Government officials and community activists gathered Tuesday morning at the state Capitol to discuss matters such as job creation and education in Arkansas.
They also witnessed an informal debate between representatives of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Roughly 50 people attended the session in the Capitol rotunda. Topics included the future Interstate 69 corridor, which would cut across Arkansas, running from the Mexican border in Texas to the Canadian frontier in Michigan.
Other speakers called for promoting trade with Cuba; continuing the state's Medicaid expansion and authorizing the historic Delta Queen riverboat to resume its journeys up and down the Mississippi River.
Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, made the Interstate 69 presentation, saying development of the highway must be a top priority.
With 189 miles of the road set to traverse southern Arkansas, the multibillion-dollar project would boost the economies in every county it touches, he said.
Kevin Smith, a senior adviser to the Delta Caucus, which sponsored the event, emphasized the importance of fostering trade between the U.S. and Cuba, saying, "Eliminating the [trade] embargo would be good for both countries."
Bo Ryall, chief executive of the Arkansas Hospital Association, said health care is "a key element of economic development" and said increased funding for medical coverage has been "so important for rural hospitals."
During the informal debate, Republican Bud Cummins, a former U.S. attorney and Trump's state campaign chairman, argued that Trump would be a more effective leader. State Sen. Joyce Elliott, a Little Rock Democrat and Clinton delegate to the Democratic National Convention, said her party's nominee has lived in Arkansas and understands the challenges facing the state better than the Republican nominee.
Elliott said Clinton would build on the health care law. Cummins said Trump would change the health care system, but do so responsibly.
Lee Powell, executive director of the Delta Caucus, gave a report on federal legislation that would allow the Delta Queen again to carry passengers.
In June, a U.S. Senate committee approved legislation that would exempt the steamboat from the Safety at Sea Act, a law that prevents wooden vessels from being used as overnight cruise ships. An earlier exemption expired in 2008.
"We've got a great chance to get it passed," Powell said.
Metro on 08/17/2016