On tap

I'm on my way down to the Bossier Parish Courthouse in Benton, La. and will be away from the blog for most of the day. If I can get loose in time, I'll drive to Magnolia for Bill Halter's lottery discussion with the local Rotary there at noon. In Monticello this afternoon, Congressman Mike Ross will hold a biofuel conference in conjunction with the state House panel on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development. The governor will be named Easter Seals Arkansan of the Year tonight at the Statehouse Convention Center, and down the road at Cotham's, Congressman Vic Snyder will attend a campaign kickoff for his bid at a seventh term.

The governor issued the call for the special session to begin Monday, and in addition to the increase of the severance tax, it includes the repeal of 2007 changes to the minimum age to marry law, an extension to a deadline involving the Pulaski schools' desegregation litigation, and the confirmation of some gubernatorial appointments. Here's a copy of the governor's call.