4:30 P.M. UPDATE:
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas' House speaker won't rule out supporting a tax increase to raise money for highways, while the leader of the state Senate said any increase would have to be offset by a tax cut elsewhere.
The legislative leaders said Monday they're gauging how much support there is for Gov. Asa Hutchinson's highway funding plan as well as proposals being floated for longer term ways to raise money for the state's roads. The Legislature formally adjourned this year's session Monday, and Hutchinson has said he'll call lawmakers back May 19 to take up his highway plan.
Hutchinson has proposed tapping into one-time money and general revenue to raise money for roads, but lawmakers have floated other proposals that include an increase in the state's gas and diesel tax.
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
EARLIER:
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas lawmakers have ended this year's fiscal session, with the current House speaker winning another two-year term leading the chamber.
The House and Senate on Monday formally adjourned the session, which had been marked by a fight over the future of the state's hybrid Medicaid expansion. Lawmakers last month rejected an attempt to override Gov. Asa Hutchinson's veto of a measure that would have ended the program, which uses federal funds to purchase private insurance for the poor.
The House also re-elected Jeremy Gillam as its speaker. Gillam, a Republican from Judsonia, was the only candidate running for the post.
Hutchinson has said he'll call the Legislature back into session May 19 to take up his highway funding proposal.
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
