants to back out on the deal and keep his land. Regardless, those in attendance of last night's meeting were against the proposal and are requesting that ADEQ schedule a public hearing to let their concerns be known.

Specifically, the site in question is on somewhat of a hill (elevation of 318 feet), and the bottom of the field has an elevation of 256 feet. Besides the worry of contamination of drinking water (all residents are on wells there), the elevation raises the issue of surface water concerns. Additionally, prevailing winds would blow the odor of lard and fish heads in the direction of the town's homes and businesses.

Assuming the land transaction does take place, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality will make a decision soon on whether to schedule a public hearing, and if so, when it will take place. Sulphur township, which includes Doddridge, has about 1,500 residents.


U.S. Senator Larry Craig and the Arkansas Family Council

In the wake of a conviction of U.S. Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho) for activity involving an apparent homosexual act, it's obvious that he would be ineligible to adopt a child in this state under the plans being put forth by the Arkansas Family Council. The main point of this post is to determine how a law to prohibit homosexuals from adopting or foster parenting is to be enforced. The goal of their plan is obvious -- the proposals submitted by them to achieve the goal are more suspect.

In the most recent legislative session, SB959 would've prevented homosexuals from adopting or acting as foster parents. One of the problems I had with the legislation is its enforcement and the fact that the Family Council didn't give us any direction on the definition of a homosexual. Of course, I'm pretty sure what one is, but does it include single acts like in the Senator Craig example (well, one act that we know of)? What if the person denies being a homosexual? Senator Craig told the Idaho Statesman that he'd never engaged in a homosexual act. If we simply take one's word for it, Senator Craig would be eligible to adopt as many children as he'd like here.

Last week, the Family Council submitted a proposed initiated act (click here for the document) to the Attorney General that would prohibit unmarried cohabiting couples from adopting or acting as foster parents. They were quoted in the statewide media as saying that the goal is to prohibit homosexual couples or couples living in sin from adopting or foster parenting. Since Senator Craig is married, he would again be eligible for adopting a child in Arkansas. I understand the goal of the Family Council. I'm simply asking for them to put forth a plan to accurately achieve this goal without letting the Larry Craigs of the world slip through. At that point, the people of Arkansas can determine whether or not to prohibit homosexuals (or unmarried cohabiting couples) from acting as parents.


Tuesday in Arkansas

Today's Arkansas Calendar
Legislature: There are two meetings in Helena:

TimeCommitteePlaceAgenda
8:30 a.m.Public Health, Welfare & LaborDelta AHEC, HelenaClick here
1:00 p.m.Rural Fire Depts. Study Comm.Mountain HarborClick here

Governor Beebe: 1:00 p.m.: Governor Beebe will announce new funds available to Arkansas students who need financial assistance to attend college (Pulaski Tech, NLR)

Looking for something to do today?
- The Newton, Washington, Randolph and Miller County Fairs are underway.
- There is a full moon cruise at Lake DeGray beginning at 9:00 p.m.
- Brian Kelly with USNWR will speak at the Clinton School on that publication's annual college ranking guide (Sturgis Hall; Noon); I received my invitation about the time this year's rankings were revealed (Princeton No. 1), and there has been some criticism of the rankings. Ought to be a good program.

Today's national news Idaho Statesman: Sen. Craig pleads guilty to disorderly conduct
Washington Post: Embattled Gonzales resigns
New York Times: Depature offers chance for fresh start

Today's Arkansas news Ark. Democrat Gazette: Session for ‘not’ draws Beebe no
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Longtime instructor joins Education Department
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Cummins: Exit of Gonzales needed to get back on track
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Arkansas’s obesity rate for adults nears 27%
Associated Press: I-40 bridge over Mississippi River at Memphis reopened
Ark. News Bureau: Mexican consul worried about officers' immigration training
Ark. News Bureau: Beebe, Congressmen urge renewal of S-CHIP
Ark. News Bureau: Arkansas senators welcome resignation of Gonzales
Ark. News Bureau: Overcrowding causes board to invoke EPA
Ark. News Bureau: AG sues car dealer accused of deceptive practices

Today's local news from around the state Helena Daily World: State legislators visit Phillips County
Texarkana Gazette: Effort to oust Garland City mayor denied
Northwest Arkansas Times: UA adds safety measures
Northwest Arkansas Times: Growth control
Searcy Daily Citizen: Legal questions
Searcy Daily Citizen: Lawsuit filed against ABC, Kelley’s Restaurant
Forrest City Times Herald: Rush-Gates House marks 100 years

Today's Arkansas commentary Gov. Mike Beebe: Arkansas families need health care
John Brummett: No fix for the unbroken
Arkansas Leader: Vote against dirty plant
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: After Gonzales . . .
Northwest Arkansas Times: Ethanol and Arkansas


Monday, August 27, 2007

No special session on the marriage law


Breaking: AG Alberto Gonzales resigns -- Updated

Reuters

Update (4:00 p.m.): Here's the Bud Cummins perspective.


