State Rep. McClure takes on first legislative session

Earlier this month, state Rep. Rick McClure began his first regular session as a new member of the Arkansas General Assembly.

McClure said that as a new legislator he is responsible for learning many things all at one time, but many people have prepared him for that. Legislators during this session also have to face challenges because of COVID-19.

Currently, the committees are working to reviews bills and legislators are also debating on each side of each bill.

Unless they are on the agenda for the day, legislators are not going to the Arkansas State Capital. When they are there safety precautions have been put into place.

“I’m reminded daily that this is not normal,” he said.

McClure is currently serving on the Aging, Children, Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee, as well as, the Revenue and Taxation Committee.

He noted that he is happy to serve on those committee and believes his time as a pastor will come into play in this committee.

McClure mention that as a pastor he has worked with foster parents and foster children and with those experience he can bring insight to that committee.

Since he is still learning, McClure said he has not sponsors any bills yet but have worked with other representatives to co-sponsor some.

One goal he is working on is lowering sales tax on vehicles of $10,000 or less. He mentioned that for a family that is struggling to pay for groceries or save a downpayment for a vehicle, it is difficult to pay another chunk of money for the sales tax.

With a tax cut on these vehicles, McClure said, he hopes it will help someone to travel back and forth to work and provide for their families.

He is working with local school superintendents to make sure they have everything that they need and he hopes to help teachers get a pay increase.

Another hot topic across the state is vaccines for COVID-19.

McClure said he is working with city and county leaders as well as individuals with the Arkansas Department of Health to assist in the vaccine efforts.

“We’re doing the best we can to make sure the vaccine is available for everyone,” he said adding that it is a difficult and complicated process.

He mentioned that broadcasts of all of the committee meetings are available on the Arkansas House of Representatives website at https:// www.arkleg.state.ar.us/. On this website residents can also view bills and how the representatives have voted.

“We’re working hard for the people of Garland and Hot Spring County,” he said.

After 20 years in the business world, McClure is currently the pastor at Lifepoint Community Church in Malvern. McClure, and his wife Cindy have four children between them, and four grandchildren.

McClure and his wife, who is a retired public school teacher, have been married for more than 20 years. McClure has a Master of Divinity degree from Central Christian University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Christian Leadership Seminary.

For residents who would like to contact McClure to voice a concern, they can email him at rick.mcclure@ arkansashouse.org.