Rode Hard and Put Up Wet

Thanks to Rep. Monty Davenport for this installment of a worn out catch phrase for my title. But that's kind of the way everybody feels as today was the deadline for filing bills. More so for the staff and the folks in Legislative Research. Even though the number of filed bills are down from previous sessions, log-jams are pretty evident in the A committees. Still to be heard from is the final lottery bill, along with the grocery tax cut and lord knows what else lurks in the mind of this legislative body. I could certainly see a castle doctrine in my future. By the way, filing fewer bills is a good thing in my mind. The real work starts now.

Great Balls Of Fire

Jerry Lee Lewis would have been proud if he'd been in the House chamber yesterday, cause there was a whole lotta debatin goin on. Primary seat belt laws and the national popular vote were the primary culprits. Lively, spirited and passionate certainly fill the bill for describing those two issues. I voted the seat belts up and the popular vote down, which gave me a 1-1 record as both bills passed out. The highlight for me came when a motion for immediate consideration by Rep. Sample was voted down and the fur kept flying. I've always thought there was too little debate on the floor and in plenty of cases in committee, so I think everybody, including the gallery, enjoyed the back and forth.

I ran my district court bill along with a foster care transition bill on the floor today and both passed easily, with the only two dissenters being on the court bill. I have a pretty good sized Juvenile bill yet to run, along with a few others, and the filing deadline comes up a week from Monday. Appropriation bills are due Monday and the only thing I have in the hopper there is a request for funding at UACCH.

I had talked about filing a constitutional amendement extending term limits in the House from 3 terms to 4. But in the end there were several of those types filed, so we'll see if anything makes it out.

It Ain't Over Till The Fat Lady Sings

The session that is. She may be clearing her throat though. Today the Chairman of House Rules, Rep. Robert Moore, introduced a resolution that calls for adjournment on or about April 10th. We would come back on May 1st for Sine Die adjournment and that's it. Sounds good to me as long as we get everything tidied up with the appropriation bills. And that's not counting the federal stimulus money coming down the road. Still plenty of work to do, but I hope that April date becomes a reality.

Speaking of things not being over, you'd have to include the lottery legislation in that description. Although I do believe things are close to being finalized, and we'll be voting on a bill in the very near future.

And who wouldn't be ready for Razorback basketball season to be over. Although they did give us a couple of big thrills this year with the Texas and Oklahoma games. They were oh so close too many times, but just couldn't get over the hump when it came to SEC play. I hope the chemistry stays there, and next year this team can put some of those close games in the win column.

I, along with Senator Teague, and Representatives Cole and Stewart will be in Nashville on Saturday morning for a regional Farm Bureau breakfast. I look forward to being there and enjoying a big breakfast of pancakes and sausage.

Ya Know What I'm Sayin

Maybe you do and maybe you don't, but it doesn't really matter since today I'm talking sports. Here's the deal (that may be my next catch phrase title): Rick Reilly of ESPN is doing a daily Mt. Rushmore of sports for each state. I haven't seen Arkansas's yet and I don't know what his criteria is for choosing, but I might as well weigh in. Here are the 4 people who I believe, should be on our Mt. Rushmore of sports.

Frank Broyles--Facilities, National championship and generally put the program on the map.
Brooks Robinson--Arguably greatest 3rd baseman of all time. No argument on defensive side.
Jermaine Taylor--Maybe, Maybe not, but only world champ from Arkansas.
Bear Bryant--Though Alabama will claim him, he rassled his bears in Fordyce.

Almost at the top: John McDonnell, Nolan Richardson,Sidney Moncrief, Dizzy Dean, Lance Alworth (I know he's from Mississippi), Lou Brock, and Clyde Scott. There you are. Not a definitive or empirical list, but it's mine. Maybe you have one too.

I Heard That

As I continue with another worn out catch phrase for my title, here's what I'm hearing:

AG Dustin McDaniel proposed marriage, on Valentine's Day no less, to Ms. Bobbi Fowler of Jonesboro. That should formally disqualify the General from any future appearances on ABC'S "The Bachelor". Though I'm pleased to announce the upcoming nuptials, I'm fairly embarrassed that I know which network airs "The Bachelor".

My seatmate and good friend, Rep. Steve Harrelson, apparently announced his run for a Senate seat last night on Jessica Dean's channel 7 webcast. The seat is currently held by Senator Barbara Horn who is term limited. Way to go Steve- Bustin' it out on the world wide web.

