2021 Educator's Guide to the 93rd General Assembly: Creating the Schools our Students Deserve

2 0 2 1 E D U C AT O R ’ S G U I D E T O T H E 9 3 R D G E N E R A L A S S E M B LY :

CREATING THE SCHOOLS OUR STUDENTS DESERVE

The Arkansas Education Association is a professional organization for active educators, retired educators, students and advocates. Our fundamental objective is to work for quality and equitable public education for all of Arkansas students, the betterment of the Arkansas puplic education system and quality working conditions for educators.

WHY DOES POLITICAL ACTION MATTER? Almost every aspect of a school employee’s job is determined by appointed or elected officials.

• School funding/resources for students • Class sizes • How student test scores are used • Privatizing services • Due process rights • Retirement and health benefits • Wages If we want to exert some control over the issues that are important to us, our family, our profession, and our community, we need to know: Who are the appointed and elected decision makers? What information do they have BEFORE they make their decisions?

As AEA members, our job is to be sure that the policymakers at the local, state and federal levels hear directly from us on education issues. We know what students need to succeed. If we are absent from the process, we will allow important decisions about education to be determined by people who may have never set foot inside a classroom or worked with a student.

This guide will provide you with information about Arkansas legislators, how to contact them, how the state legislative process works and how to help them make the right decisions for your students and your profession. It will also serve as a guide for educators to find your way around the Capitol.

WHAT DOES AEA FIGHT FOR? To help students be successful and ensure schools have the funding they need to maintain and improve their quality, AEA supports: • Well- resourced schools that, at a minimum, meet adequacy findings • Smaller class sizes, especially in earlier grades • Healthy, safe and modern schools • Accountability standards for all publically funded schools • Ensuring every school employee is directly employed by the district • Release time for parents to attend school functions • Ensuring schools are not for profit • Ensuring public funds are used only for public schools • Adequate state funding • Funding for programs for at-risk and high-needs students • Quality pre-k education To ensure an outstanding education for every student while preserving a high-quality workforce, AEA supports: • A strong Arkansas Teacher Retirement System • Excellent health insurance coverage • Local control over decisions that affect schools and communities • A supportive evaluation system that relies on multiple measures of student progress • Expanded opportunities and rights for education support professionals • Educator-driven professional development for professional and support staff • Collective bargaining at the local level

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HOW ARE STATE POLICY DECISIONS MADE? The first way is through the legislative process of developing and voting on bills that can then be approved or vetoed by the governor. If the bill is approved it becomes law.

The second way is through the Arkansas State Board of Education.

Policies can also be created or changed by a court decision or federal requirement.

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW 1. DRAFTING AND INTRODUCTION

A legislator has an idea for a bill, usually from a constituent. T he legislative member presents the idea and requests that it be drafted into a bill. In January, when the General Assembly meets, the House Representatives and Senators introduce their bills in their respective chambers.

2. COMMITTEE ACTION

The bill is referred to a committee. The members of the committee debate the issues and decide what action to take. This is when the public may speak for or against the bill.

After listening to the testimony, the committee will vote to recommend the passage of the bill or the defeat of the bill. The committee may also offer changes (called amendments). If the committee recommends passage of the bill, it then goes back to the chamber where it was introduced.

3. FLOOR ACTION

Once the bill passes in committee, the title of the bill must be read three times in the chamber in which it was introduced (House or Senate).

First Reading: The bill is read by the Clerk.

Second Reading: The bill may be amended after it has been read a second time. The bill is then debated on the Floor.

Third Reading: During the third reading, the bill may be debated and a final vote is taken.

2 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

4. VOTING Once the bill passes in the chamber in which it was introduced,

it is then sent to the other chamber (House or Senate). In the other chamber, a similar process of committee action, floor debate, and voting takes place. If the bill passes both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is then sent to the Governor.

If the bill is amended by the other chamber, it is then returned to the body from which it originated for approval of the amendment.

5. GOVERNOR’S ACTION

Once passed in both chambers, the bill must be approved by the Governor. T he Governor may: • Sign the bill into law.

• Amend the bill and return it to the General Assembly for approval.

• Veto the bill and return it to the General Assembly, where the House of Representatives and the Senate may override the Governor’s veto by a two-third vote of both chambers.

• Take no action and the bill becomes a law without his signature.

6. LAW

Bills that become law during the Regular Session are effective 90 days after the final official day of session unless otherwise specified.

HOW TO FIND A BILL ONLINE To find a bill, go to www.arkleg.state.ar.us and use the bill search tool.

