Educator's Guide to the 92nd General Assembly

E D U C AT O R ’ S G U I D E T O T H E 9 2 N 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 teachers, education support professionals, 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 state 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 into 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

aeaonline.org | 1

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.

aeaonline.org | 3

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.

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

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.

aeaonline.org | 5

UPCOMING EDUCATION ISSUES In the past year, public education exploded to the forefront of the public policy debate in state legislatures across the country. We’ve seen public school educators, students, parents and public education supporters take to the streets demanding public investment and support for public schools. In Arkansas, we expect public education issues to take center stage this legislative session.

STATE BUDGET & TAX CUTS State revenue has seen an increase in recent months which is good news for the state budget lawmakers will pass during the legislative session. However, Governor Asa Hutchinson has proposed an income tax cut for the top earners in Arkansas expected to move forward in the 2019 legislative session. This tax cut would take effect over the next four years and would result in a loss projected at almost $200 million in state revenue annually. In addition, members of the Arkansas Legislative Tax Taskforce have tax cut proposals of their own that may also be introduced during the session. Remember, whenever changes are made to the state budget, it impacts the state’s ability to invest in public education.

EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY The House and Senate Education Committees met jointly for 18 months to review public education data, hear from education advocacy organizations and the public about a wide range of public education issues including school facilities, educator pay, special education, transportation and more. Following this review, committee members approved a two year recommendation to increase foundation funding by 1.5% in Fiscal Year 2020 and 1.48% in Fiscal Year 2021. A bill will be filed requesting this increase during the 2019 legislative session.

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

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

TEACHER SALARY SCHEDULE The minimum teacher salary schedule for the 2018/2019 school year is 31,800 for a first year teacher with a bachelor’s degree and $36,450 for a first year teacher with a master’s degree. A bill has been filed to carry out Governor Hutchinson’s plan to increase the minimum salary schedule for new teachers by $1,000 per year over four years, with the ultimate goal of increasing the minimum teacher salary for a bachelor’s degree to $36,000. The Governor has proposed an additional $60 million to offset the cost for school districts affected by the increase in the minimum salary schedule. The Department of Education will craft the rules for how the $60 million will be awarded. Currently, there are 44 school districts that pay the state minimum salary.

ARKANSAS TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS) has recently been recognized as one of the top performing teacher retirement systems in the nation. However, the House chair of the Joint Retirement Committee, Rep. Doug House, is pursuing multiple bills to make changes to ATRS and other public retirement systems. The details of his bill package are not finalized but he has already filed a bill requiring “stress tests” that could later be used to justify a reduction in benefits. House has also filed a shell bill to alter the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) provided for retirement system participants each year. Rep. House’s proposals could materially decrease the income received by retirees. Currently, these COLAs ensure retirement income doesn’t lose its value over time. This means that ATRS participants’ buying power will the same on the first day of retirement as it is in the tenth year.

VOUCHERS An attempt to create Education Savings Accounts, more commonly known as vouchers was narrowly defeated in 2017, but will be back this session. Rep. Jim Dotson, Republican of Bentonville, has said he expects a similar piece of legislation to be introduced again this session. The Governor has also indicated his support of this proposal ahead of the session. The 2017 version of this bill would have diverted state revenue to individuals or organizations that made a deposit into an account to pay for private schools.

In addition, Arkansas already has a voucher program deceptively called the “Succeed Scholarship Program.” This program was first approved by lawmakers in aeaonline.org | 7

2015 and funding has been increased during each subsequent legislative session.

This voucher program is aimed at students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), but has now grown to include children in Foster Care. State funding for this voucher program has also increased during each legislative session. Parents or guardians of a child on an IEP are required to waive their child’s federal civil rights protections to apply for the voucher.