What a privilege to have the former President here yesterday. It was also good for my wife, who worked in the early Clinton campaigns and served for 12 years as a parole board appointee. She had not seen him since before he announced for the presidency, and she was able to have a nice visit after all those years. Afterwards, Vigi treated me to lunch and she sat in on yesterday's session. Late in the day we cruised out to Baby's R Us and bought out the store for our 13 month old great niece, Sandra Grace. We ended the day with dinner and friends at Brave New Restaurant. We headed home about 9:00 and this is what I heard: Honey, this was really a nice day. I agreed.

President Clinton In The House

Former President Bill Clinton will address a joint meeting of the Legislature on Wednesday morning at 10 am. Most of us have seen Mr. Clinton on several occassions over the years, but I consider it an honor to be sitting on the front row while a former President of the United States talks to me and my colleagues. Security will be tight and I am looking forward to the day.

The tobacco tax bill was signed by the Governor today at 2:30, and I, along with several other Senators and Representatives, attended the news conference. Like everyone else who voted for the tax, and the healthcare initiative attached, I've taken a fair amount of heat on my vote. In the end, I'm glad the money will be there for much needed healthcare problems, but I also understand the position of those who voiced opposition. I doubt it was an easy vote for any of the 75 Reps or 28 Senators who sent this to the Governor. I'm sure everybody had a better idea on how to fund the proposals, but HB1204 was the legislation presented and nothing else really had a chance to get any traction. That's the reality of it, and if you're the Governor, and you get the Speaker and President Pro Tem to go along with it, chances are you're going to pass the legislation. Politics 101. So most of us had to decide the greater good; though many of us weren't comfortable raising taxes on a specific group in uncertain economic times. Issues here aren't always black and white, even though some would have you believe otherwise. It's time now to make sure the money gets to those who need it and the 200 lives saved becomes a reality.

It Is What It Is

Just a note to let you know that I believe I'll title all of my posts from here on out with some of those inane catch-phrases that seep into the language. No better way to get it started than with this first ballot hall of famer.

Razorback day at the Capitol provided an impromptu pep rally in the second floor rotunda just before we convened today. The band and cheerleaders got the juices flowing with the Razorback fight song and William Tell (Lone Ranger) overture . It was fun for all and plenty of hog calls to go around.

Much debate and an impassioned plea by Rep. Steve Breedlove, a Church of Christ minister who spoke against it, couldn't keep the guns in church bill from passing on to the Senate. The vote was 57-42, with one not voting. I was one of the 42 and honestly surprised it was as close as it was. That gives me a little hope that the Senate may quash this on their end. We will see.

The Senate Revenue and Tax committee passed the tobacco tax bill out today, and it's my understanding there is still work to be done in garnering the 3/4 needed to send it the Governor's way. Senator Larry Teague paved the way in committee by providing the swing vote to get it out.

Here's What's Happening

Today proved to be a short day with only budget bills being considered. We were done in short order and I get the chance to check in on the old blog for some odds and ends stuff. Here we go:

What's with all the apologizing? First there was Rep. Mark Martin's apology last Friday for his outburst on the House floor during the tobacco tax debate. His mea culpa seemed to be sincere, the members accepted it and everybody moved on. But now, here comes A-Rod, and he apparently has ESPN carrying his apology on a 24 hour basis. Good grief. I haven't heard that many"I'm sorry's" since my mother caught me signing her name to my 7th grade English progress report. Mama's punishment was swift and sure, as she left an indelible mark on the body part where A-Rod injects his performance enhancing drugs. No doubt this world misses my Mama.

We had a busy morning in the Judiciary committee and sent 11 bills to the House floor. Rep. Beverly Pyle's guns in church bill, came back to us with an amendment and it easily passed out again. I voted no this time too, and my reasons are still the same. Also, there was some fairly interesting discussion on a bill by Rep. Dan Greenberg. His bill proposes that anyone, for a fee, can run an ACIC criminal background check on any candidate filing for elective office in Arkansas. Once you get the results of the background check, and find that 40 years ago the candidate signed his Mama's name to a 7th grade progress report, what are you going to do with the damning information. You can (a) call the nearest reporter, (b) use discretion and keep it to yourself, or, (c) blackmail the hell out of somebody. So this is the thought I've got: If times are so bad that we have to carry concealed weapons to church, and run criminal checks on our candidates, then heaven help us all.

Senate's Ball Now

Wow! 75 to 24. Razor thin I would say. Some emotional debate and an emotional vote. A roll call was requested and it stood up. Rep. J.R. Rogers was not present today so he was the lone legislator not here to vote. It's up to the Senate now, and they have to come up with 27 votes to send HB 1204 to Governor Beebe. I obviously voted for the measure and though I have reservations on raising taxes, I feel the greater good for our state was to support this bill. All of us will take hits on this issue, but I can tell you I heard from both sides many times over. Ultimately, my decision was based on what I believe will help save lives and provide better health care to thousands of Arkansans.

