Texas A&M-Texarkana Building Dedication

The dedication of the first building at the new Texas A&M University-Texarkana campus at Bringle Lake -- the Science & Technology Building -- will take place next Tuesday, August 5 at 10:00 AM. Featured speaker is Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst. Honorary guest speaker is Ross Perot.

Speaking of campaigns heating up...

The Arkansas Police Benevolent Association is in town interviewing all legislative candidates in the area on issues such as death and disability benefits for officers injured/killed in the line of duty. There's also talk of the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights being amended this session (Ark. Code Ann. §14-52-301 et seq).

Such an issue is likely to throw a wedge between law enforcement officers on the street and organizations like the Police Chiefs Association, the Sheriffs Association, and possibly even the Municipal League. Could make for an interesting debate.

Congressional campaigns heating up

Tonight marks a deadline for FEC reporting for federal campaigns, and congressional campaigns nationwide are trying to bring in some last minute funds to bolster their contribution and expenditure reports.

I'm hosting an event here in Texarkana for Blue Dog Nick Lampson of Houston, who's in for a pretty big fight in November. He holds the seat formerly held by Tom DeLay, and the latest edition of Texas Monthly lists this race for the 22nd District of Texas as the highest profile race in the state. If you're in the area, come on by.

DHS rule limiting age to adopt to be changed

The Arkansas Department of Human Services is changing its rules to allow those older than 40 to adopt children. This comes after a recent court challenge by a couple over the age limit who were seeking to adopt a child. Here's the Associated Press article.

Debate on sales tax holiday to take place in September

The Interim Study Proposal (ISP-2007-017) on a sales tax holiday in Arkansas will be taken up at the September 18, 2008 Committee on Revenue and Tax at 10:00 a.m. in room 151 of the Capitol. Have an opinion? This is the subject of this month's Under the Dome poll -- click here to vote or comment.

Hunt appointed to Arkansas Court of Appeals

Governor Beebe named Eugene Hunt of Pine Bluff today as the Associate Judge for District 7 on the Arkansas Court of Appeals. The appointment fills the unexpired term of Judge Brian Miller, who was appointed by President Bush to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Hunt was a candidate for the District 7 position in May but was defeated by Waymond Brown, who will assume the seat in January.

Hope Star editorializes on the lottery proposal -- Update

Here's a link to the "first in a series" column, outlining concerns from Hope Star Editor Ken McLemore.

Saline County 'mega-site' unveiled

A 2,000 acre piece of Saline County was touted yesterday as the largest certified parcel in the state that can become home to new industry. The site is along the west side of Interstate 530, 15 minutes from downtown Little Rock, the airport/riverport, and rail lines. A big employer could also draw workers from Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, and Malvern. Sen. Shane Broadway says the area won't have air quality worries. The story was picked up by the Associated Press, and it has since gone national.

Funds resulting from AGFC natural gas leases -- Update

After yesterday's news release that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission agreed to gas leases on two of its wildlife management areas that will generate about $29.5 million for the agency, state Senator Steve Faris (D-Malvern) is advocating a plan that would give other state agencies a piece of the funds. Here's more from the Associated Press.

Update (Wednesday): ADG: Beebe urges agency to share revenue.

Halter elected Southern Chair of the Nat'l Lt. Gov's Assoc.

Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter was elected Southern Region Chair of the NLGA at the Association's annual meeting in Buffalo, New York. Earlier this summer, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel was elected to serve as the Chair of the Southern Region of the National Association of Attorneys General.

Another state agency stops writing college loans

The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, which secured more than $500 million in educational loans last year and services loans for 40,000 students, announced yesterday that it would not offer loans for the coming academic year. “It’s really the capital markets. It’s a global situation,” said Jessica Belt, a MEFA spokeswoman. In an e-mail to insidehighered.com, Kathryn Osmond, executive director of student financial services at Wellesley College, wrote “an economy that is in such a tailspin that it affects a critical agency like MEFA is an economy that scares me.”

The student-loan market everywhere began to face problems late last year, falling victim to the subprime mortgage crisis. Many lenders use auction-rate bonds and other long-term debt to underwrite student loans, the demand for which has been dried up due to a lack of investor interest. Since then, agencies like the one in Massachusetts have had problems refinancing their old auction-rate bonds, and they actually had to reverse themselves on private loans because the agency's bond insurer faced a possible credit-rating downgrade that would have increased the cost of floating new debt.

In an effort to continue lending here in Arkansas, state fiscal officers agreed in April to stand in for skittish investors and loan the Arkansas Student Loan Authority $80 million. Here's more from today's New York Times.

Governor announces 27 appointments

Ashley Parker of Hope has been appointed to fill the prosecuting attorney position for the 8th North JD to replace former state Rep. Chris Thomason. Thomason has been named chancellor of the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope. Here's the full list of appointments.

Under the Dome makes the National Journal

Here's a National Journal article published this week that looks at the credentials given out for the Democratic Convention. As a reminder, I'll be seated with the Arkansas delegation and will be blogging live from the floor of the convention in Denver each night beginning Monday, August 25.

Agreement on federal toy safety bill reached

Sen. Mark Pryor coordinated a resolution to the toy safety bill he sponsored yesterday with House and Senate members. The agreement ensures that toys are not contaminated with lead and phthalates, requires mandatory testing of children’s products, and increases funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It could come up for a vote in the House this week. Senate agreement would send it to President Bush, who is expected to sign it. Here's more from the New York Times, the front page of the Washington Post, and here's Sen. Pryor's news release.

Democrat-Gazette loses a good one

The Arkansas news industry is losing a good one today. Laura Kellams, Northwest Capital Bureau reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, is leaving today for another position after being with the paper 11 years. I first met Laura at the University of Arkansas when she covered the Associated Student Government for the Arkansas Traveler.