You can search by bill number (remember to use HB in front of the bill number for a House Bill and SB in front of the bill number for a Senate Bill.) You can read a bill’s text, see its sponsors, find out where it is in the process and view any votes on the bill.

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CONTACT YOUR LAWMAKERS ABOUT PENDING LEGISLATION MY SENATOR IS: MY REPRESENTATIVE IS: TEN TIPS FOR CALLING OR MEETING WITH LEGISLATORS 1 Recognize that legislators deal with a wide range of issues. Legislators cannot possibly keep completely informed on all issues. Be prepared to provide them with information.

2 Identify yourself and explain your relationship to the issue:

Ex. “I am president of PBEA, an organization serving 400 educators in the Pine Bluff School District. We are concerned about SB76 which would increase class size.”

3 Know your legislator. Making a personal connection is critical.

4 Be honest. Decision-makers appreciate candor and forthrightness.

5 Know your message. Be prepared to state your case in a few short sentences.

6 Cultivate relationships. Develop relationships with elected officials when you are not asking for something!

7 Bring success stories.

8 Listen. Give them an opportunity to respond. Is their reaction positive or negative?

9 Seal the deal. Confirm their opinion or stand on the issue.

10 Follow-up. Send thank you letters to the legislator who took time to listen to your issue.

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TEN TIPS FOR WRITING TO LEGISLATORS 1 Put in the subject line that you are a constituent.

2 Identify yourself and explain your relationship to the issue:

“I am president of PBEA, an organization serving 400 educators in the Pine Bluff School District. We are concerned about SB76 which would increase class size.”

3 Be Brief: Limit yourself to 250–500 words.

4 Focus on one issue per communication.

5 Reference the bill number. If you’re writing about pending legislation, either include the bill number or identify the subject as best you can.

6 Include your name, address, phone number, and email for an easy response.

7 Clearly state your position on the issue. Give reasons for your point of view. Tell how it affects you personally, your students, profession or the community.

8 Be reasonable. Legislators are human too. Don’t ask for the impossible. Always be willing to suggest alternatives to the bill or your original suggestion.

9 Write from the heart. Avoid stereotyped sentences or cliché phrases that might make your letter look like a form letter.

10 Always say thank you.

NEVER use a school email to correspond with a lawmaker or political candidate about a bill or a campaign.

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UPCOMING EDUCATION ISSUES In March 2020, Governor Hutchinson closed Arkansas schools to in person instruction for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, Arkansas educators have risen to meet to meet all of the challenges presented by this ongoing public health crisis. Sadly, many educators have become ill and some have even lost their lives.

The COVID-19 crisis has also changed public participation and other procedures at the State Capitol.

STATE BUDGET & TAX CUTS During his State of the State Address at the opening of the 2021 legislative session, Governor Hutchinson said that the state is beginning this session in the best budget position in many years including a surplus of over $200 million. He also noted that our state revenues have exceeded forecast by over $300 million. Governor Hutchinson said he hopes to pursue tax cuts to the state income tax, the sales tax on used cars and a lowered tax rate for new residents to the state. At least two lawmakers are looking into increasing the tax credit that educators can receive for any out of pocket education related expenses from the current rate of $250 to $500.

EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY The House and Senate Education Committees met jointly as the Adequacy Committee for 18 months to study public education data and hear from education advocacy organizations and public school finance experts about a wide range of public education issues including school facilities, educator pay, special education, transportation and more. Following this study, committee members approved a two year recommendation to increase foundation funding by 2.3% to $7,182 in Fiscal Year 2022 and by 2.3% to $7,349 in Fiscal year 2023.

Foundation funding is the core of public education funding in the state of Arkansas and is sent to school districts on a per-pupil basis. This funding is calculated from a complex formula; however it is not a spending formula. Foundation funding is unrestricted, meaning the state does not specify how the school district must use it. This means that even though funding may be calculated to provide for things like teacher salary or other variables, school districts decide locally how to allocate these funds. This policy is intended to provide flexibility for the specific needs of 6 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

each school district, allowing some districts to spend more on teacher salaries, for example, while other districts may have higher transportation costs.

TEACHER SALARY SCHEDULE In the last general legislative session in 2019, lawmakers passed legislation increasing the minimum teacher salary to $36,000 over 4 years. This session, Governor Hutchinson has said he would like to build on that proposal but this time his goal is to increase the average teacher salary by $2,000. It is not clear exactly how the legislature plans to operationalize this proposal.

ARKANSAS TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM Lawmakers are looking at some minor changes to the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System this session though we do not anticipate the kind of assault we saw on ATRS and the other public retirement systems in 2019.