Big Vote Coming

HB 1204, the cigarette tax, will be voted on in a few minutes. I've been told that we have the 75 votes needed, but we will wait and see. Expect a close shave and I am predicting 78 yeas. 99 members are in their seats, apparently ready to take a stand. But you never know who's going to press that yellow present button and abstain. I will not. Rep. Reep is presenting the bill now. I'll be back.

A Little of This and a Little of That

Here's a smattering of things coming and going. Rep. Barbara Nix, (D)-Benton, presented a House resolution yesterday honoring Cy Young award winner, Cliff Lee of Benton. He and his family were in attendance for the recognition. Afterwards, he graciously signed baseballs for the autograph hounds from the chamber.

The guns in church bill came out of judiciary yesterday on a voice vote. I voted against the bill for a number of reasons. But when I boiled it down to my thinking and listening to my locals, I couldn't answer the question of why churches need this law. And much simpler than that is this-it just doesn't feel right. The vote comes before the house today.

I attended the unveiling of the Winthrop Paul Rockefeller bust in the Capitol rotunda at noon today. The Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State all had brief remarks to an overflow crowd. The former Lt. Governor's widow, Lisanne, performed the honor of unveiling the bust. It was a fitting tribute to a fine man who loved his family and his state, and dedicated his life to making things better.

Breaking news---I'm told the guns in churches bill is being pulled down to have it amended. So it looks like we'll get it on another day.

HB 1204 went before the Rules committee at noon and sailed out. In case your not up to snuff (no pun intended) on bill numbers, that's the cigarette tax. Tomorrow will be the day to see if the votes are there. 75 is the magic number and I've heard anywhere from 70 to 74 votes are on board for passage. Things are tight to say the least.

Monday Monday

Ok, we're back at it and I think it's going to be a pretty interesting week. Judiciary gets Rep. Pyle's bill tomorrow regarding carrying a concealed weapon to church. Though I straddled the fence on this at first, I'm pretty convinced that this is an over-reaction to some horrible tragedies. In fact, most of my calls and e-mails have asked that I vote against the legislation. I get to have a listen in the morning.

The cigarette tax and immigration bills continue to gather the most attention from e-mailers. I will say that my mail box has been pretty evenly matched for those for and against on both issues. It also appears the lottery bill is pretty close to firming up and some say it will be over a hundred pages long. Should be a fun read.

Rep. David Rainey and I are in the process of raising money from house members to go towards those Arkansans devastated by last week's storms. In 2007, Dumas was hit by a major tornado and the membership responded with several thousand dollars donated to the recovery. Hope we can do it again, but this is a larger area and we need to come up with a central location to distribute the funds.

The Super Bowl exceeded everybody's expectations and was pretty entertaining. One of my friends pointed out that the Super Bowl might be the only event that we've participated in for 43 straight years. That's probably true since a stomach virus, and the phenagren that chased it away, knocked me out for the Christmas of 93. Now there's a fond memory.

Animal Cruelty

The long awaited legislation making first offense cruelty to animals a felony will be voted on in just a few moments. Although I predict 75-80 yeas today, I also predicted the Patriots would win last years Super Bowl. You never know. I'd be surprised if it doesn't generate some debate, but I don't see any major roadblocks.

I expect we should get Rep. Sample's immigration bill in Judiciary next week, and other than the cigarette tax, nothing has produced quite as much e-mail as this issue. I'm looking for lively and passionate debate on this one.

Also, we will be getting a bill related to concealed handguns. The bill, filed by Rep. Beverly Pyle (R)-Cedarville, allows you to carry a concealed weapon into church while attending services. I'm sure everyone recalls the tragedy in Tennessee last year, and I suppose this is a reaction to that event. I'm not sure where I stand on this, and there should be some interesting back and forth here too.

The vote is in, and and with 88 yeas, 9 nays and 1 present, animal cruelty will be a first offense felony once the Governor affixes his signature. Congratulations to the Attorney General, Senator Madison, Rep. Adcock and all those who had a hand in getting this important legislation passed.

Stuff Going On

I'm a bit behind in the blogging because so much has been going on around here. Saturday I was in Texarkana celebrating with the Governor, Congressman Ross and lots of local citizens, the Cooper Tire announcement that they were staying in Texarkana. Even though this was announced a few weeks ago, it was a good opportunity for the state and the community to get together and thank everyone who had a hand in saving several hundred good paying jobs.

