Ready to serve as session begins

Ready to serve as session begins

It is an honor to serve a third term in the Arkansas House. The Regular Session of 2017 begins on January 9. This year, like any other, will present its own set of unique challenges. I am grateful for the faith you have placed in me to represent your best interests.

On the first day, all of us will be sworn into office. This will also be the day we officially elect the Speaker.

So far, more than 200 bills have been pre-filed. These bills will be read across the desk and assigned to their appropriate committees on the first day. By the end of the first week, several bills will have likely passed a committee and be voted on the House floor.

During the last Regular Session, members filed a total of 2,200 bills. Of those, 1,237 became law. We never know how many pieces of legislation we will be asked to ultimately consider in an upcoming session.

On Tuesday, the Governor will address the House and the Senate in the House Chamber. This will be the time he lays out his agenda and proposals for the upcoming session.

This year I will serve on the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee, the Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee, and Arkansas Legislative Council.

Every session also presents an opportunity for high school students to learn about and participate in the legislative process for our state. Pages assist us during session in delivering materials and messages within the Capitol. They get an up close look at law making by working directly on the House floor. If you or someone you know is interested in working as a page this session email me a resume at dferguson@arkansashouse.org.

I will continue to update you on proposed legislation and votes throughout the session. I look forward to serving the people of District 51 once again.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson