Opinion

LITTLE ROCK – The legislature completed the 2022 fiscal session in 23 days, approving a budget for state government that calls for spending about $6 billion in general revenue next year. A highlight of the fiscal session was approval of crime prevention measures, such as funding $5,000 salary supplements for local law enforcement officers.

From one-time bonuses to increased funding for safety equipment, the 93rd General Assembly made support for law enforcement a top priority in this fiscal session. Act 224 provides a onetime stipend of $5,000 to full-time certified city and county law enforcement officers as well as probation and parole officers.

The United States of America is a leader in both energy and food production. We are blessed with tremendous resources that have helped our country thrive and enabled Americans to enjoy the benefits of ample access to necessities and staples for everyday living.

The 93rd General Assembly wrapped up its fiscal session this week, and today I’d like to commend legislators for their support of law enforcement in Arkansas. The 93rd General Assembly was one of the most law enforcement friendly sessions ever.

Little Rock– Certified law enforcement officers will get a $5,000 salary stipend this year, thanks to a Senate bill approved by the Arkansas legislature. To qualify for the stipend, officers must have completed a basic training program approved by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

The Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) is typically one of the last items passed every session. It categorizes and prioritizes state spending.

There is a major disconnect between the struggles Americans experience every day and the image President Biden and his team are trying to project. This is most apparent in rural America. In his State of the Union address, the president only mentioned the word “rural” once, and the administration has failed to prioritize the needs of our farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.

In the week since Russia invaded Ukraine, Arkansas has joined most of the world in condemning the unprovoked assault. Today I’d like to share the story of a woman from Ukraine who is watching the war from Arkansas and praying for her relatives and friends who are sheltering in basements in her homeland. Kateryna Pitchford’s story highlights the reality of the war for the rest of us.

Little Rock- Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced today the final approval of the $26 billion opioid agreement with the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors – Cardinal, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen – as well as Johnson & Johnson. Upon finalization of the agreement, the companies will begin releasing funds to a national administrator on April 2, 2022. Those funds will then be allocated to state and local governments during the second quarter of 2022.

Ever since I took office in 2015, my goal has been to make Arkansas first. From the very first coding tour, I have pushed Arkansas to lead the nation on computer science.