Vigi and I drove to Dallas early Sunday morning to visit our niece, Michawn Davis, who is in the Baylor Medical Center. Michawn has an extremely rare intestinal disease and this was her 54th admission to Baylor in the past 13 years. This child has undergone 36 major procedures in that time, and frankly, we are fortunate she is still with us. But she is as tough as anyone I've ever known and a true inspiration to our family. She was admitted the day we were sworn in and this was my first chance to see her since that day. She seems to be doing better and we hope for her return home soon.

Monday was my Daddy, Leland Powers, 86th birthday. Even though I didn't really get to celebrate with him, he knows and understands how much I think of him. And by the way, I think it's a good thing to call your father Daddy. Even though I'm 54 years old and twice the size of him, this decorated Navy veteran of WWII will never be a Dad, a Pop or a Father. He's always going to be Daddy, and rightfully so. Congratulations on your 86 years Daddy.

The felony animal cruelty bill came through Judiciary this morning and passed out easily with only one no vote. Rep. Terry Rice (R)-Waldron was the lone dissenter in referring this to a full house vote. As I've said before, this is legislation long past due and should sail out of the house, awaiting only Governor Beebe's signature.

Even though the weather was getting yucky pretty quick, we had a reception last night hosted by the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce. Good friends were all over the place, and I can safely say the barbque meal was quite a treat. As I write this, the weather report is gloomy and several thousand, particularly the northwest, are already without power. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Hero Laid To Rest

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Carlo M. Robinson was buried with full military honors yesterday. Vigi and I, along with an overflow of mourners, attended the services at First Baptist Church in Hope. Military personnel presented Sergeant Robinson's mother, Jennifer, a bronze star for her son's heroic service and ultimate sacrifice in defending his country. By every account, Carlo was a fine young man who was a true patriot and family man. He will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him the most. May he rest in peace, and may none of us ever forget.

Funeral Arrangements

Services for SSGT. Carlo Montel Robinson, who was killed last week in Afghanistan, will be held Monday, January 26th, at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Hope. Sgt. Robinson, who died as a result of an IED explosion, was 33 years old, and leaves behind two daughters, Carneshia and Destiny, along with a 10 year old son, Da'Karia. He was a 13 year Army veteran who was serving his first tour of duty overseas. SSGT. Robinson will be buried with full military honors. The Governor's office notified me this morning that flags will be lowered to half staff on Monday, in honor of our fallen soldier. I, along with a representative from the Governor's office, will be in attendance Monday afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Robinson children and remaining family members.

It is unfortunately ironic that Rep. Roy Ragland introduced a bill before my Aging, Children, Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs committee this morning that speaks to this very situation. He introduced legislation that would require all public buildings to lower the state flag to half staff anytime an Arkansas serviceman or woman is killed in action. The bill received a unanimous do pass, and will be introduced to the full house as non-controversial.

Sad Day

The death of a Hope soldier brings a sober reminder that the war on terror still rages. Army Sergeant, Carlo Montel Robinson, was killed Saturday by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan He graduated from Hope High School in 1993 and was a former Hope Bobcat football player. His mother, Jennifer Robinson, still resides in Hope. Our heartfelt prayers go out to the loved ones left behind, and our sincere gratitude for Sergeant Robinson's heroism and bravery in his ultimate sacrifice for our country. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Back To Work

After a short recess we are back at it, although a light agenda awaited us today. Rep. Fred Allen, (D)-Little Rock, passed his bill out of the House requiring all health care providers to pay for prostate screenings. Rep. Allen Kerr, (R) Little Rock, who spoke against the bill, ran into a hostile group of legislators, with the end result being overwhelming support and passage of the bill. This wasn't really a hot button issue, but it did generate our first real debate on the floor. Speaking of hot button legislation, Rep. Bill Sample (R) Hot Springs, will bring his immigration bill before my Judiciary committee either Thursday or next Tuesday. Immigration questions have always brought a great deal of passion from both sides, and this one will certainly fill that bill. By the way, I want to thank UACCH Chancellor, Chris Thomason, for inviting me out to the college yesterday to watch the inaugural ceremonies with the students and staff. It was my pleasure to watch history being made and see how these young people responded. Also, Senator Teague and I attended the Martin Luther King celebration in Hope on Monday, and both of us had the honor of speaking to the packed house at Providence Baptist Church. My good friend and former Hope Mayor, Floyd Young, was the keynote speaker and he did a masterful job of expressing his thoughts on the past and his hopes for the future. Good job by a good man.

