Governor on the Arkansas economy

Doug Thompson reports from the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce Leaders Conference yesterday, where Governor Beebe spoke to leaders about economic conditions in Arkansas. Since Beebe took office, the state has gained 14,000 manufacturing jobs and 36,200 new jobs overall, a trend that is contrary to the national economic slowdown. Still, most economists forecast a slowdown in revenue for the state, and I suspect we'll see sales tax revenue shrink like most other states have experienced in recent months. An ABC poll released yesterday shows consumer confidence at a 22-year low. The governor discussed the role that northwest Arkansas has played in terms of strengthening the state's economy and referenced its slumping housing market.