I can imagine reporters and newsmen don't like to be blogged about, and I don't particularly like blogging about them for the same reason. I'm sure it makes them feel like their impartiality is scrutinized when the public sees them getting praise from an elected official. Still, I'm willing to make an exception here. Laura was tough in negotiating details out of her interviewees, yet she was fair. I can't think of two better characteristics of a good journalist.

Miller County jail problems

I read right past this front-page article this morning in today's Democrat-Gazette regarding our jail problems down here. Here's the link. Sheriff-elect Ron Stovall will take the oath of office in January.

Third bridge over the Mississippi at Memphis?

Tennessee officials say that a toll road may be the only possibility if motorists are insistent on a new bridge over the Mississippi at Memphis. Today's Memphis Commercial-Appeal quotes TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely as saying that such a bridge would take decades to construct unless tolls are used for at part of the financing. There are now two highway bridges over the river at Memphis, and state and local officials say a third one is badly needed. They cite the more than half-dozen bridges over the Mississippi at St. Louis as an example to show the need for more access across the river at Memphis-West Memphis. A new bridge is expected to cost up to $700 million.

Beebe ends Cabinet meeting tradition

Every governor's going to bring a new style of governing. For more than four decades, Arkansas governors have traditionally held rountine Cabinet meetings. “Individual meetings were all we really needed. We didn’t need to sit everyone down in a room together and call it a Cabinet," said Beebe spokesman Mat DeCample. Pretty interesting article from today's Democrat-Gazette.

Education-economic development summit planned for Oct.

Gov. Beebe's first summit on education and economic development will take place on October 16. Organizers hope to begin dialogue between local leaders, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the state Department of Higher Education, the Department of Education, the Department of Workforce Education, and the business community on ways to improve high school graduation rates, college-going rates and college retention. Co-chairs of the conference will be Murphy Oil CEO Claiborne Deming, ASU President Les Wyatt and state Sen.-elect Joyce Elliott (D-Little Rock), and it'll be held the day after the 80th annual conference of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. Here's more from the Arkansas News Bureau.

Back to the furnace

I've lulled myself into a false sense of security by running in the Boston seabreeze with no heat, humidity or hills. Here I am being welcomed back into reality after today's 14 miler here in Texarkana. It's now 100 here.


If you're a walker/runner/swimmer/cyclist and are looking for a GPS, try the Garmin 301. Not only does it track your pace, the elevation, wind speed and temperature, you can upload your routes to Google Earth as seen here. Pretty nifty.

Legislative hurdles for lottery

Andrew DeMillo's weekly column looks at potential battles down the road in the legislature should the people approve the Scholarship Lottery Amendment, which has been certified to appear on November's ballot.

Autonomous boards and university budgets

Doug Thompson writes about the lack of oversight of university boards and mentions that accountability of these boards by the legislature is limited to the process we haven't seen much of since pre-term limits -- taking a more active role in controlling their budgets. Nobody's going to hold UCA's budget or anyone else's over this latest flap, especially considering that UCA sits in the district of the incoming speaker of the House. I do find it interesting, though, that UCA (and all other four-year Arkansas institutions) is seeking a 10% increase in base funding next year, as outlined in this Democrat-Gazette article this morning.

I'm sympathetic to their plight and would do anything to see us climb out of the cellar in many of the rankings showing us at the bottom (we're now 50th in number of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree). Still, it might be a tough sell this session, considering the anticipation by many of a slowdown in revenue. We'll know more once the official forecast is released in November.

Home again, home again

Good to be back home. Now that I'm unpacking, I'm seeing how much I took in up there. I look forward to trying to incorporate portions of it at home and at the Capitol. One quick observation -- being the former Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, David Pryor is revered here. I can't count the number of times people would ask about him and his legacy. They even offered up some video footage of Sen. Pryor's speeches. I'll post more on the program in the coming days.

Friday multimedia

This week's radio address from the governor's office is on new Game & Fish Commission appointee Ron Duncan of Springdale and his work in outdoor education. Click play on the console below:



Congressman Ross discusses his work in Congress to assist homeowners who are struggling amidst a deteriorating housing market. Specifically, he discusses bipartisan legislation he helped pass in the House, The American Housing Rescue & Foreclosure Prevention Act (H.R. 3221):



Finally, on the monthly edition of Unconventional Wisdom tonight, David Sanders will sit down with Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney to discuss fall elections. He'll also have Bill Vickery, a Republican strategist and host of The Sunday Buzz and columnist/radio veteran Pat Lynch on the show. It airs tonight at 6:30 p.m. on AETN. Arkansas Week will air afterwards at 8:00 p.m.

Ridership on Texas Eagle jumps 11%

The lead story in the business section of today's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette shows a ridership increase of 11% for the first six months of the year on Amtrak's Texas Eagle service through Arkansas. The ridership growth is impressive, and train officials I've spoken with today expect that July numbers will again show double digit growth. This growth is particularly impressive in view of the terribly adverse operating conditions which now affect this route -- extremely poor timekeeping as a result of freight train congestion. Imagine the possibilities with train service operated in a punctual manner at speeds competitive with or faster than Interstate drive times -- this could be a true alternative travel option for those unwilling to pay $4.00 per gallon.

The most interesting part of the article, though, is the accompanying map. An "alternative" route is shown from St. Louis to Kansas City to Oklahoma City to Texas, bypassing Arkansas. Although no mention of this option is made in the article, this "random" additional route has had train advocates in Arkansas nervous for some time that a lack of constant vigilance and effort will allow states with more money and commitment to rail to allow the route to be restructured around us. That's one more reason that we should explore the feasibility of bring higher speed rail to Arkansas.