VOUCHERS In 2019 Rep. Ken Bragg-R, Sheridan, building on the unsuccessful efforts of Rep. Jim Dotson-R, Bentonville, ran a bill that would create a back door voucher through the state’s tax code. AEA and our public education partners defeated all of these efforts. However, we anticipate a renewed push by Rep. Bragg and other lawmakers looking to undermine our core values of public funds for public schools via vouchers this session.

REDISTRICTING Every 10 years the federal government conducts the census of the US population.

Following that, the Arkansas General Assembly engages in what is known as “redistricting.” Redistricting is essentially redrawing legislative district lines to ensure that each person has equal representation in their government. The Arkansas General Assembly is tasked with redrawing the district lines for Arkansas’s 4 congressional districts. However, the Board of Apportionment made up of Governor Hutchinson, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Secretary of State John Thurston will be redrawing the lines for all of Arkansas’s state house and state senate seats.

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IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: •

DEADLINE TO FILE RETIREMENT LEGISLATION AND CERTAIN HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION: JANUARY 25, 2021

8 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

•

DEADLINE TO FILE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: FEBRUARY 10, 2021

•

DEADLINE TO FILE APPROPRIATION BILLS: MARCH 1, 2021

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ARKANSAS 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2021 HOUSE DISTRICT

MEMBER NAME

EMAIL

1

Carol Dalby-R

cdalby@cableone.net

2

Lane Jean-R

l_jean@sbcglobal.net

3

Danny Watson-R

danny.watson@arkansashouse.org

4

DeAnn Vaught - R

iamatemple4him@gmail.com

5

David Fielding-D

dcfielding@suddenlink.net

6

Matthew Shepherd-R

matthewjshepherd@gmail.com

7

Sonia Barker-R

sonia4rep@gmail.com

8

JeffWardlaw-R

jeff@jeffwardlaw.com

9

Howard M. Beaty Jr.-R

howard.beaty@arkansashouse.org

10

Mike Holcomb-R

mike.holcomb@arkansashouse.org

11

Mark D. McElroy-R

mark.mcelroy@arkansashouse.org

12

David Tollett-R

david.tollett@arkansashouse.org

13

David Hillman-R

dhillman@futura.net

14

Roger Lynch-R

rogerdlynch@gmail.com

15

Ken Bragg-R

kenbragg@windstream.net

16

Kenneth Ferguson-D

kenconsolidate@yahoo.com

17

Vivian Flowers-D

vivianflowers@gmail.com

18

Richard Womack-R

richard@richardwomack.com

19

Justin Gonzalez-R

justinroy@yahoo.com

20

John Maddox-R

john@maddoxmaddox.com

21

Marcus Richmond-R

marcus.richmond@arkansashouse.org

22

Richard McGrew-R

mcgrewrep22@gmail.com

23

Lanny Fite-R

lanny.fite@att.net

24

Bruce Cozart-R

bccci@cablelynx.com

25

Les Warren-R

les@hstitle.com

26

Rick McClure-R

rick.mcclure@arkansashouse.org

27

Julie Mayberry-R

julie.mayberry@arkansashouse.org

28

Tony Furman-R

tony.furman@arkansashouse.org

29

Frederick Love-D

fjlove@att.net

30

Fred Allen-D

FredAllen99@comcast.net

31

Keith Brooks-R

keith.brooks@arkansashouse.org

32

Ashley Hudson-D

ashley.hudson@arkansashouse.org

33

Tippi McCullough-D

tippim31@gmail.com

10 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

PHONE

SCHOOL DISTRICT

903-276-1981

Texarkana

870-234-5433

Emerson-Taylor-Bradley, Fouke, Genoa Central

870-703-5524

Blevins, Hope, Spring Hill, Prescott

870-832-2638

Dierks, Ashdown, Foreman, DeQueen, Horatio

870-904-1716

Magnolia, Lafayette Couunty

870-863-0602

Emerson-Taylor-Bradley, El Dorado, Junction City, Parker’s Chapel

870-814-7605

Harmony Grove, El Dorado, Smackover-Norphlet, Strong-Huttig

870-460-2814

Hermitage, Warren, Hampton, Fordyce

870-304-6584

Crossett, Hamburg, Drew Central, Monticello

870-489-7177

Cleveland County, Watson Chapel, Star City

870-304-6584

