Thursday in DC

Robbie and I both have committees that convene pretty early, but the highlight of the day will be lunch in the Senate dining room with Mark Pryor thanks to Robbie's handiwork with Pryor Chief of Staff Bob Russell. Today's agenda includes meetings on some pretty specific items, some of which were taken up in the 87th Arkansas General Assembly, including the collection of 911 revenue from cell phones.

Other topics include state efforts to retain teachers, early voting systems in model states, using IT to save money in tough budget times, and a report on state fiscal conditions in the 50 states.

Update: Good to see the sun up before 6:00. This is when it finally starts to feel like summer. We knocked out about five miles or so at dawn and are in meetings now. Here are a few pictures.