8th Circuit expected to rule on deseg case

Today's THV looks at the potential effects of the end of the 24 year-old desegregation lawsuit. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to rule later this summer that Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pulaski County School Districts are racially compliant. Losing $34 million for LRSD (or $60 million for all three districts) is one way to look at it, as the title to their story suggests. Or, it could mean good news for Arkansas taxpayers and other school districts around the state.

Texarkana Gazette takes up DHS adoption regulation

An Arkansas couple in their 40s made news yesterday after a federal court that for procedural reasons declined to hear their attempt to adopt a 2-month old baby in their foster care. A DHS policy prohibits those over 40 from adopting a child in foster care if the child is under 1 year old. The Gazette editorial board rightly implies that the standard should be the best interests of the child and shouldn't include an arbitrary age cutoff that only serves to restrict the already small pool of applicants. Here's the link.

Stateline.org: Beebe 'star of the class'

Stateline.org grades the 11 first term governors, naming Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe as the star of the class. The popularity among them ranges from rock star status to gone, as in the case of former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. About Beebe:

His approval ratings have ranged from 70 percent to 80 percent, and not from avoiding controversy. Working with the Democratic Legislature — which sometimes had strained relations with his predecessor, Republican Mike Huckabee — Beebe has slashed the sales tax on groceries in half, increased school funding and raised the severance tax on natural gas for the first time in decades. Winning the severance-tax fight meant facing down the energy industry and securing a three-fourths majority in both chambers.

Beebe learned state government over more than two decades, serving as a state senator and later as attorney general. “It’s highly unusual for a governor to win all of the battles with legislators here, but Beebe hasn't lost one — large or small — yet,” said Carmie Henry, a utility lobbyist in Little Rock. Beebe is considered a lock for re-election.

Harvard Faculty Club

This is my last night at Harvard, and we celebrated with dinner tonight at the Harvard Faculty Club. Here I am with legendary professor Dan Fenn. Fenn served on President Kennedy's White House staff before founding the Kennedy Presidential Library. We'll finish up tomorrow with a summary/reflective session before a ceremony, then I'll head back to Arkansas.

How to bridge the funding gap

Unlike Arkansas, most states (31 of them) have found themselves trying to bridge a revenue shortfall in order to keep a balanced budget. What have they done in response? According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, they haven't raised taxes. Rather, here's a summary of action taken by states with budget shortfalls:

• Cut spending: 10 states made across-the-board reductions; 12 targeted higher education; 11 cut elementary-secondary education; and 10 cut Medicaid.

• Trimmed state payrolls: Florida, Maine, Tennessee and Vermont laid off state employees, and nine states imposed hiring freezes.

• Tapped reserves: 14 states tapped rainy-day or other reserve funds. Nevada used $267 million, virtually eliminating its rainy-day fund; Minnesota used $500 million, nearly half its balance; and Massachusetts used $310 million.

• Used tobacco funds: Oklahoma borrowed $100 million in excess tobacco tax funds, and Vermont used proceeds from its legal settlement with tobacco companies to help cover Medicaid costs.

• Expanded gambling: Delaware allowed tracks to operate 24 hours a day, while Rhode Island is letting casinos stay open 24 hours three days a week.

In addition, even though tourism may be down in most states, states that draw international tourists (such as Florida) are the benefactor of European tourists taking advantage of our weak dollar.

Lawmaker endorsements for McCain and Obama

Here's an interesting list of lawmakers who've declined to endorse the presumptive presidential nominees of their respective parties (courtesy of The Hill):

Obama No endorsement: Rep. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.) Rep. Travis Childers (D-Miss.) Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-Tenn.) Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Ga.) Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.) Rep. Albio Sires (D-N.J.) Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) No Comment: Rep. Chris Carney (D-Pa.) Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.) Rep. Tim Holden (D-Pa.) Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) Rep. Ciro Rodriguez (D-Texas) Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) Haven't endorsed, but support the nominee: Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) Rep. Dan Boren (D-Okla.) Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.) Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.)

McCain No endorsement: Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) Rep. John Doolittle (R-Calif.) Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.) Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.) Rep. Virgil Goode, Jr. (R-Va.) Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.) Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) No Comment: Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) Rep. Terry Everett (R-Ala.) Rep. David Hobson (R-Ohio) Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) Rep. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.) Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) Haven’t endorsed, but support the nominee: Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) Rep. John Linder (R-Ga.) Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) Rep. Bill Sali (R-Idaho) Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas)

Minimum wage boost kicks in today

Although Arkansas previously enacted a $1.10/hour hike in the minimum wage to $6.25/hr in 2006, all Arkansans working at that wage will get a raise today. The federal minimum wage increases today to $6.55 an hour — part of a boost that will lift it to $7.25 an hour next summer. The minimum wage was first signed into law seven decades ago by Franklin Roosevelt: 25 cents an hour.

Texarkanian Rod Smith to announce he's hanging it up

Former Arkansas High standout Rod Smith will have a press conference tomorrow to announce his retirement from the NFL. He played 14 years for the Denver Broncos and remains the only undrafted free agent to have ever surpassed the 10,000-receiving-yard plateau. He's the Broncos' all-time leading receiver and is ranked 15th in NFL history in career receptions and 16th all time in receiving yards.

House proposal filed to alter membership rules

A rule change has been filed in the Arkansas House today that would alter the rules of membership in the Arkansas House of Representatives. Besides me, the sponsors are Speaker Benny Petrus, incoming Speaker Robbie Wills, Rep. Fred Allen, Rep. Tommy Baker, Rep. David Dunn, and Rep. Bryan King. Here's the link to HR1032.

The speaker will call the House to order on August 5 for consideration of the proposal. The rule change will be sent to House Rules and can be endorsed by the committee and passed by the full House on the same day. A quorum and 2/3 vote of the House is required for passage.