Dermott, Lakeside, Dumas McGehee

870-918-1233

DeWitt, Stuttgart, Barton-Lexa, Helena-W. Helena, Marvell

870-830-3004

DeWitt, Stuttgart, Des Arc, Hazen

501-412-8959

Carlisle, England, Lonoke

870-942-5269

Sheridan, Poyen, Glen Rose, Ouachita, White Hall

870-717-6366

Dollarway, Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel

870-413-8615

Dollarway, Pine Bluff

870-403-6287

Arkadelphia, Gurdon, Lake Hamilton, Mountain Pine

870-245-6365

Nashville, Centerpoint, Kirby, South Pike County

479-234-2803

Caddo Hills, Mt. Ida, Cossatot River, Mena, Ouachita River

479-207-3339

Jessieville, Mountain Pine, Waldron

(501) 623-2481

Fountain Lake, Jessieville

501-794-2228

Benton, Bryant

501-627-3232

Hot Springs

501-520-8201

Cutter Morning Star, Lakeside

(501) 786-4186

Bismarck, Magnet Cove, Malvern

501-888-3522

Bryant

501-909-1537

Benton, Bryant

501-612-3939

Little Rock

501-225-4979

Little Rock

501-744-6080

Pulaski County

501-658-4096

Pulaski County

501-766-3177

Little Rock

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DISTRICT

MEMBER NAME

EMAIL

34

Joy C. Springer-D

joy.springer@arkansashouse.org

35

Andrew Collins-D

acollins3@gmail.com

36

Denise Ennett-D

denise.ennett@arkansashouse.org

37

Jamie Scott-D

jamie.scott@arkansashouse.org

38

Carlton Wing - R

carlton@carltonwing.com

39

Mark Lowery - R

markdlowery@mac.com

40

David Ray-R

david.ray@arkansashouse.org

41

Karilyn Brown-R

karilyn.brown@arkansashouse.org

42

Mark Perry - D

mperry@windstream.net

43

Brian Evans-R

brian.evans@arkansashouse.org

44

Cameron Cooper-R

cameron.cooper@arkansashouse.org

45

Jim Wooten-R

wjewooten@aol.com

46

Les Eaves-R

les.eaves@arkansashouse.org

47

Craig Christiansen-R

craigchristiansendistrict47@gmail.com

48

Regionald Murdock-D

rkm_72360@yahoo.com

49

Steve Hollowell-R

steve.hollowell@arkansashouse.org

50

Milton Nicks-D

milton.nicks@arkansashouse.org

51

Deborah Ferguson-D

deborah.ferguson@arkansashouse.org

52

Dwight Tosh-R

dwight.tosh@arkansashouse.org

53

Jon Milligan-R

jonmilligan@ymail.com

54

Johnny Rye-R

johnny.rye@arkansashouse.org

55

Monte Hodges-D

monte.hodges@sbcglobal.net

56

Joe Jett-R

jett@centurytel.net

57

Jimmy Gazaway-R

jimmy.gazaway@arkansashouse.org

58

Brandt Smith-R

brandt.smith@arkansashouse.org

59

Jack Ladyman-R

jackladyman@gmail.com

60

Frances Cavenaugh

frances.cavenaugh@arkansashouse.org

61

Marsh Davis-R

marsh.davis@arkansashouse.org

62

Michelle Gray-R

michelle.gray@arkansashouse.org

63

Stu Smith-R

stu22200@yahoo.com

64

John Payton-R

john.payton@arkansashouse.org

65

Rick Beck-R

rick.beck@arkansashouse.org

66

Josh Miller-R

josh.miller@arkansashouse.org

67

Stephen Meeks-R

stephen@stephenmeeks.org

68

Stan Berry-R

stan.berry@arkansashouse.org

69

Aaron Pilkington-R

aaron.pilkington@arkansashouse.org

12 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

PHONE

SCHOOL DISTRICT

501-372-3423

Little Rock

501-613-1007

Little Rock

501-690-4211

Pulaski County

501-398-2961

North Little Rock

501-416-4926

North Little Rock

501-837-5221

Pulaski County

501-916-0286

Mayflower

501-580-9000

Pulaski County

501-529-5151

Pulaski County

501-941-4002

Cabot

501-230-5635

Mt. Vernon-Enola, Pangburn, Rose Bud

501 858-7403

Bald Knob, Beebe, Riverview

501-827-1344

Searcy

870-692-8273

Newport, Midland, Bradford, Augusta, McCrory

501-940-5157

Lee County, Clarendon, Forrest City, West Memphis

870-633-0442

Wynne, Brinkley, Forrest City, Palestine-Wheatley

870-739-1083

Earle, Marion, West Memphis, Cross County

870-735-7098

Marion, West Memphis

870-926-0423

Bay, Jackson County, Harrisburg, Marked Tree

870-219-1261

Brookland, Buffalo Island Central, Riverside

870-919-3690

Buffalo Island Central, Gosnell, Manilla

870-740-1694

Blytheville, Osceola, Rivercrest

870-926-2740

Corning, Piggott, Rector, Greene County Tech, Marmaduke, Maynard

