Arkansas lawmakers approve $5.6B budget, increase state spending

Rep. Bob Ballinger, speaking in favor of the budget bill, said that while it sometimes looks and feels like the governor’s office is calling all the shots, lawmakers are instrumental in shaping tax cuts, reimbursements and raises while finding ways to save money. “We are doing stuff that, sorry to my Democratic colleagues, that is conservative,” he said.
Rep. Bob Ballinger, speaking in favor of the budget bill, said that while it sometimes looks and feels like the governor’s office is calling all the shots, lawmakers are instrumental in shaping tax cuts, reimbursements and raises while finding ways to save money. “We are doing stuff that, sorry to my Democratic colleagues, that is conservative,” he said.

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas lawmakers have approved the state's $5.6 billion budget for the coming year, wrapping up this year's fiscal session in four weeks.

The House and Senate on Friday approved identical versions of the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act, which calls for increasing state spending by about $173 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The measure now heads to Gov. Asa Hutchinson's desk.

The House passed the measure on a 90-3 vote, while it passed the Senate 30-1. The legislation mirrors the budget Hutchinson proposed earlier this year, with $64 million in projected surplus money set aside for highway needs and tax cuts.

Lawmakers plan to formally adjourn this year's session Monday. They're expected to reconvene the following day for a special session on several other issues.

Read Saturday's Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

Sign up for breaking news
& daily updates delivered
right to your inbox.




Upcoming Events