AEA Educator's Guide to the Capitol by Arkansas Education Association

E D U C AT O R â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S G U I D E T O T H E C A P I T O L :

CREATING THE SCHOOLS OUR STUDENTS DESERVE

1500 WEST 4TH STREET LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 PHONE (501) 375-4611 FAX (501) 375-4620 TOLL FREE 1 (800) 632-0624

aeaonline.org

WHY DOES POLITICAL ACTION MATTER?

WHAT DOES AEA FIGHT FOR?

Almost every aspect of a school employee’s job is determined by appointed or elected officials.

To help students be successful and ensure schools have the funding they need to maintain and improve their quality, AEA supports:

• Class sizes • Wages • School funding/resources for students • Privatizing services • Due process rights • Pensions and health benefits • How student test scores are used

• Quality pre-k education • Smaller class sizes, especially in earlier grades • Release time for parents to attend school functions • Healthy, safe and modern schools • Accountability standards for all publically funded schools • Ensuring that every school employee is directly employed by the district • Ensuring schools are not for profit • Ensuring public funds are used only for public schools • Adequate state funding • Funding for programs for at-risk and high-needs students • Well- resourced schools that, at a minimum, meet adequacy findings

If we want to exert some control over the issues that are important to us, our family, our professional, and our community, we need to know: Who the appointed and elected decision makers are. What information they have BEFORE they make their decisions. As AEA members, our job is to be sure that the policymakers at the local, state and federal levels hear directly from us on education issues. We know what students need to succeed. If we are absent from the process, we will allow important decisions about education to be determined by people who may have never set foot into a classroom or worked with a student. This guide will provide you with information about Arkansas legislators, how to contact them, how the state legislative process works and how to help them make the right decisions for your students and your profession. It will also serve as a guide for educators to find our way around the Capitol.

To ensure an outstanding education for every student while preserving a high-quality workforce, AEA supports: • A supportive evaluation system that relies on multiple measures of student progress • Expanded opportunities and rights for education support professionals • Educator-driven professional development for professional and support staff • Collective bargaining at the local level • A strong Arkansas Teacher Retirement System • Excellent health insurance coverage • Local control over decisions that affect schools and communities

aeaonline.org | 1

HOW ARE STATE POLICY DECISIONS MADE? The first is through the legislative process of developing and voting on bills that can then be approved or vetoed by the governor. If the bill is approved it becomes law. The second way is through the Arkansas State Board of Education. Policies can also be created or changed by a court decision or federal requirement.

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW 1. DRAFTING AND INTRODUCTION

A legislator has an idea for a Bill, usually from a constituent. The legislative members present the idea and requests that it be drafted into a bill. In January, when the General Assembly meets, the House Representatives and Senators introduce their bills in their respective chambers. 2. COMMITTEE ACTION

4. VOTING Once the bill passes in the chamber in which it was introduced,

it is then sent to the other chamber (House or Senate). In the other chamber, a similar process of committee action, floor debate, and voting takes place. If the bill passes both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is then sent to the Governor. If the bill is amended by the other chamber, it is then returned to the body from which it originated for approval of the amendment. 5. GOVERNOR’S ACTION

Once passed in both chambers, the bill must be approved by the governor. The Governor may: • Sign the bill into law. • Amend the bill and return it to the General Assembly for approval. • Veto the bill and return it to the General Assembly, where the House of Representatives and the Senate may override the Governor’s veto by a two-third vote of both chambers. • Take no action and the bill becomes a law without his signature.

The bill is referred to a committee. The members of the committee debate the issues and decide what action to take. This is when the public may speak for or against the bill.

6. LAW

After listening to the testimony, the committee will vote to recommend the passage of the bill or the defeat of the bill. The committee may also offer changes (called amendments). If the committee recommends passage of the bill, it then goes back to the chamber where it was introduced.

HOW TO FIND A BILL ONLINE

3. “FLOOR” ACTION

Once the bill passes in committee, the title of the bill must be read three times in the chamber in which it was introduced (House or Senate).

Bills that become laws during the Regular Session are effective 90 days after the final official day of session unless otherwise specified.

To find a bill, go to www.arkleg.state.ar.us and use the bill search tool. You can search by bill number (remember to use HB in front of the bill number for a House Bill and SB in front of the bill number for a Senate Bill.) You can read a bill’s text, see its sponsors, find out where it is in the process and view any votes on the bill.

