Wow the news is coming in so fast it is hard to keep up. I woke up at 5am this morning in an effort to have the Roll Call posted by 8. As I was reading, things were developing into more of complete stories rather than just blips. Disenfranchised Arkansas District 83? and You Can't Make This Stuff Up are just two issues that I felt need a little more expounding on.
Okay to the Roll Call~
A Man, A Plan, A Tax
On Wednesday Gov. Mike Beebe laid out his agenda for 2011~ tackling the state's escalating prison population~ cha ching, massive Medicaid costs~ Cha Ching and our $330 million (really well of $400 million now) debt to the feds for unemployment insurance~ Cha Ching. Also an incentive program to increase college graduates.~ Ring Ring Ring (I thought that would be a job).
They are looking at …wait…wait for it… A TAX INCREASE. NO!! Say it ain’t so? Folks you heard it here first….
One of the solutions the Governor offered is a temporary hike in the payroll taxes paid by businesses, which would sunset when the debt is cleared. LOL… REALLY?? Aren’t we one of the highest taxed business states in the nation? Let me see YES. REASONS ARKANSANS NEED TO GET OUT THE VOTE (GOTV)
Arkansans are once again being led down the “if we don’t do this” trail. Highway safety is going to be the horse.
Our anxious to serve lawmakers have pre-filed over 60 bills in advance of the session, some of which would reduce taxes and programs. Gov Beebe reaffirmed he would oppose any reductions unless the sponsor was able to show how the state would make up lost revenue.
No Hires for You
According to KATV newly elected Saline County Circuit Clerk Dennis Milligan is in a bit of hot water. He evidently let several employees go when taking office and has now petitioned the Quorum Court to hire replacements, only at a higher salary. See more details here.
Mr. Milligan made headlines just a few days ago because Judge Grishom Phillips refused to swear him into office. Read more…
Pulaski County Special School District needs Extreme Make-Over
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported that nearly 300 parents were more than a little hot under the collar. Parents, students and School Board members packed a public meeting Thursday night at Robinson High School, in an effort to squelch the closing of their school.
Seems Derek Scott, executive director of operations for the district, who came up with the idea to close the school, has backed off and sided with at least on board member and Superintendent Charles Hopson assuring parents the school would not be closed.
Looks like the district has gotten themselves in a bit of a “death spiral”. Shrinking state funds due to lower enrollment along with expanding facilities and utility costs have over financially overextended the district.
Read all about it, it is my belief that this will be the prevailing story of our schools around the state in the coming years. We have allowed them to put the emphasis on grandiose buildings, mega athletic programs and anything but students and education.
Who Ya Gonna Call?
According to the Times Record Online “three central Arkansas police officers are among five men facing federal charges in a string of armored car heists and planned robberies dating to 2005.” ~I have no words
These are some folks you should follow to keep up with what is going on in our state~ if you know of others please let me know~
FEED
@AR_Majority
@lauriemasterson
@ttoelke
@aymond
@AFPArkansas
@lobbyup
@RobyBrock
@ProgressiveAR
@TolbertReport
@ArkansasOnline
@ArkansasBuzz
@ArkBusiness
@5NEWS
@4029News
@KATVNews
@Region8News
No comments:
Post a Comment