TEACHER FAIR DISMISSAL & EMPLOYEE FAIR HEARING ACT In December of 2018 the State Board of Education, for the first time granted a waiver to two school districts from the Teacher Fair Dismissal and Employee Fair Hearing Acts. These laws provide due process for school employees. Some lawmakers have already expressed interest in legislation to repeal due process laws for all educators. The Teacher Fair Dismissal Act and the Public School Employee Fair Hearing Act represent significant gains made by AEA to provide job security for educators.

The TFDA and the PSEFHA are two hallmarks in providing fair treatment for the educators of Arkansas. Arkansas has seen a sharp decline in educators entering the profession over the past five years, and undermining these laws does nothing to support student achievement or the education profession.

CHARTER SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY The Arkansas Education Association, along with our partner organizations are drafting legislation to address the lack of transparency and accountability at Arkansas charter schools. These bills will seek to level the playing field between charter and traditional public schools since both entities receive millions of dollars in public funds, while ensuring the public can find out how their tax dollars are spent.

DUTY Currently, state law requires any teacher assigned more than sixty minutes of noninstructional duties per week be compensated. Unfortunately, some school districts are not following this law and assign more duty than the law provides for without additional pay. We anticipate an effort to erode this law.

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

PLANNING TIME Currently, state law states that each school district in this state shall provide a minimum of two hundred minutes each week for each teacher to schedule time for conferences, instructional planning and preparation for all classroom teachers employed by the school district. The planning time shall be in increments of no less than forty minutes during the student instructional day unless a teacher submits a written request to be allowed to have his or her planning time scheduled at some time other than during the student instructional day. We believe there will be an attempt to revise or erode this critical time, undermining educators’ ability to properly prepare for their students.

PUBLIC EDUCATION MINIMUM WAGE Current law requires school districts to increase the minimum hourly rate paid to full-time classified school employees by a percentage equal to the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index. This is a separate statute from the statute that sets the state minimum wage. However, in 2018, voters approved an increase in the state minimum wage to $9.25 in 2019, up to $10 in 2020 and up to $11 in 2021. Senator Bob Ballinger has filed a bill to create an exemption to the new minimum wage for public school employees.

The above subjects represent a few topics that we believe will take center stage this legislative session, however AEA will be at the Capitol each day of the legislative session representing our members and working to improve public education in Arkansas. However, it will also be imperative for AEA members and public education supporters around Arkansas to engage with their legislators.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: JANUARY 28, 2019 IS THE DEADLINE TO FILE RETIREMENT LEGISLATION UNLESS APPROVED BY A ¾ VOTE IN EACH CHAMBER FEB 13, 2019 DEADLINE TO FILE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS MARCH 18-22 AEA LOBBY DAYS AT THE CAPITOL

aeaonline.org | 9

ARKANSAS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 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