870-215-1243

Greene County Tech, Paragould

870-351-7459

Jonesboro

870-340-7499

Jonesboro, Westside Consolidated

870-761-3990

Hillcrest, Hoxie, Lawrence County, Sloan-Hendrix

870-847-7334

Mammoth Spring, Salem, Viola, Pocahontas, Highland

870-291-2515

Calico Rock, Izard County Consolidated, Melbourne, Cave City, Mountain View

870-612-3974

Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Southside

501-362-5815

Norfork, Concord, Mountain View

501-912-1441

Nemo Vista, South Conway County, Wonderview, Perryville

501-365-3599

Heber Springs, Quitman, Guy-Perkins, Clinton, South Side

501-314-9250

Greenbrier, Vilonia

479-970-7982

Dover, Pottsville, Shirley

479-308-8384

Clarksville, Lamar, Westside

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DISTRICT

MEMBER NAME

EMAIL

70

Spencer Hawks-R

spencer.hawks@arkansashouse.org

71

Joe Cloud-R

joe.cloud@arkansashouse.org

72

Steve Magie - D

stephen.magie@arkansashouse.org

73

Mary Bentley - R

mary.bentley@arkansashouse.org

74

Jon Eubanks-R

jon.eubanks@arkansashouse.org

75

Lee Johnson-R

lee.johnson@arkansashouse.org

76

Cindy Crawford-R

cindy.crawford@arkansashouse.org

77

Justin Boyd - R

justin.boyd@arkansashouse.org

78

Jay Richardson-D

jay.richardson@arkansashouse.org

79

Gary Deffenbaugh-R

Gary.Deffenbaugh@arkansashouse.org

80

Charlene Fite-R

charlene.fite@arkansashouse.org

81

Bruce Coleman-R

bruce.coleman@arkansashouse.org

82

Mark Berry-R

mark.berry@arkansashouse.org

83

Keith Slape-R

keith.slape@arkanashouse.org

84

Denise Garner-D

denise.garner@arkansashouse.org

85

David Whitaker - D

david.whitaker@arkansashouse.org

86

Nicole Clowney-D

nicole.clowney@arkansashouse.org

87

Robin Lundstrom-R

robin.lundstrum@arkansashouse.org

88

Clint Penzo-R

clint.penzo@arkansashouse.org

89

Megan Godfrey-D

megan.godfrey@arkansashouse.org

90

Kendon Underwood-R

kendon.underwood@arkansashouse.org

91

Delia Haak-R

delia.haak@arkansashouse.org

92

Gayla Hendren McKenzie-R

gayla.mckenzie@arkansashouse.org

93

Jim Dotson-R

jim.dotson@arkansashouse.org

94

John Carr - R

john.carr@arkansashouse.org

95

Austin McCollum-R

austin.mccollum@arkansashouse.org

96

Joshua Bryant-R

joshua.bryant@arkansashouse.org

97

Harlan Breaux-R

harlan.breaux@arkansashouse.org

98

Ron McNair-R

rmcnair1950@gmail.com

99

Jack Fortner-R

jack.fortner@arkansashouse.org

100

Nelda Speaks-R

nelda@neldaspeaks.com

14 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

PHONE

SCHOOL DISTRICT

501-764-6847

Conway, East End

479-858-8033

Russellville

501-680-0552

Conway

501-889-3556

Danville, Dardanelle, Two Rivers, Western Yell County

479-450-0533

Booneville, Magazine, Paris, Scranton

479-883-6393

Mulberry-Pleasant View, Fort Smith, Greenwood, Lavaca

479-883-1667

Fort Smith

479-221-5864

Fort Smith

469-853-6963

Fort Smith

479-719-8197

Van Buren

479-414-1818

Cedarville, Lincoln, Prairie Grove

479-806-6825

Alma, Mountainburg, Elkins, West Fork

479-462-2863

Charleston, County Line, Ozark, Huntsville

870 715-5623

Valley Springs, Deer/Mt. Judea, Jasper, Searcy County

479-283-5050

Fayetteville, Greenland

479-236-8313

Farmington, Fayetteville

479-445-5337

Fayetteville

479-957-1959

Siloam Springs, Springdale

479-466-6681

Springdale

479-200-4460

Springdale

479-644-8461

Rogers

479-273-1877

Gentry

479-787-8304

Decatur, Gravette

479-644-0740

Bentonville

479-619-5104

Bentonville, Rogers

479-426-4141

Pea Ridge

501-500-2206

Rogers

479-981-3170

Berryville, Eureka Springs

870-754-7962

Harrison, Green Forrest

870-656-7664

Bergman, Lead Hill, Omaha, Flippin, Yellville-Summit

870-421-2552

Mountain Home

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ARKANSAS 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2021 SENATE DISTRICT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