Poll of the week: 2007 Razorbacks

How many games will the Hogs win in 2007?
11+
10
9
8
7
6
No bowl this year

view results
It's that time of the year. Let's hear your opinion on the Hogs' 2007 record. I'm headed up the Hill alone this weekend while the rest of my family goes to Waco. Here's the schedule to help you with your vote:

9/1 Troy (Fayetteville)
9/15 At Alabama
9/22 Kentucky (Fayetteville)
9/29 North Texas (Fayetteville)
10/6 Tennessee-Chattanooga (Little Rock)
10/13 Auburn (Fayetteville)
10/20 At Ole Miss
10/27 Florida International (HC- Fayetteville)
11/3 South Carolina (Fayetteville)
11/10 At Tennessee
11/17 Mississippi State (Little Rock)
11/23 At LSU

Here are some good football quotes to get you in the season:

"You can learn more character on the two-yard line than anywhere else in life." Paul Dietzel (LSU)

"All the white meat is gone. There's nothin' but necks on the platter." Darrell Royal (Texas) on the rest of a tough schedule after beating a couple of soft opponents.

"If you want to walk the heavenly streets of gold, you gotta know the password, 'Roll, Tide, Roll!'" Bear Bryant (Alabama) (a distant cousin of mine)

"It was like having a big ol' lollipop in your mouth and the first thing you know all you have is the stick." Darrell Royal (Texas) on losing a game in the last minute

"Football is only a game. Spiritual things are eternal. Nevertheless, Beat Texas." Seen on a church sign in Fayetteville prior to the 1969 Big Shootout. Coach Royal's reply: "I was hoping He would be neutral."

"The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely to be the one who dropped it." Lou Holtz (Arkansas)

"Dance with the one who brung you." Darrell Royal (Texas)

"I make my practices real hard because if a player is a quitter, I want him to quit in practice, not in a game." Bear Bryant (Alabama)

"I never graduated from Iowa, but I was only there for two terms -- Truman's and Eisenhower's." Alex Karras (Iowa)

"Always remember... Goliath was a 40 point favorite over David." Shug Jordan (Auburn)

"Show me a good and gracious loser, and I'll show you a failure." Knute Rockne (Notre Dame)

"They whipped us like a tied up goat." Spike Dykes (Texas Tech)

"I asked Darrell Royal, the coach of the Texas Longhorns, why he didn't recruit me and he said: 'Well, Walt, we took a look at you and you weren't any good.'" Walt Garrison (Oklahoma State)

"If lessons are learned in defeat, our team is getting a great education." Murray Warmath (Minnesota)

During post-game press conference, following a thrashing by one of the league's powerhouses, when asked to comment on his team's execution, John McKay (USC/Tampa Bay Bucs) replied, "I'm in favor of it."

McKay was bird hunting with Bear Bryant, when the Bear took a shot. The bird kept flying. Bryant said to Mc Kay, "John, there's something you don't see everyday-a dead bird flying."

Previous polls:
Poll No. 3: Governor Beebe's job performance
Poll No. 2: The severance tax
Poll No. 1: Flavored cigarettes


Monday in Arkansas

Today's Arkansas Calendar
Legislature: Two legislative committees will meet jointly today in Helena:

TimeCommitteePlaceAgenda
1:00 p.m.Public Health, Welfare & LaborDelta AHEC, HelenaClick here
1:00 p.m.Agri., Forestry & Econ. Dev.Delta AHEC, HelenaClick here

Governor Beebe: 10:00 a.m.: Governor Beebe, Arkansas Congressional members to call for passage of S-CHIP funding (Governor's Conference Room, Capitol)

Lt. Gov. Halter: 6:00 p.m.: Grand Marshal in the Miller County Fair Parade.

