Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – January 11, 2025 – The 95th Arkansas General Assembly is scheduled to convene on Monday bringing together state legislators to deliberate on key issues affecting the state, including those pertinent to Craighead County.
Craighead County Representation
Craighead County’s interests in the General Assembly are represented by several legislators:
Senator Dan Sullivan: Representing Senate District 20, which includes parts of Craighead County and the cities of Jonesboro and Bono, Senator Sullivan is serving his first term in the Senate after three terms in the House. Sullivan serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee, a member of the Senate Children and Youth Committee, Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee, Joint Budget Committee, Joint Performance Review, Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. Sullivan serves ex officio on the Arkansas Legislative Council.
Senator David Wallace: Representing Senate District 19, which includes all of Mississippi County and parts of Craighead and Poinsett Counties. Wallace is Vice Chair of the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee, member of the Senate Children and Youth Committee, Senate City, County and Local Affairs Committee, Senate Rules, Resolutions and Memorial Committee. Wallace serves ex officio on the Arkansas Legislative Council, Joint Budget Committee and Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.
Representative Jack Ladyman: Serving his fifth term, Representative Ladyman represents House District 32, which includes a portion of Craighead County. He serves on the House Insurance and Commerce Committee, House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee, and the Arkansas Legislative Council.
Representative Jon Milligan: In his second term, Representative Milligan represents House District 33, covering parts of Craighead and Mississippi Counties. Milligan will serve on the House City, County and Local Affairs Committee, House Public Transportation Committee and the Joint Budget Committee.
Representative Dwight Tosh: Serving in the House since January 2015 and is currently in his fifth term serving District 38, which encompasses portions of Craighead, Poinsett, and Jackson Counties. Tosh is a member of the House Insurance and Commerce Committee, House Judiciary Committee and the Arkansas Legislative Council.
Representative Fran Cavenaugh: Currently serving her fourth term representing District 30, which includes portions of Lawrence, Craighead, and Greene counties. In the 94th General Assembly Cavenaugh is a member of the House City, County and Local Affairs Committee, Joint Budget Committee and the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.
Representative Johnny Rye, Jr.: Rye was first elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2016, representing District 54. Following redistricting, he began representing District 36 including portions of Poinsett and Craighead counties in 2023. Rye is a member of the House City, County and Local Affairs Committee, House Revenue and Taxation Committee and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.
Key Issues for the Upcoming Session
As the General Assembly prepares to convene, several critical issues are expected to dominate discussions:
Education Funding and Policy: Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proposed a nearly $6.5 billion state budget, with half of the spending increase directed toward expanding the school voucher program. This proposal includes a $90 million increase in funding for education freedom accounts, allowing for approximately 39,600 participants by the 2025–2026 school year. This significant allocation underscores the administration’s commitment to educational reform and school choice.
Maternal Health: The proposed budget includes $13 million in new Medicaid funding aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to address maternal health challenges within the state.
Public Safety and Corrections: An additional $50 million has been proposed for the Department of Corrections, with $40 million allocated toward a significant contract with its medical provider and $9 million directed toward reimbursements to county jails. This funding is part of broader efforts to enhance public safety and address challenges within the state’s correctional system.
Tax Policy: While the current budget proposal does not specify further tax cuts, legislative leaders have indicated that discussions on this topic may occur after the legislative session. Tax policy remains a critical issue, with potential implications for state revenue and economic growth.
Engaging with the Legislative Process
The Arkansas General Assembly encourages public engagement and transparency. Constituents can access meeting information, agendas, and live streams of legislative sessions through the official website. Active participation and communication with legislators are vital for ensuring that the voices of Craighead County residents are heard during this session.