MEMBER NAME Bart Hester - R Jim Hendren - R Cecile Bledsoe - R Greg Leding - D Bob Ballinger - R Gary Stubblefield - R Lance Eads - R Matt Pitsch - R Terry Rice - R Larry Teague - D Jimmy Hickey - R Charles Beckham - R Alan Clark - R Bill Sample - R Mark Johnson - R

EMAIL bart.hester@senate.ar.gov jim.hendren@senate.ar.gov cecile.bledsoe@senate.ar.gov greg.leding@senate.ar.gov bob.ballinger@senate.ar.gov gary.stubblefield@senate.ar.gov Lance.Eads@senate.ar.gov mathew.pitsch@senate.ar.gov Terry.Rice@senate.ar.gov Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov jimmy.hickey@senate.ar.gov charles.beckham@senate.ar.gov alan.clark@senate.ar.gov Bill.Sample@senate.ar.gov mark.johnson@senate.ar.gov

PHONE 479-531-4176 479-787-6222 479-639-2115 479-422-8099 (870) 505-4448 479-635-4314 479-435-5139 479 883-2072 479-637-3100 870-845-5303 870-772-4444 870-393-0032 (501) 844-6800 (501) 627-5386 (501) 682-2920

16 17

Breanne Davis-R Scott Flippo - R

breanne.davis@senate.ar.gov Scott.Flippo@senate.ar.gov

479-970-0081 870-421-3420

18

Missy Irvin - R

Missy.Irvin@senate.ar.gov

870-269-2703

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

James Sturch - R Blake Johnson - R Dan Sullivan - R Dave Wallace-R Ronald Caldwell -R Keith Ingram - D Stephanie Flowers - D Ben Gilmore - R Trent Garner-R Jonathan Dismang - R Ricky Hill - R Linda Chesterfield - D Joyce Elliott - D

james.sturch@senate.ar.gov blake.johnson@senate.ar.gov dan.sullivan@senate.ar.gov david.wallace@senate.ar.gov ronald.caldwell@Senate.ar.gov friendsforkeith@gmail.com Stephanie.Flowers@senate.ar.gov ben.gilmore@senate.ar.gov trent.garner@senate.ar.gov dismang28@gmail.com Ricky.Hill@Senate.ar.gov lchesterfield@comcast.net joyce.elliott@senate.ar.gov

870-612-7589 870-323-1766 870-275-2929 870-919-8046 501-682-6107 870-735-8610 870-535-1032 501-467-5952 870-818-9219 501-766-8220 501-286-2285 501-993-5345 501-626-3037