Looking for something to do today?
- The Little Rock Touchdown Club meets at 11:30 today at the Embassy Suites.
- Arkansas Committee on Foreign Relations meets at 11:30 at the Little Rock Club.
- The Newton, Washington and Miller County Fairs are underway.
- Civil rights author Taylor Branch speaks at the Clinton School (Sturgis Hall; 6:00)
- Today is Bluegrass Monday in Paragould. A concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Atkins Celebration Hall

Today's Texarkana Calendar 6:00 p.m.: Miller County Fair Parade (Fouke)
7:00 p.m.: Doddridge community meeting

Today's national news Washington Post: The outsider's insider
Washington Post: Californians may decide if winner still takes all
Washington Post: Pinning hopes on rural voters
Washington Post: Behind Bush's history lesson
Washington Post: Many take Army's 'quick ship' bonus
New York Times: Inside a jumble of poverty, Texans build a future

Today's Arkansas news Ark. Democrat Gazette: Grants give preservation efforts a boost
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Tribute in bronze set for ‘Win’
Associated Press: Bust of late Lt. Gov. Rockefeller to be displayed at Capitol
Ark. News Bureau: State contends store broke law by cashing checks for $1 fee

Today's local news from around the state Pine Bluff Commercial: New 'Castle Doctrine' to be tested in separate incidents
Texarkana Gazette: Millwood gets smaller due to alligator weeds and hydrillia
Texarkana Gazette: Andy Curry to be sworn in to Texarkana College Board
Arkadelphia Daily Siftings Herald: Ross praises CCSP, pledges his support
Baxter Bulletin: Annual bridge inspection
Batesville Daily Guard: District taxpayers get big bargain
Russellville Courier: County testing courthouse security
Helena Daily World: Former scenic highway, farmland fast becoming eyesore

Today's Arkansas commentary John Brummett: Did you hear what she said?
Pat Lynch: The value of good friends
Benton County Daily Record: No to new tax
Pine Bluff Commercial: Sending jobs to Pine Bluff?
Lahontan Valley News (NV): Ban this
Northwest Arkansas Times: Our system works (ouch)


Sunday, August 26, 2007

The forums are open

There're a lot of legislative items that cross my desk that are probably not considered blogworthy. For instance, the Social Security Administration has decided to discontinue its regularly scheduled visits to Prescott, putting some in Nevada County in a lurch. I've long wanted to create a forum to post these items, as well as to allow you to post commentary on your own, much like a town hall meeting. It's not the Egg House or Harvey's Grocery, but we'll try and keep it updated with interesting political discussion and items of interest. I'll also try and keep a more detailed calendar of Arkansas events there, as well as a forum dedicated to video and pictures of events.

I suspect these forums will heat up once the campaign season gets going, and they should be a good tool to use during legislative session, but feel free to fire away now. I've posted a permanent link along the top of the blog page.


Sunday morning Ark-La-Tex roundup

Arkansas political news this Sunday morning John Brummett: Before it's too late - arrows
John Brummett (national column): Did you hear what she said?
David Sanders: Taking cues on Hillary from Republicans
Kane Webb: Here we go again
Meredith Oakley: Government: What we make it
Roby Brock: Arkansas business update
Texarkana Gazette editorial: Stop it now
Ark. Democrat-Gazette: Legos helping state build on preparing work force
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Colleges revising remedial classes
AP: Southern governors examine their states' role in global economy
AP Analysis (DeMillo): Hillary hopes to be regular Ark. presence
Steve Barnes: Vietnam is no guide
Doug Thompson: The questions you get
Brenda Blagg: Gender card in play
Ark. News Bureau: Other states following our lead with anti-smoking legislation
Ark. News Bureau: AEDC report details efforts, potential plans

Texas political news this Sunday morning Houston Chronicle: New laws may squeeze your budget
Austin American-Statesman: Hard to tell who's being left behind
Dallas Morning News: Giuliani enlists Dallas ad strategist
Montgomery County Courier: New law will help guard against 'bandits'
Midland Reporter Telegram: School teaches how to coax more oil from ground
Houston Chronicle: TEX-ARCANA

Louisiana political news this Sunday morning Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Policy cripples growth of LaCHIP
New Orleans Times Picayune: N.O. tries to keep industries while diversifying
Baton Rouge Advocate: Marionneaux thanked for aid
Baton Rouge Advocate: Candidates Kershaw, Beard take stage
WAFB-9 Baton Rouge: Why sp much secrecy with the Louisiana film tax credits?