Arkansas 8th most vulnerable state to rising gas prices

According to a study released yesterday by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Arkansans spent an average of about 6.3% of their incomes, or about $1,887 per person, on gas in 2007. Residents of only seven other states (see map below) spent more of their income on gasoline. We are also ranked 48th among the states in efforts to reduce our dependency on oil. Click here for the full report.



Update: Per a request, here's a list of the state and federal motor fuel taxes by state, courtesy of stateline.org (our motor fuel tax rate for gasoline is $0.215 per gallon and is dedicated for the construction and maintenance of public highways -- see Ark. Code Ann. §26-55-206):

Arkansans Ask to be taped at Hendrix tomorrow

After announcing an appointment to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission tomorrow morning at the Capitol, Governor Beebe will travel to Conway, where the monthly "Arkansans Ask the Governor" will be taped at Staples Auditorium with Governor's School students at Hendrix.

Governor names Yellow Ribbon Task Force members

Governor announced the 19 Arkansans who will comprise the Arkansas Yellow Ribbon Task Force today, which will focus on addressing issues faced by veterans returning from deployment overseas and aging veterans with increasing health needs. Here are the members:

• George Westmoreland (Chairman), Rogers, civilian aide to the Sec. of the Army
• Senator David Bisbee, Rogers, veteran
• Bob Burns, Magnolia, Farmer Bank and Trust, veteran
• Representative David Cook, Williford, veteran
• Kim Dixon, Prairie Grove, military wife
• David Fletcher, Monette, director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
• Janet Huckabee, North Little Rock
• Theotis King, Little Rock, elder, McAlmont Church of Christ, veteran
• Dr. Joann Kirchner, Heber Springs
• Colonel Nate McGee, Hensley, former Army Nat'l Guard Dep. Chief of Logistics
• Major General Don Morrow (Ret.), Little Rock
• Representative Bobby Pierce, Sheridan, former Arkansas National Guardsman
• Cheryl Rawls, North Little Rock, director of VA Regional Office
• Andrea Rockefeller-Hobbs, Little Rock
• Paige Smith, Fayetteville
• Representative Randy Stewart, Kirby, veteran
• Chris Sultemeier, Rogers, Wal-Mart, veteran
• Mike Winn, Bryant, director of the Little Rock VA Medical Center
• Major General William Wofford, Conway,

The first meeting of the Task Force will be Tuesday, July 29, at the State Capitol.

Reclassification of school athletic districts

The Arkansas Athletic Association is proposing to cut school travel costs by reclassifying school athletic districts. Not everyone wants to go along, including Mountain Home AD Janet Wood. Wood says the proposal doesn't go far enough and doesn't fulfill its cost-saving intent.

The AAA board will likely vote in August on a measure that will combine current 6A districts and the state's largest 7A schools, putting Mountain Home in the same conference as much bigger schools. Many in Texarkana would like to see the consolidation of the two districts, mainly because we're two-time defending 6A football champs and would like to try our mettle with the big boys. Here's an informative article in today's Baxter Bulletin, which includes comment from Rep. Johnny Key on Mountain Home's geogrphical disadvantage when it comes to transportation costs.

Budget process: executive recommendations

In today's Democrat Gazette, governor Beebe is asking each agency to prepare three different budgets. We're in that phase of the budget where agencies and departments are preparing their requests, and the governor will soon be reviewing these requests prior to making an executive recommendation. We'll convene for budget hearings in October, although the official revenue forecast won't be released until November.

The governor is asking each agency to prepare three budgets: one with no increase, one premised on modest growth in spending and another with 7% in cuts. Although the governor said through spokesman Matt DeCample yesterday that the “sole purpose” of the 7% reduction plan would be to prepare for a downturn in the economy, he also said that if it can be achieved in a fiscally responsible way, he plans to continue to eliminate some or all of the remaining sales tax on groceries. That was today's quote of the day in the Democrat Gazette.

Lottery proposal certified for November ballot

Natasha Naragon said the secretary of state's office had verified that 91,149 signatures submitted were valid and from registered voters. Constitutional amendments require 77,468 signatures. Here's the link.

AMBER Alerts on the decline

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the number of alerts has declined in the past three years, and I think that can be interpreted as a good thing. There were 275 alerts issued nationwide in 2005, falling to 262 in 2006 and 227 in 2007. As of May 31 this year, there were only 74 alerts. The AMBER Alert program started when local broadcasters in Dallas-Fort Worth teamed up with law enforcement officials to create an early warning system. It was a legacy to Amber Hagerman, 9, who was kidnapped and murdered in 1996. The name also stands for "America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response." Here's more from stateline.org.

All politics is local

For a crash course on Boston politics, I'm borrowing John Yates' copy of Tip O'Neill's autobiography, which I've not read until now. O'Neill, of course, grew up right here in Cambridge before serving 16 years in the Massachusetts House and another 34 in Congress (10 as Speaker). I read almost half on today's trip back here to Boston, and the book includes plenty of stories of longtime Texarkana-area Congressman Wright Patman. Fascinating read -- this guy could move mountains.

Democratic Convention

Here are some pictures from today's convention at the Robinson Center in Little Rock:

Democratic Party certifies nominees, removes Dobbins as party candidate

Here's some footage from the convention:

Jefferson Jackson Dinner

Here are some pictures from tonight's JJ Dinner at Alltel Arena:

Governor Beebe


With Gen. Wesley Clark and Congressman Ross


Former governors


Robbie Wills


Sen. Lincoln


Congressman Berry and Chairman Gwatney


Part of the Miller County contingent

Suskie returns from Iraq

Arkansas Public Service Commission Chairman Paul Suskie has returned from Iraq as a JAG officer in the Arkansas National Guard. Suskie is at Camp Shelby in Mississippi and should be released from active duty within the next week. He'll resume his seat as PSC chairman on Aug. 1. Here's the Democrat-Gazette article.

