Julie Mayberry
Age: 51 City: East End Occupation: Journalism/advertising Education: Emerson College, bachelor of science in communications/broadcast journalism Public service: State Representative District 27 in 2015, 2019, 2021 Website: www.juliemayberry.com
God tells us to use our gifts to serve others. That is what motivates me to serve in this capacity. I love helping to resolve an issue for a constituent. Working for my constituents never stops. As one session comes to a close, I am already working on ideas for the next session. Sometimes it is an idea we tried but did not get passed in a previous session, so I try to see what I can do to address concerns. Sometimes, it may be an entirely new idea brought to me by a constituent or another person in the state.
Inflation is a huge issue across the country, and it’s hurting everyday Arkansans. I have been working on a few tax-cut bills that I plan to introduce in the next session. One will give a tax credit for beginning farmers and those who own agricultural assets. Under this bill, a farmer could lease, sell or rent to a beginning farmer and both would be eligible for the tax credit. Other ideas include tax credits for child-care providers, businesses, teachers and directors who provide quality childcare. Beyond the tax credit benefit, this will help businesses recruit workers. Lack of quality childcare has been a big deterrent to improving the workforce.
Improving physical and mental health remains a priority of mine and is a pressing issue in my district. I’ve been working on many ideas but to highlight one, I’ve been pushing for universal home visiting for all women two weeks after delivering a baby as a way to improve the physical and mental health of both mom and baby. Studies found that 59 percent of infants had fewer ER visits and fewer overnight hospitalizations when there were post-birth home visits. Studies also show a reduction in investigations by child protective services. Mothers who had home visits were 28 percent less likely to have signs of clinical anxiety, and nearly 80 percent of families found local resources, such local child-care programs.