Saturday, August 25, 2007

Saturday midday news

KTHV: Mmes. Critcher & Petrus kick off a statewide tour of dom. violence shelters
BCDR: Rep. Eric Harris (R-Springdale) says his proposed amendment a good fit
AP: 50 years after Central High, Beebe says inequality still exists
Ark. Democrat-Gazette, Associated Press, KATV: Swepco plant update


Arkansas Weekend

Mt. Nebo
Even with the start of school, there are a few festivals and events going on in the state this weekend, mostly in the mountains. There are county fairs in Bradley, Madison, Franklin and Clay Counties. Here's a complete list of the other weekend events in Arkansas:

14th Annual End of Summer Hang-Glider Fly In (Mount Nebo)
19th Annual Open Horseshoe Tournament (Daisy State Park)
Mountains, Music & Motorcycles (Ozark Folk Center, Mtn. View)
32nd Annual Wilhelmina Rod Run (Queen Wilhelmina)
25th Annual Fall Bluegrass Festival (Bee Branch)
5th Annual Bluegrass Festival (Eureka Springs)


Friday, August 24, 2007

Arkansas Week

It's Jay Barth, Hoyt Purvis, Rick Fahr, and Aaron Sadler joining Steve Barnes tonight.

Watch it here

Watch Unconventional Wisdom w/ David Sanders here

Sanders discusses presidential politics with two New Hampshire journalists: Andrew Cline (editorial page editor of the New Hampshire Union Leader) and James W. Pindell (reporter and blogger with the Boston Globe).


Here are links to popular video players for you to download if necessary:
Apple QuickTime -- Windows Media Player -- RealPlayer


Why it's important to read the Legal Notices section

If I don't, I'll be held responsible when something like this morning's notice in the Texarkana Gazette gets rubber-stamped without detection.
Notice is hereby given that A-1 National Liquids of Texarkana, Texas intends to beneficially land-apply grease trap waste, fish cleaning residuals, and carwash solids. For that purpose, approximately 130 acres of land has been secured through a land use contract.
The land they've obtained is near Doddridge. I've already had two constituents ask me whether there's any room in Texas to dump their garbage. If you live in southern Miller County and want to voice your opinion, send in a written request for a public hearing to Henry Insua at the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. If you e-mail him, you must do so within the next week, and make sure you reference Permit No. 4602-WR-4 and AFIN No. 46-00209.


Governor's weekly radio address

ARHealthNet update. Click play on the console below:


Friday in Arkansas

Today's Arkansas Calendar
Legislature: There is one legislative meeting today:

TimeCommitteePlaceAgenda
8:30 a.m.Aging, Children & YouthHot Springs Embassy SuitesClick here

Governor Beebe: No official events scheduled today.

At the Clinton School (Sturgis Hall at 6:00 p.m.): 2nd Anniv. of Hurricane Katrina

Today's Schedule 10:00 a.m.: Supreme Court Committee on Court Security (Justice Bldg., LR)

Today's Arkansas news Ark. Democrat Gazette: Programs to allow attorneys to file electronically
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Anemia of power grid cited by utility
Ark. Democrat Gazette: School’s career project rated as one of the best
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Beebe’s son takes job at energy firm
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Arkansas’s prisons earn praise of national group
Ark. News Bureau: The Family Council ballot initiative
Ark. News Bureau: New history guidelines consistent with state law, AG says
Ark. News Bureau: Minnesota judge to hear Griffen's case
Associated Press: Arkansas soldier among 14 dead in Iraq copter crash
Associated Press: Boozman: Progress needed in Iraq's political situation
NWA Morning News: Immigration program specifics not known to officials
Texarkana Gazette: PSC hearing focuses on site selection process

Today's Arkansas commentary Forrest City Times Herald: Do something about the law
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: A special session?
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Miss Hillary and Arkansas
Meredith Oakley: An object lesson
Benton County Daily Record (reprinted from Texarkana Gazette): Identity crisis
Texarkana Gazette: Losing hand
NWA Morning News: Hillary aims to win in Arkansas
Steve Barnes: Supreme court fumbles in FOIA decision
Ft. Smith SW Times Record: Language issue seems unnecessary
Baxter Bulletin: How about fixing the bingo law, too? (LTE)


Thursday, August 23, 2007

Family Council submits ballot initiative to AG

It's considerably different from the bill they introduced in this year's legislative session. SB959 explicitly banned homosexuals from adopting or serving as guardians. The initiative submitted by the Family Council on Tuesday allows single people, even single homosexuals, to adopt or serve as foster parents. Instead, the initiative targets unmarried cohabiting couples. Here's Laura Kellams' report.