NYT: Electrical risks in Iraq worse than previously said

A front-page article in today's New York Times looks at American deaths attributed to electrical fires in Iraq. Mentioned is the July 5 death of Arkansan Sgt. First Class Anthony Lynn Woodham, who died at his base in Tallil, Iraq. Initial reports blamed electrocution, but his death is being investigated because of conflicting information, according to his wife, Crystal Woodham, and a spokesman for the Arkansas National Guard. Here's a link to the article.

Legislative trends

Stateline.org has publisheda list of trends emerging from state legislatures this year. Among them:

• Health insurance will be required for all kids in New Jersey. The first-of-its-kind statute imposes the same type of mandatory coverage that Massachusetts’ landmark health-care law requires of adults. A key difference is that New Jersey won’t punish families who don’t comply.

• Smoking bans passed in Iowa, Nebraska and Pennsylvania, making 28 states that prohibit smoking in public places. The strictest dozen states now prohibit smoking in bars, restaurants, casinos and workplaces.

• Illegal immigrants no longer can get driver’s licenses in Oregon, Michigan and Maine, leaving only four states that still allow licenses for illegal immigrants.

• “I Believe” license plates displaying a Christian cross were approved for purchase in South Carolina, sparking a church-state court challenge.

• Record numbers of home foreclosures prompted 29 states to rewrite their mortgage laws. New York and Virginia ordered lenders to give delinquent homeowners extra time before foreclosing; four states made mortgage fraud a specific crime; and seven states passed laws to curb mortgage-rescue scams.

• Five states enacted new restrictions on teenage drivers this spring, leaving only Arkansas, Kansas and North Dakota without special rules for new drivers.

Creekmore to address Ark. Victims Assistance Academy

Rep. Dawn Creekmore will give the closing address at the graduation ceremony of the Arkansas Victim Assistance Academy at UALR today. 47 Arkansans from all walks of life -- law enforcement, shelters and hospitals -- participated in the week long course that was sponsored by the U.S. Office of Justice Programs, the Office for Victims of Crimes, and the UALR Department of Criminal Justice. Tuesday night, Rep. Creekmore spoke about legislative trends in victims rights, legislation that she plans to introduce during the next session, and how victim service advocates can get involved.

McDaniel settles with Bristol-Myers Squibb

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced a settlement today with Bristol-Myers Squibb that will return $1.3 million to the Arkansas Medicaid program. The settlement resolves allegations of illegal drug marketing and pricing of prescription medications paid by the participating states’ Medicaid programs totaling $389 million plus interest. The federal portion of the settlement was concluded last fall. The settlement addresses allegations that BMS engaged in a number of improper marketing and pricing practices, including:

-Reporting inflated prices for various prescription drugs knowing that Medicaid and various federal health care programs would use these reported prices to pay for BMS and Apothecon products used by their recipients;

-Paying illegal remuneration to physicians, health care providers, and pharmacies to induce them to purchase BMS and Apothecon products;

-Promoting the sale and use of Abilify, an antipsychotic drug, for pediatric use and for treatment of dementia-related psychosis, uses which the federal Food and Drug Administration has not approved; and

-Misreporting sales prices for Serzone, an antidepressant, resulting in the improper reduction of the amount of rebates paid to the state Medicaid programs.

“While this is a good result and a step forward, there is no doubt that others have, and continue to be, engaged in similar conduct," said McDaniel. "Accordingly, I remain committed to investigating and redressing such behavior so as to ensure that Arkansans are being prescribed medication based on need, not on monetary favors, and to preserve the precious assets of our Medicaid program.”

Log Cabin Democrat endorses annual legislative sessions

Here's the link.

Truck weight limits

Arkansas highway officials are watching efforts at the federal level to increase weight limits on roads -- a move that could further deteriorate our roads and bridges here in Arkansas. Our last increase for the truck weight limit was 1983, when it went from 73,280 pounds to 80,000 pounds. Many in the industry are now seeking to have triple trailer configuration allowed in order to carry up to an additional 17,000 pounds on four-lane interstate highways. Here's more from the Arkansas News Bureau.

Governor appoints 23

Here's the list.

Highest/lowest paid AGs

Rep. Michael Lamoureux (R-Russellville) recently filed an ISP seeking a study on the possibility of amending Amendment 70 regarding the salaries of our constitutional officers. We've previously looked at the salaries and residences of governors, and I've posted a list in the comments section of this post of the salaries of attorneys general across the country. Are you for or against the legislature setting the salaries of the constitutional officers outside of the Consumer Price Index, or do you think it should be set by the Ark. Constitution?

Programming Note

I'll be flying back to Little Rock Friday afternoon for the Jefferson-Jackson dinner and to participate in the State Democratic Convention this weekend before flying back up here to Boston on Saturday. I'll try and post live from both events.

Ashdown mill turns 40

The Ashdown paper mill now known as Domtar will turn 40 this week. The plant employs more than 1,100 workers in a town of less than 5,000 and has been a lifeline for Little River County. There'll be a reception on Thursday to honor the 28 employees who have been with the mill since it opened. Here's the Associated Press article.

Also on the job front, Windmill maker LM Glasfiber is hiring 300 people for its Little Rock factory.

Block of limestone reattached to Capitol

The 200-pound chunk of limestone that fell from the Capitol has been reattached by inserting pins into an existing column and an apoxy adhesive. Total cost was $14,000. Here's more.

Texarkana Gazette editorial board endorses Hutchinson's plan

Sales Tax Holiday: For or Against?

