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.