32 33 34 35

Will Bond-D Kim Hammer - R Jane English - R Jason Rapert - R

clarke.tucker@senate.ar.gov kim.hammer@senate.ar.gov jane.english@senate.ar.gov

501-247-8363 501-840-3841 501-257-7670 501-336-0918

Jason.Rapert@senate.ar.gov

16 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

SCHOOL DISTRICT Bentonville Decatur, Gentry, Siloam Springs, Lincoln Prarie Grove Rogers, Pea Ridge Farmington, Fayetteville, Greenland-Winslow Berryville, Eureka Springs, Green Forest, Alma, Cedarville, Mountain Burg,Mulberry, Huntsville, St. Paul, Lavaca, Westfork Ozark, Lamar, Westside, Booneville, Magazine, Paris Scranton, Danville, Dardanelle, Two Rivers, Western Yell Co. Elkins, Springdale Fort Smith, Greenwood, Hackett Van Buren, Charleston, County Line, Waldron, Ft. Smith, Harford, Mansfield Hope, Dierks, Nashville, Centerpoint, Kirby, South Pike County, Cossatot River, Mena, Ouachita River Bradley, Lafayette County, Ashdown, Foreman, Fouke, Genoa Central, Texarkana, DeQueen, Horatio Arkadelphia, Gurdon, Emerson-Taylor, Magnolia, Fordyce, Sheridan, Nevada, Prescott, Camden-Fairview, Stephens Lake Hamilton, Poyen, Bismark, Glen Rose, Magnet Cove, Malvern Hot Springs, Jessieville, Mountain Pine Clinton, Conway, Dardanelle, East End, Greenbriar, Mayflower, Nemo Vista, Perryville, PCSSD, South Conway County, Southside BeeBranch, Two Rivers, Vilonia, Wonderview Valley Springs, Jasper, Deer-Mt. Judea, Atkins, Dover, Hector, Pottsville, Russellville, Clinton, Shirley, South Side Cotter, Mountain Home, Alpena, Bergman, Harrison, Lead Hill, Omaha, Yellville-Summit Norfork, Concord, Heber Springs, Quitman, West Side, Guy-Perkins, Mayflower, Salem, Viola, Salem, Searcy County, Mountain View, Pangburn, Rose Bud, White County Central Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Midland, Southside, Calico Rock, Melbourne, Sloan-Hendrix Pocahontas, Hillcrest, Hoxie, Lawrence County, Sloan-Hendrix, Greene County Tech, Paragould, Corning, Piggott, Rector Jonesboro, Nettleton, Valley View, Westside Bay, Buffalo Island Central, Riverside, Armorel, Blytheville, Gosnell, Manila, South Mississippi County, Osceola, Trumann Cross County, Wynne, Newport, Brinkley, Forrest City, Palestine-Wheatley, Augusta, McCrory Earle, Marion, West Memphis, Lee County, Barton-Lexa, Helena/W. Helena, Marvell, Forrest City. Hughes Dumas, Dollarway, Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel, White Hall, Barton-Lexa Crossett, Hamburg, Hermitage, Warren, Dermott, Lakeside, Woodlawn, McGehee, Drew Central, Monticello, Star City Hampton, Cleveland County, Bearden, Camden-Fairview, El Dorado, Junction City, Norphlet, Parker’s Chapel, Smackover, Strong-Huttig DeWitt, Stuttgart, Carlisle, England, Lonoke, Clendon, Des Arc, Hazen, Beebe, Rivewview, Searcy Pulaski County, Cabot, Mt. Vernon, Enola Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pulaski County Little Rock, Pulaski County Little Rock, Pulaski County Pulaski County, Benton, Bryant Northe Little Rock, Pulaski County Conway aeaonline.org | 17

18 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

DETERMINED CONSTITUENT GUIDE TO THE ARKANSAS STATE CAPITOL The 93rd General Assembly begins Monday, January 11, 2021. The session should end sometime in April or May. During session, lawmakers generally meet Monday through Thursday.

The Capitol is located at 500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.

It’s less than a three-hour drive for most all Arkansans. The Capitol is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays. Parking and other information is available at sos.arkansas.gov.

The Covid-19 pandemic has required changes be made to long-standing committee schedules and room assignments, in addition to requiring safety measures intended to keep the public, staff, and legislators safe. Wear a mask, and follow all posted guidelines and staff requests.

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND All visitors must go through security. Elevators are found on the east side of each floor. Public Wi-Fi is available throughout most of the Capitol. (Look for “Capitol Public Access”).

• Basement: 500 Grill, restrooms • First Floor: ATM, Capitol Police, and press offices (east lobby), gift shop and post office (rotunda), restrooms, House and Senate committee rooms, House and Senate “bullpens,” Commissioner of State Lands • Second Floor: Senate “bullpens,” Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Lieutenant Governor, Old Supreme Court (OSC) • Third Floor: House and Senate chambers, snack stand (east side) • Fourth Floor: House and Senate galleries Find a schedule and more at www.arkleg.state.ar.us.

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THIRD FLOOR • SUITE 350

ARKANSAS HOUSE 501-682-6211 (In-Session) 501-682-7771 (Out-of-Session) The Arkansas House of Representatives is located on the north end of the third floor. The House Gallery, generally available to the public, is located on the fourth floor. Visitors must sign in to see staff. During session, look for a “Red Coat” guide if you need help.

While House members are often in the House chamber, their individual offices are located throughout the Capitol.

If you’d like to speak with a legislator, ask a Red Coat to send a note into the chamber.

If the legislator is inside and is free to speak, he or she should step outside to visit with you.

The House generally convenes at 1:00 PM each afternoon unless otherwise specified.

A live video stream is available on the House website.

Learn more at arkansashouse.org.

HOUSE FAST FACTS

• 100 Members: 78 Republicans, 22 Democrats • Speaker: Matthew Shepherd (R-El Dorado) • Speaker Pro-Tempore: Jon Eubanks (R-Paris) • Majority Leader: Rep. Austin McCollum (R-Bentonville) • Majority Whip: Rep. John Payton (R-Wilburn) • Minority Leader: Rep. Tippi McCullough (D-Little Rock) • Minority Whip: Rep. Denise Garner (D-Fayetteville) SEND A MESSAGE TO MEMBERS

Call the in-session phone numbers for the chambers to leave a message for a legislator, and a note is left on his or her desk. A stack of them can send a real message.