It's a difference that will require me to research whether common law marriages, which are recognized in half of Texarkana, will be affected. Of course, Arkansas will recognize a marriage that is recognized by other states. Assuming it's certified, the more conventional issues that will debated in Arkansas coffee shops over the next year will include morality, privacy, overreaching by big brother, the further reduction of an already small pool of potential foster and adoptive parents, and foremost, the best interest of our children.


Thursday in Arkansas

Today's Arkansas Calendar
Legislature: While there are no legislative meetings today, there is a legislative retreat being held:

TimeGroupPlace
4:00 p.m.Legislative Black Caucus RetreatHot Springs Embassy

Governor Beebe: No official events scheduled for the governor, but First Lady Ginger Beebe will be hosting the Komen Community Challenge at the Governor's Mansion at 5:00 p.m.

Looking for something to do today?
Eureka Springs: Bluegrass Festival Watermelon Social (Basin Spring Park)
Booneville: 135th Annual Logan County Musical Convention (FUMC)
Little Rock: 25th Annual Fall Bluegrass Festival (Cadron Creek Park)
County fairs are underway in Bradley, Franklin, Madison, and Clay Counties.

Today's Texarkana Calendar 12:00 p.m.: Opportunities, Inc. Board of Directors meeting

Today's Arkansas news Ark. Democrat Gazette: Utility cites flak in Texas over coal
Ark. Democrat Gazette: AG reviewing Family Council's initiative
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Special session on marriage-law fix remains up in air
Ark. Democrat Gazette: System of child welfare still lacking, report says
Ark. Democrat Gazette: 39th looking at state orders
Ark. News Bureau: State takes over Bald Knob school district
Ark. News Bureau: State notice to truckers seeks to collect repealed tax
Ark. News Bureau: Sup. Ct. declines to lift stay on release of e-mails
Ark. News Bureau: Haley, AEDC detail efforts to increase econ. dev.
Ark. News Bureau: Arkansas author advocates greener South
Ark. News Bureau: Lockheed Martin to add 35 jobs in Camden
Associated Press: Beebe: Odds of pedophiles abusing marriage law error 'slim'
Texarkana Gazette: Plant opponents’ attorney questions Swepco’s process

Today's Arkansas commentary John Brummett: Hillary's seduction of Bubba
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: This is leadership?
Arkansas Leader: PSC a tribune of the people
Gov. Mike Beebe: The heat wave
Max Brantley: Mayoral power
Ernie Dumas: The nightmare of generals


Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Groundbreaking for the Lafayette County Jail

Here are pictures from today's groundbreaking of the Lafayette County Jail in Lewisville. The construction of the jail (as well as maintenance and operation) is being financed by the passage of two sales tax secured bond issues. Construction is underway, and a completion date is set for the end of 2008. After the groundbreaking, I took a tour of the Lafayette County School District Elementary with Superintendent Jack Broach.


Bipartisanship of the highest order

Magnolia Banner News
It's no secret among House members that Rep. Bruce Maloch (D-Magnolia) and Kansas Senator and Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback are friends -- such good friends, in fact, that Brownback served as a Groomsman in Maloch's wedding. So the fact that Maloch's name showed up on one of Brownback's FEC reports didn't raise any eyebrows around here.

Here they are pictured together on the front page of today's Magnolia Banner News from a November, 2005 visit together (and another photo of them visiting the Carter White House in 1977). Their friendship began back during the 1976 FFA national convention, and they crossed paths again later that decade while working on Capitol Hill.


Bald Knob School District taken over by the state

The Dept. of Education took over the Bald Knob School District today and will recommend that it be disbanded, split up and annexed. The superintendent and school board has been removed from power. The 1,300 student district is projected to be about $2 million in debt this year. Here's the Associated Press story.


Soldiers' Angels

As part of its outreach program, Alcoa-Texarkana is drumming up support for the Soldiers' Angels website. We have a lot of American soldiers abroad who receive no letters or support from home. Take a look at the site and consider helping.


Curtains for the National Poker Challenge?

I saw on KATV where LR City Attorney Tom Carpenter advised the National Poker Challenge that it would be illegal to set up shop with a poker room in Little Rock, even if there's no buy in for participants. Here's the story. I liked the comment made by Yougottabekidding at the bottom.


My interview with Roby Brock and Talk Business

Click here for the video.


