LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ 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.
Locally, Representatives Scott Baltz, Jack Fortner, Michelle Gray and Nelda Speaks were among the 90 voting in favor of the budget bill, while Representative Payton was among three voting against the measure. Six members did not vote.
Representative Baltz’s district includes portions of Baxter, Fulton, Sharp and Randolph counties. Representative Fortner’s district includes portions of Baxter, Marion, Boone and Searcy counties. Representative Gray’s district includes portions of Izard, Sharp, Stone and Independence counties.
Representative Nelda Speaks’ district includes a portion of Baxter County, while Representative Payton’s district includes portions of Baxter, Marion, Stone, Searcy and Cleburne counties.
On the Senate side locally, Senators Scott Flippo and Missy Irvin were among the 30 voting in favor of the Revenue Stabilization Act, while Senator Linda Collins-Smith was among three members opposing the measure. One member did not vote.
Senator Scott Flippo’s district includes portions of Baxter, Boone and Marion counties.
Senator Missy Irvin’s district is comprised of Cleburne, Searcy and Stone counties, as well as portions of Baxter, Faulkner, Fulton, Marion, Van Buren and White counties.
Senator Linda Collins-Smith’s district covers Independence, Izard and Sharp counties, and portions of Fulton and Randolph counties.
Lawmakers plan to formally adjourn this year’s session on Monday. They’re expected to reconvene the following day for a special session on several other issues.
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