Education focus of representative’s speech
JACKSONVILLE — The ties that people of Jacksonville and Cabot have formed with one another are what binds the neighboring communities together.
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Jody Urquhart encouraged those present at the third annual Joint Cabot/jacksonville General Membership Luncheon on Tuesday to get involved in the community and to encourage others to do the same.
“Tie yourself to each other. … Get involved and encourage others to get involved,” Urquhart said just before he introduced the luncheon speaker, state Rep. Darrin Williams, D-little Rock.
Williams approached the podium and immediately thanked the men in uniform who were there to represent the Little Rock Air Force Base, another major component that ties Jacksonville and Cabot together.
“The base is such a strong part of these communities, but it’s also a big part of the state,” he said.
Williams will serve as speaker of the House for the 2013-14 Arkansas Legislature.
After 19 days of meeting, the 88th General Assembly Fiscal Session 2012 ended March 2. Williams said a balanced budget of $4.7 billion was sent on its way to Gov. Mike Beebe’s desk. Williams said the budget is a 3.5 percent increase over last year and includes additional spending of $114 million for Medicaid and $56 million for public schools.
“We’ve weathered the storm better than most states,” Williams said about Arkansas’ financial situation. “We are one of 30 states that didn’t raise taxes last year or cut services.”
As he explained what was discussed in the fiscal session, he mentioned three areas: Medicaid, education and higher education.
“Education is the state’s No. 1 priority,” he said. “Forty-six percent of the general revenue goes to education.”
Using a phone call to his Internet provider as an example — the person on the other end of the phone was in the Philippines, Williams explained that kids with high school or college graduations in their futures have a lot of competition.
“They’re not just competing with the people next to them, but with people all over the world,” he said as he emphasized the importance of higher education and the state’s lottery scholarships. “Every dollar we spend on education is truly important. … Education and economic development go hand in hand.”
Regarding education, Williams said he believes broadband access to all people is important, and he said if Arkansas doesn’t make Internet accessible, the state will fall further behind. He said the goal is to have statewide Internet access by 2014.
“There are still parts of Pulaski County where people don’t have access to broadband,” he said. “I see broadband as roadways and railways of the 21st century.”
For updates on the legislative session, visit Williams’ website at darrinlwilliams.com.
Staff writer Jeanni Brosius can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or jbrosius@arkansasonline. com.