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From Rep. Jody Dickinson

When the voters of Arkansas passed an amendment requiring the General Assembly to meet in even numbered years to take up the state budget, it was very clear we were expected to take care of the business quickly. On Friday, the House finished its work for Fiscal Session 2012. We were able to pass appropriations and a budget in just 19 days which speaks volumes to the spirit of cooperation among members.

This success was not the result of one or even a few individuals. Real progress is the result of talents and ideas of many people. That’s what we have seen in the last few weeks among House members. Sharing ideas from different backgrounds and political spectrums is what the democratic process is all about. The end result for us is a conservative budget which continues to provide essential services for the people of Arkansas.

The last order of business before the House was the passage of SB 136 which amends the Revenue Stabilization Act. The $4.7 billion dollar balanced budget, which is now on its way the Governor’s desk, is a 3.5% increase in spending from last year.

The additional spending includes $114 million more for Medicaid and $56 million more for public schools.

It is also important to remember the increase we devoted to higher education. Studies show higher education improves an individual’s quality of life. While economic conditions prevented us from appropriating a significant increase, we were able to increase spending for colleges and universities by $3 million dollars. That money is being dispersed to institutions which have seen a rapid rise in enrollment. The additional funds will help to keep tuition costs down. Three million dollars may not sound like a lot of money, but over 30 states have had to make cuts in their funding to higher education.

This budget for the upcoming fiscal year also fully funds our state agencies. Those include the Department of Correction, Department of Human Services, and the Health Department just to name a few. We made it through this fiscal year without making any cuts to the essential services we provide our residents. And Arkansas, unlike a number of states this year, is not forced to lay off any of its employees.

We will reconvene on Friday, March 9 for Sine Die. Sine Die is a Latin phrase which means we will adjourn without setting a date for a future meeting or hearing. At that time we will be able to take care of any unfinished business remaining for this Fiscal Session.

After taking care of any unfinished business, we will be voting on the Speaker of the House for the 89th General Assembly. You are invited to watch this process live at www.arkansashouse.org.