Steele to be head of Black Caucus

LITTLE ROCK — State Sen. Tracy Steele, D-North Little Rock, will be president of the Legislative Black Caucus during the 88th General Assembly, which convenes Jan. 10 for the state’s next legislative session.

Steele, a senator since 2003, was elected by the caucus. He will be a member of the House of Representatives.

Sen. Jack Crumbly, D-Widener, will be vice president of the caucus, which has 11 members in the House and four in the Senate.

Steele noted that the recent election resulted in Republicans making historic gains, holding 15 seats in the 35-member Senate and 44 or 45 in the 100-member House.

“The balance of power is now more equal than it has been in my lifetime, or for that matter within anyone’s lifetime,” Steele said. “In that kind of political environment, the role of the Black Caucus will be critical. We can tip the scales in either direction, depending on what is best forthe people of Arkansas.”

Steele represents Senate District 34, which comprises parts of North Little Rock andLittle Rock. In 2011 he will represent House District 39, which includes parts of North Little Rock.