20 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

FIRST FLOOR AND “BIG MAC” B

HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEES The House has 10 standing committees split into five “A” and five “B” committees. Due to Covid-19 protocols, long-standing schedules have changed. Unless otherwise specified, “A” committees meet at 9:30 AM or 2:00 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays, while “B” committees meet at 9:30 AM or 2:00 PM Mondays and Wednesdays. Committees can (and often do) meet at other times, particularly near the end of session. Meetings are always livestreamed.

If you wish to speak at a committee hearing, you must sign in.

Ask staff for guidance.

Due to Covid-19 protocols, long-standing room assignments have changed. Most House committees now meet in the Multi-Agency Complex located immediately to the west of the Capitol. The building is referred to as “Big MAC.” “Bullpen” rooms have been established for overflow capacity.

HOUSE STANDING “A” COMMITTEES Education Judiciary

9:30 - Room 151 (Bullpen 149)

2:00 - MAC A (Lobby)

Revenue and Taxation

2:00 - MAC C (4th Floor)

Public Health, Welfare, and Labor

9:30 - MAC C (4th Floor)

Public Transportation

2:00 - Room 151 (149)

HOUSE STANDING “B” COMMITTEES Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative, and Military Affairs Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development

2:00 - MAC A (Lobby) 2:00 - Room 151 (149)

City, County, and Local Affairs

2:00 - MAC C (4th Floor)

Insurance and Commerce

9:30 - MAC C (4th Floor)

State Agencies and Governmental Affairs

9:30 - Room 151 (Bullpen 149)

Always check the schedule before traveling!

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THIRD FLOOR • SUITE 320

ARKANSAS SENATE 501-682-2902 (In-Session) 501-682-6107 (Out-of-Session) The Arkansas Senate is located at the south end of the third floor.

The Senate Gallery, available to the public, is located on the fourth floor. Guides are stationed outside the Senate chamber during session.

While Senators are often in the Senate chamber, their offices are scattered throughout the south end of the Capitol.

If you’d like to speak with a legislator, ask a guide to send a note into the chamber.

If the senator is inside and is free to speak, he or she should step outside to visit with you.

The Senate generally convenes at 1:30 PM each afternoon unless otherwise specified.

A live video stream is available on the Senate website.

Learn more at senate.arkansas.gov SENATE FAST FACTS

• 35 Members: 28 Republicans, 7 Democrats • President Pro Tem: Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr. (R-Texarkana) • Majority Leader: Senator Scott Flippo (R-Bull Shoals) • Majority Whip: Senator Mat Pitsch (R-Fort Smith) • Minority Leader: Senator Keith Ingram (D-West Memphis) • Minority Whip: Senator Larry Teague (D-Nashville) CONTACT GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON

The Governor’s office is found on the north end of the second floor.

You can also call his office at 501-682-2345, tweet him @AsaHutchinson, or use the contact form found at governor.arkansas.gov Always be polite.

22 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD FLOORS

SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES The Senate has nine standing committees: four “A,” four “B,” and one “C.” Due to Covid-19 protocols, long-standing schedules have changed. Unless otherwise specified, “A” committees meet at 9:30 AM or 2:00 PM Mondays and Wednesdays, while “B” committees meet at 9:30 AM or 2:00 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays. The “C” committee meets at 9:30 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Committees can (and often do) meet at other times, particularly near the end of session. Meetings are always livestreamed.

If you wish to speak at a committee hearing, you must sign in.

Ask staff for guidance.

Due to Covid-19 protocols, long-standing room assignments have changed. All Senate committees meet in the Capitol. “Bullpen” rooms have been established for overflow capacity.

SENATE STANDING “A” COMMITTEES Education

2:00 OSC (Bullpen 272)

Judiciary

9:30 Rm 171 (207)

Revenue and Tax

9:30 OSC (272)

Public Health, Welfare, and Labor

2:00 Rm 130 (138)

SENATE STANDING “B” COMMITTEES Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development

9:30 Rm 130 (138)

City, County, and Local Affairs

9:30 Rm 171 (207)

Insurance and Commerce State Agencies and Governmental Affairs

2:00 Rm 171 (207)

2:00 OSC (272)

SENATE STANDING “C” COMMITTEES Transportation, Technology, and Legislative Affairs

9:30 OSC (272)

Find a schedule and more at www.arkleg.state.ar.us.

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24 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

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