Deltaplex had the opportunity to speak with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Thursday morning to discuss the tax cuts and other measures she signed into law on Wednesday following a special session of the Arkansas General Assembly.
Governor Sanders shared some details on the tax cuts and other elements of this legislation, which she said is designed to put more money in the pockets of Arkansans by reducing their tax burden.
Governor Sanders said the legislation’s cut to the corporate tax rate is aimed at making Arkansas more competitive for both outside investment as well as expansion by existing businesses within the state. She said the state’s healthy fiscal position – evidenced by low unemployment rates and a steady expansion in new jobs – signifies her economic approach is working.
Governor Sanders also took a moment to detail some of the aspects of her key educational initiative, the LEARNS Act passed into law last year. She particularly highlighted the increased salaries teachers are receiving and the policy’s goal of improving literacy in the state.
The special session wrapped up on Wednesday with a compromise budget proposal for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The agency was without a budget for the upcoming fiscal year after the Legislature adjourned last month without approving it due to objections from some House members regarding the maximum pay for the AGFC director. The new compromise measure lowered the maximum salary of the director and mandated legislative approval to increase the position’s pay by more than five percent.
