In his Tuesday remarks to state lawmakers, Gov. Asa Hutchinson emphasized the need to grow Arkansas’ economy and educated ranks while shrinking the tax burden, and he implored lawmakers to help him accomplish these goals.
After thanking officials for the chance to stand before them, Hutchinson hit a note of unity, saying, “We are gathered together as Arkansans, as people who are devoted to the public good.”
The governor then referred to 2017 as a historic opportunity for both Arkansas and its citizens. He hearkened back to Winthrop Rockefeller’s inauguration as the 37th governor of Arkansas who, 50 years ago, said the state was entering an “unusual moment” that is “laden with special challenges” but also “rich with special opportunities.”
Hutchinson likened that snapshot in time to today, saying, “We have our own moment in history, and we can only be worthy of this moment if we work together.”
He highlighted some of the pressing issues on the minds of Arkansans: the rise of terrorism, the ever-changing global marketplace and the lack of public confidence in government institutions. Hutchinson said lawmakers must be “anchored and confident” their character will guide them, regardless of the challenges they face.
Calling this an “exciting time” to be an Arkansan, the governor said he expects the state to surpass the 3 million mark for population this year.
Hutchinson then described the state’s economy, which he said grew at a faster clip than three-fourths of the nation last year. Roughly 55,000 more Arkansans have jobs today than two years ago, he said as lawmakers applauded.
Hutchinson said he wants the state to be a global economic leader and asked legislators to support his plans to cut out unnecessary commissions, rethink higher education funding and fully pay for a tax reduction on retired military personnel.
“I know that some of you say this is not enough. … I agree with you,” Hutchinson said.
He then asked officials to support creating a task force to recommend further tax changes with the long-term goal of reducing income taxes for all Arkansans.
“We need to have a plan to reduce the tax rate over time to a more competitive level,” the governor said.
To expand the ranks of college-educated Arkansans, Hutchinson reiterated his “simple promise” to every high school graduate: If they pursue a high-need field of study, their tuition and fees will be paid for at a two-year college or technical school.
The program, which he announced before the legislative session, is called ArFuture Grants and requires students to meet with a mentor and work in the state for three years after graduation.
Hutchinson also requested lawmakers approve funding to help unburden the foster care system in Arkansas, both to improve care given to kids and, eventually, “provide [them] a way out.”
In closing, Hutchinson referenced his own childhood on a farm in northwest Arkansas, where he was raised by parents who “did not have much” but taught him the importance of faith, family and opportunity.
He bookended his speech with another quote from Rockefeller: “Now is not the time for party politics. ... As governor of Arkansas, I intend to represent all, and so I dedicate my administration to the people of Arkansas.”
Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
