Must do homework

It’s time to wake up and ask yourself why we are one of the poorest states when some of the most successful companies in the United States have their headquarters here. Are they paying their workers a living wage? Do they support our public schools? Do they support our medical school?

We have one of the highest rates of people in prison and it is predicted that number will continue to grow. We have one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy. Our students continue to score below the national average. Our juvenile system has had problems for years. On the state evaluation we had several schools failing. We have an unranked (UAMS) medical school that our very lives may depend on. Funding has been cut and people have been laid off.

Now, what do we have? For starters, we have some of the friendliest people in the country. We have some of the most beautiful places for people to visit. We have great places for people to fish, to relax and so many more things that would make people want to visit and perhaps live in Arkansas.

What can we do? We can do our homework. We can check the record of every legislator. How did they vote on important issues? Did they vote to give money to questionable causes? Did they introduce bills that took money away from public schools? Did they support UAMS? Did they support higher teacher salaries? If they came out strong against abortion, did they also support an adequate sex education program?

Do you support Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s plan to give a $180 million tax cut to upper-income people? Have you taken a long look at every person who is currently in office or who is seeking an office in Arkansas?

Do your homework. We are a great state with wonderful possibilities. Elect people who will make us the best we can be.

BONNIE BARTON COOK Fayetteville