For. We need any help we can get out here. Our retailers can't compete with businesses in other states due to our lack of a sales tax holiday. Against. I'd rather have a sound tax policy without holidays for gas and sales tax purchases. If the government can afford to give us these tax breaks without raising taxes elsewhere, I'd rather have an overall permanent lower tax burden. view results comments

The editorial page in today's Texarkana Gazette is devoted to Rep. Donna Hutchinson's plan for a sales tax holiday in Arkansas. Arkansas-side retailers in Texarkana take a larger hit than probably anyone in the state during the sales tax holiday in Texas, although some try and make due with sales of their own.

Advocates believe it's a good way to boost business and help consumers prior to the new school year, and opponents believe it's a gimmick that complicates tax filings and record keeping and really doesn't have any major effect on the local economy. What say you?

Previous polls:
Poll No. 14: Nation's most distressing problem
Poll No. 13: Toughman Contests
Poll No. 12: Stimulus Package
Poll No. 11: Satellite medical school campus
Poll No. 10: Taxes
Poll No. 9: Digital billboards in Arkansas
Poll No. 8: Partisan primaries
Poll No. 7: Notification of MRSA infections
Poll No. 6: "No match" letters
Poll No. 5: Novelty lighters
Poll No. 4: 2007 Razorbacks
Poll No. 3: Governor Beebe's job performance
Poll No. 2: The severance tax
Poll No. 1: Flavored cigarettes

Thompson Island update

The team building/professional development course on Saturday was something. Here I am trying to figure out how everyone else is going to get on the next rung.

Blogging in Congress

Here's a good read from today's New York Times on using technology to communicate with constituents from the floor of the United States Congress. Both parties agree that the rules need to be updated regarding the use of technology from the Capitol. Interesting read.

Halter to speak at UALR tomorrow

Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter will address the first annual Arkansas Victim Assistance Academy tomorrow at the UALR Donaghey Center at noon. This is a one-week, 40-hour academy of intensive training tailored to the needs of victim-service providers statewide.

Fenway Pak

I ran out to Fenway for a few innings after classes Friday night. The narrow streets and tunnel-like entrances are quite a contrast to these newer stadiums that look more like they're on a superhighway.

UofA no longer using the name Lady 'Backs

With the University of Arkansas combining its men's and women's athletic programs into one department, university spokesman Kevin Trainor indicated the name Razorbacks would apply to both men's and women's teams in the future. "The brand moving forward is Razorbacks," Trainor told the Associated Press. Here's their article.

Thompson Island: Outward Bound

We're headed out for one of the professional development/outward bound events at Thompson Island, so I'll check back in tonight.

Governors meet in Philadelphia this weekend -- Update

The National Governors Association is convening this weekend in Philadelphia to celebrate the organization's 100 year anniversary. Bill Clinton will give the keynote address tomorrow night. The governors are also expected to discuss privately whether to send a letter to the next occupant of the White House on energy policies. Lt. Governor Bill Halter is in charge while Governor Beebe attends the conference.

Update: Here's the governor's weekly radio address: New Pipeline Project
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Weekly radio address from Congressman Ross

Growing energy crisis
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Pictures

This program is reading and meeting intensive, so my posting will likely suffer for the next couple of weeks. Classes here begin at 7:00 a.m., and since the sun is up here at 5:00 a.m., that's when most of these pictures were taken while on my run. I'll write more on the program later.

Post-primary campaign finance and expenditure reports filed

This morning's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has extensive coverage of campaign finance reports from various state and local elections from the May 20 primary. Of note are some debts left over from the elections.

Former Razorback Matt Jones arrested

Former Razorback and current NFL player Matt Jones was arrested this morning by Fayetteville police on charges of possession of a controlled substance. HEre's the breaking news from the Democrat-Gazette.

Sen. Lincoln attempts to change state usury limit

This week, Sen. Blanche Lincoln is hoping to push for a vote to abrogate the section of the Arkansas constitution that limits interest rates in an attempt to help the state's student loan authority. Her change in the federal banking law would allow non-bank lenders to charge higher interest in hopes that it will help the Arkansas Student Loan Authority. Here's more from the DC Bureau of Stephens Media.

Governor won't support legislation similar to immigration ballot measure

Should legislation be filed in the 2009 regular session similar to the recent proposal by Secure Arkansas, it'll be opposed by the Governor. Also yesterday, the governor said he's not made up his mind on the proposed constitutional amendment to create a state lottery to fund college scholarships. Here's more from the Arkansas News Bureau.

Copley, others form Health Care for America Now

Steve Copley, a United Methodist minister from North Little Rock, was joined today by other activists to announce the launch of the Health Care for America Now campaign in Arkansas. The organization will advocate more affordable healthcare in Arkansas. Here's the Associated Press article.

39th Infantry soldier dies in Iraq

The Department of Defense today announced the death of an Arkansas Army National Guard Soldier with the 39th Brigade Combat Team participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Lynn Woodham, 37, of Rogers, Ark., died July 5, at Camp Adder, Tallil, Iraq, from non-combat related injuries resulting from contact with an electrified piece of metal in the vehicle maintenance area.
Woodham, of Rogers, Ark. was assigned to Delta Company, 39th Brigade Support Battalion, 39th Brigade Combat Team of Heber Springs, Ark. At the time of his death, he was attached as a vehicle maintenance supervisor with the 1st Squadron, 151st Cavalry Regiment, 39th Brigade Combat Team at Tallil, Iraq. Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard, said "My heart goes out to this Soldier's Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this trying time. No words can fill the gap left by such a loss."

"A dark cloud hangs over the Bowie Brigade today, and it's a day we had hoped we wouldn't see during this deployment," said Col. Kendall Penn. "There are no words that can describe the loss of a Soldier, a loved one, a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Anthony Woodham in their time of mourning. They should know that every Soldier in this Brigade feels the pain associated with this loss."

