Special session scheduled to begin in two weeks

Though Governor Asa Hutchinson has yet to issue a formal call, he said last Friday that he intends for the Third Extraordinary Session of the 93rd General Assembly to begin on Tuesday, August 9. That’s two weeks from today.

The House and Senate Democratic caucuses are working to make sure teacher salaries are raised during the special session, but Governor Hutchinson says too many Republicans still oppose raising teacher pay.

Republicans plan to use our state’s $1.628 billion surplus to accelerate tax breaks for our state’s wealthiest individuals. Democrats say any such tax relief should benefit everyday Arkansans.

In addition to revenue cuts, Governor Hutchinson has said he might include school safety on his agenda for the special session.