LeAnne Burch-D

leanne,burch@yahoo.com

10

Mike Holcomb-R

mike.holcomb@arkansashouse.org

11

Don Glover-D

info@donglover4staterep.com

12

Chris Richey-D

crichey0971@yahoo.com

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

Mickey Gates-R

mickey@mickeygates.com

23

Lanny Fite-R

lanny.fite@att.net

24

Bruce Cozart-R

bccci@cablelynx.com

25

Les Warren-R

les@hstitle.com

26

Laurie Rushing-R

laurie.rushing@arkansashouse.org

27

Julie Mayberry-R

julie.mayberry@arkansashouse.org

28

Jasen Kelly-R

jasen@sbcclub.com

29

Frederick Love-D

fjlove@att.net

30

Fred Allen-D

FredAllen99@comcast.net

31

Andy Davis-R

and.davis@arkansashouse.org

32

Jim Sorvillo-R

sorvillo4house@gmail.com

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

870-226-9501

Hermitage, Warren, Hampton, Fordyce

870-723-0583

Crossett, Hamburg, Drew Central, Monticello

870-489-7177

Cleveland County, Watson Chapel, Star City

870-538-4691

Dermott, Lakeside, Dumas McGehee

870-995-2499

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

501-623-1100

Fountain Lake, Jessieville

501-794-2228

Benton, Bryant

501-627-3232

Hot Springs

501-520-8201

Cutter Morning Star, Lakeside

501-545-6066

Bismarck, Magnet Cove, Malvern

501-888-3522

Bryant

501-303-0716

Benton, Bryant

501-612-3939

Little Rock

501-225-4979

Little Rock

501-837-5109

Pulaski County

501-551-9571

Pulaski County

501-766-3177

Little Rock

aeaonline.org | 11

DISTRICT

MEMBER NAME

EMAIL

34

John Walker-D

johnwalkeratty@aol.com

35

Andrew Collins-D

acollins3@gmail.com

36

Charles Blake-D

charles.j.blake@gmail.com

37

Jamie Scott-D

jamie.scott@arkansashouse.org

38

Carlton Wing - R

carlton@carltonwing.com

39

Mark Lowery - R

markdlowery@mac.com

40

Douglas House-R

housedouglas@gmail.com

41

Karilyn Brown-R

KarilynBrownAR@gmail.com

42

Mark Perry - D

mperry@windstream.net

43

Timothy Lemons-R

arstrep43@gmail.com

44

Cameron Cooper-R

cameron.cooper@arkansashouse.org

45

Jim Wooten-R

wjewooten@aol.com

46

Les Eaves-R

leseaves2014@gmail.com

47

Craig Christiansen-R

craigchristiansendistrict47@gmail.com

48

Regionald Murdock-D

rkm_72360@yahoo.com

49

Steve Hollowell-R

steveh1229@aol.com

50

Milton Nicks-D

nickshomebuilders@yahoo.com

51

Deborah Ferguson-D

ddsferg@gmail.com

52

Dwight Tosh-R

dwight.tosh@arkansashouse.org

53

Dan Sullivan-R

dan.sullivan@arkansashouse.org

54

Johnny Rye-R

john.rye1956@gmail.com

55

Monte Hodges-D

monte.hodges@sbcglobal.net

56

Joe Jett-R

jett@centurytel.net

57

Jimmy Gazaway-R

jimmygazaway@sbcglobal.net

58

Brandt Smith-R

brandt.smith@arkansashouse.org

59

Jack Ladyman-R

jack.ladyman@gmail.com

60

Frances Cavenaugh

fran@cavautogroup.com

61

Marsh Davis-R

marshdavis0739@gmail.com

62

Michelle Gray-R

michelle.gray@arkansashouse.org

63

Stu Smith-R

stu22200@yahoo.com

64

John Payton-R

paytonforthepeople@yahoo.com

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

pilkingtonforar@gmail.com

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

PHONE

SCHOOL DISTRICT

501-240-7140

Little Rock

501-613-1007

Little Rock

501-425-9824

Pulaski County

501-352-0652

North Little Rock

501-416-4926

North Little Rock

501-837-5221

Pulaski County

501- 590-1055

Mayflower

501-580-9000

Pulaski County

501-529-5151

Pulaski County

501-605-7565

Cabot

501-230-5635

Mt. Vernon-Enola, Pangburn, Rose Bud

501 858-7403

Bald Knob, Beebe, Riverview

501-827-1344

Searcy

501-724-5748

Newport, Midland, Bradford, Augusta, McCrory

870-295-3208

Lee County, Clarendon, Forrest City, West Memphis

870-633-0442

Wynne, Brinkley, Forrest City, Palestine-Wheatley

901-301-4381

Earle, Marion, West Memphis, Cross County

901-486-8786

Marion, West Memphis

870-926-0423

Bay, Jackson County, Harrisburg, Marked Tree