The 39th Brigade Support Battalion left for their mobilization station at Camp Shelby, Miss. on January 6 to prepare for deployment to Iraq. They moved forward to Iraq in late March for the remainder of the yearlong deployment. In total, the Brigade has over 3,000 Soldiers on duty in Iraq, and expects their return home some time in January 2009. This is the 23rd loss suffered by the Arkansas National Guard during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the first for this - the 39th Brigade Combat Team's second rotation to Iraq. God bless him.

Today marks the last day to submit signatures for ballot measures

Today is the last day to submit signatures to gain ballot access to proposed initiated acts and constitutional amendments. Secure Arkansas leader Jeannie Burlsworth told the Associated Press this morning that their initiated act to deny state benefits for illegal immigrants will fall about 10,000 signatures short. The advocates of the proposed ballot measure banning homosexuals from adopting or fostering children say they'll submit petitions today. Signatures have already been submitted for the proposed constitutional amendment creating a state-run lottery to raise money for college scholarships. Here's more from the Associated Press.

Click here for a list of all potential ballot measures.

Sierra Club targets natural gas drilling

Here's an article from this morning's Searcy Daily Citizen on the Sierra Club's call for additional regulations for environmental protection.

Today's courses

I'm the leader of a unit this morning that will have some dire emergency thrown at us, and I'll have to make decisions based on a vague set of facts, only to be critiqued on my leadership after the exercise. We'll have the opporunity to review the situation over the next several days to determine whether the gut decision was the right one (and I feel certain that an entirely new set of facts will be given after the decision is made, but that's how it works in real life as well). It's an interesting study on preparation and the ability to work with agencies and people in a variety of levels of the public and private sector. Other classes today include case studies on state and local programs that've both failed and succeeded and a discussion on representation.

November's water bond issue

Here's an article from Stephens Media on the water bond issue that will be on the November ballot. The group is led in part by Rep. Chris Thyer (D-Jonesboro). The measure would provide funding for water, sewer and pollution projects.

McDaniel treats job seriously

Here's an extensive write-up of Attorney General Dustin McDaniel that appeared in yesterday's Democrat-Gazette, written by Laura Kellans (subscription req'd).

Harvard bound

I'm on the early flight in the morning from Little Rock to Boston and will spend the next three weeks in an executive leadership program at Harvard. I'll post as I'm able.

Surplus is welcome problem

Andrew DeMillo's weekly column has been posted and takes a look at possibilities for the state's current surplus. Many lawmakers and forecasters continue to anticipate a slowdown in revenue, which has already taken place in almost half of the states. The good news is that we'll have six more monthly revenue reports to review prior to convening for the regular legislative session in January.

From the mailbag

On the way back from his LR fundraiser last week, the president stopped by a birthday party in the Heights after seeing the kids waving at his motorcade. Here's a pic:

4th of July pictures

The Feast


Boats get in place for the fireworks

The ragged old flag

Hope your 4th is enjoyable -- we're spending ours in Pike County. Just finished my run and am getting out the old homemade ice cream churn for this afternoon.

Here's Cleveland County's finest:

Change in the governor's schedule tomorrow

Due to weather concerns, the governor's going to participate in the Pangburn Independence Day Parade at 10:00 a.m., and he won't be attending the parades and picnics in Corning, Piggott, and Jonesboro as previously scheduled.

Taking care of our troops

That's the topic of the weekly radio addresses from Governor Beebe and Congressman Ross. I'm also happy to report that one of my constituents, Marine Lance Corporal Jason Harrison, has arrived home safely after honorably serving on the front lines in the Anbar Province in Iraq. Keep our friends Jeff Wood, Paul Suskie, Jake Jones, Rick Fahr, and all other Americans serving us overseas in mind this weekend. Here are the reports:

Governor Beebe
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Congressman Ross
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Reuters: Texas regulators approve coal unit

The Texas PUC just approved by a 2-1 vote the proposed Turk plant in Hempstead County. There will be a set of conditions similar to AR and LA commissions that will accompany the order. I'll post the ruling once it becomes available. Meanwhile, here's the story from Reuters.

Thursday in Arkansas

Time	Committee	Room	Agenda
9:00a.m.	Administrative Rules and Regs	151	Click here

New York Times: Committee Questions State Dept. Role in Iraq Oil Deal
Wall Street Journal: Republicans Find Fund Loophole
Washington Post: McCain Puts New Strategist Atop Campaign
Los Angeles Times: Big Sur blaze worsens; Goleta homes threatened
Houston Chronicle: U.S. hostages freed in Colombia arrive in San Antonio
Chicago Tribune: Monkey ad parody of Obama campaign sparks outrage
Reuters: Global shares tumble worldwide on "Super Thursday"

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Adoption petition drive expects shortfall
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: State ’08 surplus: $176 million
Ark Democrat Gazette: State’s unemployment reserves wouldn't last long
Ark. News Bureau: Farmers file class-action lawsuit against Riceland Foods
Ark. News Bureau: McGehee provider shuts doors after state pulls Medicaid
Ark. News Bureau: National Symphony Orchestra to be in state next year
Associated Press: 2 Ark. ballot measure backers to submit signatures
Associated Press: Hardin says board should say more about raise
Associated Press: Report calls for more training for poll workers
Northwest Arkansas Times: Highway dept budget tight because of gas prices

John Brummett: How Lu Hardin didn't get a raise
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Almost a miracle?
Texarkana Gazette: Retired general's potshot at candidate was a misfire
NWA Morning News: Patriotism And Politics Don't Mix
Brenda Blagg: Lottery Measure On Move
Kane Webb: Just like a writer
Mike Masterson: Schools feeling oil squeeze
Vic Harville cartoon

2008 legislative year in review

Looking for a comprehensive summary of the legislatures that convened in 2008? Stateline.org has it. The Nelson Rockefeller Institute of Government released a study suggesting that some states have already fallen into a recession with state tax collections at their lowest in nearly five years. Here's your CliffsNotes version of the reports from the Rockefeller Institute and stateline.org:

• Revenues dip: 23 states had to address $26 billion in shortfalls as they put together their new budgets this year. Worst hit were Arizona, California ($3 billion deficit), Florida, and Nevada, mainly because of the collapse of the housing market;

• Not for oil and grain states: Budget surpluses exist in North Dakota ($740 million), Texas ($10.7 billion), and here in Arkansas ($176.5 million);

• Economy slows big health care reform proposals: The push for universal health care in individual states has slowed due to sluggish revenue and miscalculated costs of health care expansions.

