AAC DIRECTOR’S DESK Legislative rollercoaster is coming to a stop soon

As we ease from winter to spring, the biennial ritual of a legislative session is in full force here in Little Rock. We have a few weeks remaining to wrap up county work, but it has been a successful session as many of our package bills are either signed into law or well on their way to Governor Sanders’ desk.

The 94th General Assembly has accomplished a great deal already, with the LEARNS Act now finished up. But more remains, including a significant criminal justice bill that will include new prison beds to help ease our chronic jail overcrowding, passage of the Revenue Stabilization Act (the annual funding mechanism for all of state government) and likely a reduction in state income taxes as well.

Many times, you hear the phrase “watching the legislature is like watching someone make sausage.” This may be a trite comment, but it fits because it is so true. The back-and-forth machinations of creating law are something to behold. What appears to many on the outside as heated discussions between parties about the pros and cons of legislation are truly the best way for all positions to be weighed and for legislators to make policy determinations that work best for the people of Arkansas.

Those that have been doing this for a while have generally developed a thick skin to the philosophical arguing that takes place in the Capitol, but from time to time the most seasoned legislator, lobbyist or interested party can let passion get the best of them. I am proud to work with a wonderful and seasoned lobbying team at the Association of Arkansas Counties that focuses on explaining county positions with civility.

Our team consists of Eddie Jones, Mark Whitmore, Lindsey French, Josh Curtis and myself — and our days begin early and end late as we track our AAC Legislative Package while simultaneously following hundreds of bills that have an impact on what our counties do. We each are often asked at this point in a session if we are tired and ready for it to end … and just like everyone else with front row views of a session our honesty compels us to answer yes. But one constant remains that gives us all strength — our love for county government.

It is a lot easier to plod through a legislative session when you believe wholeheartedly in what you represent. And it gives everyone strength when we see your smiling faces coming through our doors on your way up the hill to convey your passion for good government. I truly believe our lobbying position is strong because we represent the best of humankind in county public servants. You are respected by your legislators, and we get to be part of that relationship.

Soon the legislature will wrap up, and we will begin assessing all the bills that have passed. The helpful bills always outnumber those that harm us, and your watchful eyes on the bills that are filed help us tremendously. Keep up that good work. Keep coming through the office as well. It truly helps.

Once finished, we will compile a list of acts that affect county government and host you in Little Rock where we will give a recap of the session. In addition, we will take this discussion on the road to each of your continuing education meetings to dig down a little deeper into what might affect your specific office.

That brings me to one more point. Many of you are now entering your second quarter as a newly elected county official. The best thing you can do in your new role is to reach out to other officials in your same role. I discussed this during your new-elect trainings in December, but I’d like to reiterate it in this column. There is nothing more valuable for you, in your position, than getting involved in your continuing education program.

Your job is unique. Nobody in your county has your job, or one remotely similar. Nobody in business can relate to the awkward but necessary laws you must adhere to in your office. Furthermore, there is no good way to learn how to improve your office but for dialogue with your colleagues across county lines.

Our county associations have built incredibly effective programs, and you will never regret getting involved in their (usually) three times per year meetings. It’s also a great opportunity to reconnect with our AAC staff and your liaison for our association. So, plan on attending. Mark your calendars now and save those dates this year for our meetings.

Finally, please don’t forget about a great opportunity the AAC has in place for our state’s college-bound graduates. Our scholarship program is administered by the AAC Scholarship Committee and staffed by Executive Assistant Anne Baker. If you or a co-worker have a child or grandchild about to head off to school, please encourage them to apply for an AAC Scholarship. Decisions will be made this spring and application information can be found on our website at www.arcounties.org.

Hold on tight, friends. The legislative rollercoaster should be coming to a stop soon, and I look forward to reconnecting with you all in the days that follow.