Wednesday in Arkansas

Today's Arkansas Calendar
Legislature: There is one legislative meeting at the Capitol today:

TimeCommitteeRoomAgenda
1:30 p.m.Academic Facilities Oversight Committee151Click here

Governor Beebe: 12:00 p.m.: Governor Beebe addresses the 21st Annual Arkansas-Mississippi Minority Business Council's Business Opportunity Fair (Clear Channel Metroplex, Little Rock)

At the Clinton School (Sturgis Hall at 6:00 p.m.): Marie Tillman: The life and legacy of Pat Tillman

Looking for something to do today?
ESPN Bassmasters Legends Tournament (North landing, NLR)
The Bella Vista Village Art Club is hosting Demo Days.
3rd Annual Bob Wills Tribute (Fiddler's Valley, Mountain View).
County fairs are underway in Bradley, Franklin, Madison, and Clay Counties.

Today's Texarkana Calendar 2:00 p.m.: Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lafayette County Jail

Today's Arkansas news Ark. Democrat Gazette: Panel OKs rule to set limits on emissions
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Beebe: Session would mend law only
Ark. Democrat Gazette: 19 area lawmen begin immigration training
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Heat sizzles late-planted soybean crops
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Agencies compete for limited supply of lawmen in state
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Barnett doesn’t get into character, just issues
Ark. Democrat Gazette: Brooks, LR School Board settle
Ark. News Bureau: Beebe mulling options to address marriage law snafu
Ark. News Bureau: Beebe sets execution date for Bald Knob killer
Ark. News Bureau: Clinton campaign collects $650,000 at Arkansas fundraisers
Ark. News Bureau: Beebe on Marion's work force
Ark. News Bureau: New air pollution standards to improve scenic views
Ark. News Bureau: Pryor asked to help university get national designation
Associated Press: Swepco defends proposed plant for southwest Arkansas
Associated Press: Ark. 39th Infantry Brigade to begin return to Iraq in January
Associated Press: Arkansas expert tells Okla. House panel merit pay worthy idea
Northwest Arkansas Times: Safety inspection

Today's Arkansas commentary Baxter Bulletin: Marriage measure leaves Arkansas butt of jokes, again
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Shaken—and stirred
Paul Greenberg: It was the summer of 1980 . . .
Meredith Oakley: Lost and found
Gene Lyons: ‘Critics’ come late to the fold
David Sanders: Oh brother (Mike) where art thou?
Sen. Blanche Lincoln: (published in the Russellville Courier) Back to school
Benton Courier: Democrats, grass roots, and Elvis (week old)
Brenda Blagg: Hillary still connected
Politico.com: The GOP blog on the site has a take on John Brummett's Sat. column


California has a budget

The two month impasse has ended, and the California legislature has come to terms on a $145 billion budget. This leaves Wisconsin as the only state without a budget this year.

In other California political news, the LA Times is reporting that competing measures are being pushed to modify the way that state awards its electoral votes. Democrats are seeking to join the popular vote movement, while GOP consultants want to break down electoral votes by congressional district.


Tuesday, August 21, 2007

The Municipal League supports an increase in the severance tax

Here's the news release it sent out this afternoon:
The Executive Committee of the Arkansas Municipal League, at its meeting in Lake Village Aug. 16-17, voted unanimously to support an increase in the severance tax on natural gas production in Arkansas. Further, the League offers to Gov. Mike Beebe its assistance in organizing a petition drive to place an initiated act on the statewide ballot for the purposes of raising the severance tax rate.

The League supports such an increase in the severance tax rate as would be fairly and equitably comparable to the severance tax rates levied in the states surrounding the state of Arkansas, including the state of Texas, whose severance tax rate can be 160 to 200 times the severance tax rate in Arkansas. The League recognizes the potential of the increased revenue generated from such an increase to greatly aid in addressing the extraordinary highway, road, street and bridge needs throughout the state and in the local jurisdictions, some of which are being caused by the gas industry itself. The League supports the application of increased revenues towards those infrastructure needs.


Natural gas drops below $6 per million cubic feet today

Centerpoint Energy
Back in February, I posted an entry criticizing Centerpoint, who was in the news for breaking a promise to cut rates because of a cold snap. Specifically, I questioned whether it made sense to purchase natural gas in the summer when it is cheaper.

Assuming that is the case, the rate cuts would already be there in the event we have a cold snap (or a bitterly-cold winter). If utility companies don't purchase gas in the summer, it doesn't seem to mesh with common business sense unless they figure that consumers won't notice that the added expense is passed on to them. Again, I may be wrong, and if so, I hope that someone will educate me.

Thanks to a tip from a constituent today, I see that natural gas is trading at an annual low. Now is the time for our natural gas utility companies to stock up for distribution to its customers.