Inauguration Day Vote

A resolution from the Senate to take Tuesday off, in order for members and staff to attend and participate in inaugural activities, came before the House today. The resolution passed overwhelmingly by a voice vote, but Rep. Bryan King (R)-Berryville, requested a roll call vote. As a result, the vote was 69 yeas, 22 nays and 4 voted present. This is by no means a precedent, as the same resolution was presented and passed during the Clinton years. The argument by Rep. Dan Greenberg (R)- Little Rock, seemed to focus on the fact that since we didn't do it for the Bush inaugurations, we shouldn't do it for the Obama presidency. As you can probably tell, the vote fell along party lines. Although, Rep. Rick Green (R) -Van Buren, made the point that all it takes to determine whether or not to take off is a resolution from any legislator, and it could have been voted on then. To my knowledge, no such resolution was introduced during the Bush years. I voted with the majority for several reasons. First of all, many members and staffers have made plans to attend the festivities in Washington, and that in itself creates problems in conducting business. Secondly, whether you agree or not, the inauguration of our country's first black president is history. If missing a day of work is the problem, then I say let's work late, or on Saturdays, to make up for lost time.

Settled In

As we wait for the filed legislation to wind it's way to the appropriate committee, things are as slow as it will ever be around here. I'll have my first Judiciary meeting on Thursday, and probably Aging and Children on Friday. Both will simply be organizational in nature and the real work starts next week. We will adjourn on Friday and it looks as if we won't convene again until Wednesday the 21st. The MLK holiday, along with the inauguration proceedings will keep the chamber dark until then. So I'll be in Hope a few days to relax a bit and try to catch up on things at work. Although it's certainly possible I might end up at Oaklawn on one of those days. By the way, I gave out as many racing passes as possible before I left town, but if anyone needs passes in or around Hope, you can call my wife, Vigi at 777-4544 and she'll take care of you.

The Governor Speaks

Governor Beebe presented his State of the State address this morning to a joint session in the House chamber. As always, the Governor delivered a seamless speech, and I don't think there were really any surprises regarding his legislative proposals for 2009. He stated his number one priority as public education and proposed a $234.00 increase in per pupil funding, along with a one time fund enhancement of $35.oo per student. He also asked that we support an increase in the Department of Children and Family Services budget to improve resources and services in that area. The Governor tied Higher Education and Economic Development closely together for the future of Arkansas, and trumpeted the adjustment of the Higher Ed funding formula to increase the number of Arkansans receiving college degrees. He then moved to his plans for healthcare, and the much anticipated call for a tax increase on tobacco products. He suggested a 56 cents per pack increase on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Of course, much of that tax would go into funding the Trauma system and network of care. Community health centers and the AHEC programs would also realize increased funding from the tax. I don't have a crystal ball here, but I believe there is going to be a pretty good fight on this issue. It's an aggressive, and I believe, progressive move, but we'll wait and see how it comes out. Not much going on this afternoon, but this evening I'll attend a reception at the Governor's mansion being hosted by our Agricultural colleges from around the state.

Opening Day

Things got off to a good start when my friend, and Associate Supreme Court Justice, Jim Gunter administered the oath of office to all 100 members of the House of Representatives. Vigi was with me on the floor during the entire ceremony, and my niece and nephew, Elizabeth Davis and Aaron Easterling, had their view from the gallery. Liz is 15 and served as a page during the last session, so she is an old hand at the capitol. Aaron, who is only 10, was pretty amazed by all the goings on and he was especially mesmerized with all the marble floors. He seemed to enjoy the ease of sliding down the halls. It was really a nice day for family and friends. I was very pleased and honored to be appointed as Vice-chairman of the Aging, Children, Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs commmittee. Rep. Dawn Creekmore will be the Chairperson and I look forward to working with her on some very important issues concerning many of our most vulnerable citizens. My thanks to Speaker Robbie Wills for thinking of me for the job. Speaking of the Speaker, he made a fine speech today and challenged all of us to work hard and smart to tackle some tough and important issues coming our way. Afterwards we had a good meal and headed home for a good night's sleep in my own bed.

Packed and Ready for the 87th

I've said many times what an honor it is to serve our state in the General Assembly, and it's a responsibility I don't take lightly. Tomorrow gets things started when both the House and Senate get sworn in at noon. I've spent most of this Sunday packing and tying up loose ends at the office. The packing is about done, but I fear loose ends will remain. These next few months will be intense, and I suspect somebody's gonna get mad about a vote or position I take on any number of issues. It's the nature of the job and I'm ok with it as long as I've done my homework and reconcile my decisions with what I think is right. The economy, lottery, trauma centers, animal cruelty, grocery tax and so many other front burner issues wait to be turned inside out in the coming weeks; and I look forward to working with the newcomers, along with the veteran legislators, as Arkansas's 87th legislature goes to work. I'll also try to keep a regular update during my time in Little Rock.