FINAL STATE OF THE STATE — Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson is kicked off this year's legislative session with his last state of the state speech yesterday as he and legislative leaders hope to keep the focus on crafting this year's budget. The session began Monday with Hutchinson's address to House and Senate members.
"Seven years ago I took office with a desire to improve the quality of life in Arkansas by improving education, increasing our manufacturing, preserving our outdoor heritage, and supporting our farmers," Hutchinson said. "I wanted to be the jobs governor and through the work of Secretary of Mike Preston, our economic development commission, and our many partners, we have had historic success."
Hutchinson touted the state’s historic low 3.2 percent unemployment rate, and the number of companies that moved to the state under his administration, and income tax relief. As for the legislative session, a $6 billion proposed budget is the top item on the agenda, but there could be efforts to take up non-budget items. A GOP lawmaker wants to model an Arkansas abortion law after one in neighboring Texas that leaves enforcement up to private citizens.