• Other top issues debated in the state houses include illegal immigration, abortion, racial discrimination, global warming, and water rights.

Arkansas historical benches -- Update

Our office was honored to receive the first bench made by College Hill Elementary art students here in Texarkana this morning. The students made six benches depicting the history of Arkansas, and our firm is delighted to showcase the bench showing the history of Arkansas government. Others will be installed throughout the city. Here's a picture from the event.

Update (Thursday): Here's the Texarkana Gazette article.

2007-08 fiscal year figures are in: $176.5 million surplus

At $176.5 million, the surplus accumulated in the fiscal year that ended Monday was $81.7 million higher than forecast. Here's the full story from the Associated Press, and here's a comment from the governor's office:

"Even though Arkansans are struggling with skyrocketing fuel prices and other increasing expenses, our State's economy continues to show signs of strength in spite of the national downward trend. Our conservative budgeting and careful planning have put Arkansas in an advantageous economic position compared to many other states. Because our national economy still faces daunting challenges, I remain alert to the potential for additional downturns in the coming months.

"If we continue to hold steady in the next two-to-three months, we will consider revising our economic forecast upward and restoring at least some of the funding that our state agencies have been asked to do without in the new fiscal year." – Governor Mike Beebe

My comment: Even with other states working to bridge budget shortfalls, and even with a full year without one half of the revenue from the sales tax on groceries, we've built a surplus of $176.5 million. I believe that shows that a full repeal of the other half of the sales tax on groceries (estimated at $120 million annually) would be reasonable and prudent, and it won't break the bank.

Click here for the report

The Fourth Estate and the Internet

Northwest Arkansas Times Executive Editor Greg Harton attended Friday's meeting of the Political Animals Club at which I spoke and wrote this column in response. In it, Harton examines some of the very issues I've struggled with since creating this blog. The most profound commentary on blogs comes from this paragraph:

So many of the blogs that have gained audiences (and the thousands that haven't ) rely heavily on the newsgathering resources of so-called traditional media to provide material to which they respond. Without the newsgatherers, many of those sites would see their material dry up.

I've considered this very point many times and have wondered if the Internet will remain this way. Media outlets like the Northwest Arkansas Times have a bottom line to protect. They have employees who have mouths to feed, they have ink to buy by the barrel, and they have a host of other operating expenses that requires significant revenue by any standard in order to make ends meet. I don't -- this site serves as a service for my constituents and is just fun for me, and my costs are minimal. Yet outside the legislative session and Arkansas elections, the material from this site and blogs everywhere largely comes from that which is gathered by journalists being paid by other sources.

While professional media outlets do receive advertising revenue from their online sites, like Harton says, they can't rely on that revenue alone to exist. I mentioned during the program that, for selfish reasons, I disagreed with Walter Hussman's policy of putting lots of material "behind the wall," but in order for media organization to remain afloat, and for blogs like this to have material, he's right. The interesting part will be watching whether online material in the future is paid by advertising, user fees, web hosting services, or some other arrangement that has yet to be considered.

Wednesday in Arkansas

Time	Event	Place
2:00 p.m.	Announcement of a statewide musical project	UCA

Court	Oral Arguments	Today's Opinions
Supreme Court	No hearings today	No opinions released today
Court of Appeals	No hearings today	Click here (after 11:00 a.m.)

Time	Place	Event
All Day	Mountain View	"Herbal Cold Soap Making" Workshop
6:00 p.m.	Springdale	64th Annual Rodeo of the Ozarks

Time	Place	Event
11:00 a.m.	300 State Line Ave.	College Hill Elementary Bench Dedication
11:30 a.m.	5495 Summerhill Road	Ribbon Cutting: AtHome Health Care

New York Times: Deepening Cycle of Job Loss Seen Lasting Into ’09
Wall Street Journal: Microsoft Seeks Deal Allies
Washington Post: State Gets Leeway to Design Own Plan for Fixing Schools
Los Angeles Times: Atlanta airport gun ban is challenged
Houston Chronicle: Perry requested ethanol waiver after $100,000 gift
Chicago Tribune: Obama urges expansion of faith-based initiative
Reuters: Two killed in bulldozer attack in Jerusalem

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Bush hits state to push loan bill, help out GOP
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Attorney general dubious of savings-backed bonds
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: UCA pres’s $300K bonus not revealed for 2 months
Ark. News Bureau: President promotes housing-rescue plan during visit to state
Ark. News Bureau: AG: Local gov'ts can't repay bonds with energy savings
Ark. News Bureau: Adoption, foster parenting initiative has signatures
Associated Press: Bush says housing deal possible
Associated Press: 12-year-old Conway volunteer recognized by Bush
Associated Press: Arkansas soldiers help restore children's lives
Associated Press: Gas co. in NW Ark. now owned by Colo. firm

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Shoptalk
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Apathy abounds (subscription req'd)
Paul Greenberg: 50 ways to beat the heat
David Sanders: House Republicans losing seats, friends
Texarkana Gazette: UofA tobacco ban
NWA Morning News: Area Schools Must Make Tough Choices
Gene Lyons: Rules will change come November
Meredith Oakley: Limit appreciated
Vic Harville cartoon