Legislators hit the ground running

Legislators hit the ground running

Work for the 2017 legislative session began just minutes after we were sworn in on Monday. The 2017 Regular Session began at noon on Monday. With 200 bills already filed, we expect committees to begin hearing testimony on proposed legislation this week.

Although no one can say with certainty what issues will take the most time or gather the most headlines, we do know that education funding, criminal justice reform, and tax proposals will be on the agenda for the 91st General Assembly.

This week we received the monthly revenue report. It shows a net available general revenue of $2.6 billion so far for this fiscal year. Fiscal years begin in July.

The report show revenues are $38.2 million or 1.5% above levels a year ago, but $8.8 million below what was forecasted.

We will take this information into consideration as we work to craft a budget for the next fiscal year. Several tax cut proposals are being brought forward. One bill has been filed that would lower income taxes for those receiving military retirement benefits.

Education has historically been the largest budget priority for the state. This year, we will once again be asked to approve increases in education funding. In its annual adequacy report, the Education Committee recommended of an increase of $45.6 million for the next fiscal year.

We also expect to consider a new funding formula for higher education.

The Criminal Justice Reform Task Force was created in 2015 to research ways to address prison overcrowding and ways to promote seamless reentry into society for inmates scheduled to be released. As a result of the work by the task force, we expect to see several pieces of legislation filed to address the issue.

On Tuesday, the Governor addressed the legislature in the House Chamber. In this speech, the Governor described his proposals and ideas for the upcoming session.

As a reminder, all House proceedings in the Chamber and House committee meetings held in the Capitol building are streamed live on our website www.arkansashouse.org.

We look forward to hearing from you in the weeks and months ahead.

From State Representative Milton Nicks