870-275-2929

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

870-239-4002

Greene County Tech, Paragould

870-351-7459

Jonesboro

870-210-2062

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

501-250-7039

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

501-314-9250

Greenbrier, Vilonia

479-970-7982

Dover, Pottsville, Shirley

304-276-0087

Clarksville, Lamar, Westside

aeaonline.org | 13

DISTRICT

MEMBER NAME

EMAIL

70

Spencer Hawks-R

hawksforhouse@gmail.com

71

Joe Cloud-R

joe.cloud@arkansashouse.org

72

Steve Magie - D

stevemagie@conwaycorp.net

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

cindycrawford4AR@gmail.com

77

Justin Boyd - R

justinboyd@cox.net

78

Jay Richardson-D

jay.richardson@arkansashouse.org

79

Gary Deffenbaugh-R

Gary.Deffenbaugh@arkansashouse.org

80

Charlene Fite-R

charlenefiteforstaterep@yahoo.com

81

Bruce Coleman-R

bmjcoleman@aol.com

82

Sarah Capp-R

sarahcapp@centurytel.net

83

Keith Slape-R

keith.slape@arkanashouse.org

84

Denise Garner-D

denise@denisegarner.com

85

David Whitaker - D

Whitakerfor85@gmail.com

86

Nicole Clowney-D

nicole@nicoleclowney.com

87

Robin Lundstrom-R

Robin@Lundstrum4Arkansas.org

88

Clint Penzo-R

clint@penzogroup.com

89

Megan Godfrey-D

meganforarkansas@gmail.com

90

Jana DellRosa-R

DellaRosa4Arkansas@gmail.com

91

Dan Douglas-R

dan-douglas@sbcglobal.net

92

Gayla Hendren McKenzie-R

gayla.mckenzie@arkansashouse.org

93

Jim Dotson-R

jim@jimdotson.com

94

Rebecca Petty - R

pettyforar@yahoo.com

95

Austin McCollum-R

austin@mccollumforarkansas.com

96

Grant Hodges-R

grant@granthodges.com

97

Harlan Breaux-R

harlanwb@mail.com

98

Ron McNair_R

rmcnair1950@gmail.com

99

Jack Fortner-R

jack.fortner@yahoo.com

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 Fort Smith

479-719-8197

Van Buren

479-414-1818

Cedarville, Lincoln, Prairie Grove

479-806-6825

Alma, Mountainburg, Elkins, West Fork

479-209-2454

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

479-236-3060

Rogers

479-273-1877

Gentry

479-787-6411

Decatur, Gravette

479-644-0740

Bentonville

479-621-3464

Bentonville, Rogers

479-426-4141

Pea Ridge

479-381-9513

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

aeaonline.org | 15

ARKANSAS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 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 Bruce Maloch - D 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 gregleding@gmail.com ballingerb@senate.ar.gov info@garystubblefield.com lance.eads@gmail.com pitschm@senate.ar.gov terry.rice@arkansashouse.org Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov jim71854@yahoo.com bruce@brucemaloch.com alan.clark@senate.ar.gov bsample@cablelynx.com mark.johnson@senate.ar.gov

PHONE 479-531-4176 479-619-5498 479-639-2115 479-422-8099 870-350-5175 479-965-3078 479-435-5139 479 883-2072 479-650-9712 870-845-5303 903-824-8861 870-904-5517 501-262-3360 501-624-3445 501-682-6107

16 17

Breanne Davis-R Scott Flippo - R

breanne.davis@senate.ar.gov flippo4ARSenate@gmail.com

479-970-0081 870-204-7748

18

Missy Irvin - R

missythomasirvin@gmail.com

870-269-2703

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

James Sturch - R Blake Johnson - R John Cooper - R Dave Wallace-R Ronald Caldwell -R Keith Ingram - D Stephanie Flowers - D Eddie Cheatham - D Trent Garner-R Jonathan Dismang - R Ricky Hill - R Linda Chesterfield - D Joyce Elliott - D

jmsturch@yahoo.com blake.johnson@senate.ar.gov jncooper@02@gmail.com dave.wallace@senate.ar.gov roncaldwell50@hotmail.com kmingram@aol.com attysflowers@sbcglobal.net cheatham1@windstream.net trent.garner@senate.ar.gov dismang49@hotmail.com Ricky.Hill@Senate.ar.gov lchesterfield@comcast.net joyce.elliott@senate.ar.gov

