State of the State Address -- UPDATE II

The governor laid out several specific plans during his 40 minute speech to the legislature this morning. He proposed a health care package that includes more home-health options, stronger community health centers and a statewide trauma system, all of which will be funded through a 56 cent increase to the per pack price of cigarettes. It was interesting to look at the applause from around the chamber after he made this pronouncement -- most were clapping, but many were not. An increase to the cigarette tax requires a 3/4 approval from both chambers.

The Governor also proposed further reducing the sales tax on groceries by another penny, increasing funding for education and the Division of Children and Family Services, continuing support for new jobs through the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, and a responsible implementation of the lottery that simplifies the application process and makes larger scholarships available to more Arkansans.

He also went out of his way to say how disappointed he was that voters further reduced the pool of eligible foster homes in the state and called on those voters to provide safe and loving homes to the multitudes of underprivileged Arkansas children who need them. Great speech.




Update II: Here's video:



Original Post: We're now convened in a joint session, and Reading Clerk Buddy Johnson is announcing the results of the elections held in Arkansas on November 4. The governor will be entering momentarily.