870-612-7589 870-323-1766 870-761-0130 870-919-8046 870-238-5421 870-735-9580 870-535-1032 870-364-5659 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

will.bond@senate.ar.gov kimdhammer@yahoo.com jane.english@senate.ar.gov

501-936-5400 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 92nd General Assembly begins the 2019 Regular Session on January 14. The session will likely run through early April. During session, the Arkansas House of Representatives generally meets Monday through Friday. The Arkansas Senate generally meets 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 open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays. Parking and other information is available at sos. arkansas.gov.

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

aeaonline.org | 19

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, 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 scattered 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 1:30 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: 76 Republicans, 24 Democrats • Speaker: Matthew Shepherd (R-El Dorado) • Speaker Pro-Tempore: Jon Eubanks (R-Paris) • Majority Leader: Marcus Richmond (R-Harvey) • Majority Whip: Brandt Smith (R-Jonesboro) • Minority Leader: Charles Blake (D-Little Rock) • Minority Whip: LeAnne Burch (D-Monticello) 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.

Unless otherwise specified, “A” committees meet at 10:00 AM Tuesday and Thursday, while “B” committees meet at 10:00 AM Wednesday and Friday. Note that committees can meet at other times, particularly near the end of session.

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

Ask staff for guidance.

Eight House committees meet on the north end of the first floor of the Capitol.

Two committees meet in Room B on the fifth floor of the Multi-Agency Complex located immediately to the west of the Capitol. The building is referred to as “Big MAC”. The House live-streams its committee meetings on the House website.

HOUSE STANDING “A” COMMITTEES Education

Rm 138

Judiciary

Rm 149

Revenue and Taxation

Rm 151

Public Health, Welfare, and Labor

Rm 130

Public Transportation

“Big MAC” B

HOUSE STANDING “B” COMMITTEES Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative, and Military Affairs

Rm 130

Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development

Rm 138

City, County, and Local Affairs

“Big MAC” B

Insurance and Commerce

Rm 149

State Agencies and Governmental Affairs

Rm 151

Always check the schedule before traveling!

aeaonline.org | 21

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 audio stream is available on the Senate website.

Note: The Senate seldom meets on Friday.

Learn more at arkansas.gov/senate.

SENATE FAST FACTS

• 35 Members: 26 Republicans, 9 Democrats • President Pro Tem: Jim Hendren (R-Gravette) • Majority Leader: Bart Hester (R-Cave Springs) • Majority Whip: Scott Flippo (R-Mountain Home) • Minority Leader: Keith Ingram (D-West Memphis) • Minority Whip: Will Bond (D-Little Rock) 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 at 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 Senate standing committees differ from the House. In addition to four “A” and four “B” Committees, there’s one “C” committee. Unless otherwise specified, “A” committees meet at 10:00 AM Wednesday and Friday. “B” committees meet at 10:00 AM Tuesday and Thursday, while the “C” committee meets at noon Monday. Committees can (and often do) meet at other times, particularly near the end of session.

Note: The Senate seldom meets on Friday during session.

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

Ask staff for guidance.

All Senate committees meet on the south end of the Capitol. Two committees meet “in the Old Supreme Court room (OSC) on the second floor.

SENATE STANDING “A” COMMITTEES Education

Rm 207

Judiciary

Rm 171

Revenue and Tax

OSC

Public Health, Welfare, and Labor

Rm 272

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

Rm 309

City, County, and Local Affairs

Rm 272

Insurance and Commerce State Agencies and Governmental Affairs

Rm 171

OSC

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

Rm 309

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

aeaonline.org | 23

__________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

aeaonline.org | 25

1500 WEST 4TH STREET LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 PHONE (501) 375-4611 FAX (501) 375-4620 TOLL FREE 1 (800) 632-0624

aeaonline.org