First Reading: The bill is read by the Clerk. Second Reading: The bill may be amended after it has been read a second time. The bill is then debated on the Floor. Third Reading: During the third reading, the bill may be debated and a final vote is taken. 2 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

aeaonline.org | 3

CONTACT YOUR LAWMAKERS ABOUT PENDING LEGISLATION TEN TIPS FOR CALLING OR MEETING WITH LEGISLATORS 1 Recognize that legislators deal with a wide range of issues. Legislators cannot possibly keep completely informed on all issues. Be prepared to provide them with information. 2 Identify yourself and explain your relationship to the issue: Ex. “I am president of PBEA, an organization serving 400 educators in the Pine Bluff School District. We are concerned about SB76 which would increase class size.” 3 Know your legislator. Making that personal connection is critical. 4 Be honest. Decision-makers appreciate candor and forthrightness. 5 Know your message. Be prepared to state your case in a few short sentences. 6 Cultivate relationships. Develop relationships with elected officials when you are not asking for something! 7 Bring success stories. 8 Listen. Give them an opportunity to respond. Is their reaction positive or negative?

TEN TIPS FOR WRITING TO LEGISLATORS 1 Put in the subject line that you are a constituent. 2 Identify yourself and explain your relationship to the issue: “I am president of PBEA, an o rganization serving 400 educators in the Pine Bluff School District. We are concerned about SB76 which would increase class size.” 3 Be Brief: Limit yourself to 250–500 words. 4 Focus on one issue per communication. 5 Reference the bill number. If you’re writing about pending legislation, either include the bill number or identify the subject as best you can. 6 Include your name, address, phone number, and email for an easy response. 7 Clearly state your position on the issue. Give reasons for your point of view. Tell how it affects you personally, your students, profession, or the community. 8 Be reasonable. Legislators are human too. Don’t ask for the impossible. Always be willing to suggest alternatives to the bill or your original suggestion.

9 Seal the deal. Confirm what you think their opinion or stand is.

9 Write from the heart. Avoid stereotyped sentences or cliché phrases that might make your letter look like a form letter.

10 Follow-up. Send thank you letters to the legislator who took time to listen to your issue.

10 Always say thank you.

NEVER use a school email to correspond with a lawmaker or political candidate about a bill or a campaign.

4 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

aeaonline.org | 5

HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Many of the bills that affect public education begin in the House Education Committee.

870-222-8217

bcci@cableynx.com

501-240-7140

Stephen@stephenmeeks. org

479-430-0170

aeaonline.org | 7

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Many of the bills that affect public education begin in the Senate Education Committee.

(479) 530-6082

(501) 993-5345

(501) 626-3037 joyazure@aol.com

aeaonline.org | 9

ARKANSAS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2017 HOUSE DISTRICT

MEMBER NAME

PHONE

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Carol Dalby-R

cdalby@cableone.net

903-276-1981

Texarkana

Lane Jean-R

l_jean@sbcglobal.net

870-234-5433

Emerson-Taylor-Bradley, Fouke, Genoa Central

Danny Watson-R

danny.watson@arkansashouse.org

870-703-5524

Blevins, Hope, Spring Hill, Prescott

DeAnn Vaught - R

iamatemple4him@gmail.com

870-832-2638

Dierks, Ashdown, Foreman, DeQueen, Horatio

David Fielding-D

dcfielding@suddenlink.net

870-904-1716

Magnolia, Lafayette Couunty

Matthew Shepherd-R

matthewjshepherd@gmail.com

870-863-0602

Emerson-Taylor-Bradley, El Dorado, Junction City, Parkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel

Sonia Barker-R

sonia4rep@gmail.com

870-814-7605

Harmony Grove, El Dorado, Smackover-Norphlet, Strong-Huttig

JeffWardlaw-R

jeff@jeffwardlaw.com

870-226-9501

Hermitage, Warren, Hampton, Fordyce

LeAnne Burch-D

leanne,burch@yahoo.com

870-723-0583

Crossett, Hamburg, Drew Central, Monticello

Mike Holcomb-R

mike.holcomb@arkansashouse.org

870-489-7177

Cleveland County, Watson Chapel, Star City

Mark McElroy-D

mdmcelroy1@yahoo.com

870-222-8217

Dermott, Lakeside, Dumas McGehee

Chris Richey-D

crichey0971@yahoo.com

870-995-2499

DeWitt, Stuttgart, Barton-Lexa, Helena-W. Helena, Marvell

David Hillman-R

dhillman@futura.net

870-830-3004

DeWitt, Stuttgart, Des Arc, Hazen

Roger Lynch-R

rogerdlynch@gmail.com

501-412-8959

Carlisle, England, Lonoke

Ken Bragg-R

kenbragg@windstream.net

870-942-5269

Sheridan, Poyen, Glen Rose, Ouachita, White Hall

Kenneth Ferguson-D

kenconsolidate@yahoo.com

870-717-6366

Dollarway, Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel

Vivian Flowers-D

vivianflowers@gmail.com

870-413-8615

Dollarway, Pine Bluff

Richard Womack-R

richard@richardwomack.com

870-403-6287

Arkadelphia, Gurdon, Lake Hamilton, Mountain Pine

Justin Gonzalez-R

justinroy@yahoo.com

870-245-6365

Nashville, Centerpoint, Kirby, South Pike County

John Maddox-R

john@maddoxmaddox.com

479-234-2803

Caddo Hills, Mt. Ida, Cossatot River, Mena, Ouachita River

Marcus Richmond-R

marcus.richmond@arkansashouse.org

479-207-3339

Jessieville, Mountain Pine, Waldron

Mickey Gates-R

mickey@mickeygates.com

501-623-1100

Fountain Lake, Jessieville

Lanny Fite-R

lanny.fite.att.net

501-794-2228

Benton, Bryant

Bruce Cozart-R

bccci@cablelynx.com

501-627-3232

Hot Springs

Les Warren-R

les@hstitle.com

501-520-8201

Cutter Morning Star, Lakeside

Laurie Rushing-R

laurie.rushing@arkansashouse.org

501-545-6066

Bismarck, Magnet Cove, Malvern

Andy Mayberry-R

mayberry4staterep@att.net

501-888-3522

Bryant

Kim Hammer-R

kimdhammer@yahoo.com

501- 840-3841

Benton, Bryant

Frederick Love-D

fjlove@att.net

501-612-3939

Little Rock

Fred Allen-D

FredAllen99@comcast.net

501-225-4979

Little Rock

Andy Davis-R

and.davis@arkansashouse.org

501-837-5109

Pulaski County

Jim Sorvillo-R

sorvillo4house@gmail.com

501-551-9571

Pulaski County

Warwick Sabin-D

wsabin@wsabin.org

501-372-4550

Little Rock

10 | Educatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

aeaonline.org | 11

DISTRICT

MEMBER NAME

PHONE

SCHOOL DISTRICT

John Walker-D

johnwalkeratty@aol.com

501-240-7140

Little Rock

Clarke Tucker-D

clarke@clarketucker.com

501-247-8363

Little Rock

Charles Blake-D

charles.j.blake@gmail.com

501-425-9824

Pulaski County

Eddie Armstrong-D

earmstrong4rep@gmail.com

501-444-8468

North Little Rock

Donnie Copeland - R

carlton@carltonwing.com

501-416-4926

North Little Rock

Mark Lowery - R

markdlowery@mac.com

501-837-5221

Pulaski County

Douglas House-R

housedouglas@gmail.com

501- 590-1055

Mayflower

Karilyn Brown-R

KarilynBrownAR@gmail.com

501-580-9000

Pulaski County

Bob Johnson - D

bobjohnsoncpa@gmail.com

501-837-4381

Pulaski County

Timothy Lemons-R

arstrep43@gmail.com

501-605-7565

Cabot

Joe Ferrar-R

jfarrer@suddenlink.net

501-743-6855

Mt. Vernon-Enola, Pangburn, Rose Bud

Jeremy Gillam-R

jeremy@growing45.com

501-940-5757

Bald Knob, Beebe, Riverview

Les Eves-R

leseaves2014@gmail.com

501-827-1344

Searcy

Michael John Gray-D

michaeljohngrayar@gmail.com

870-347-6000

Newport, Midland, Bradford, Augusta, McCrory

Regionald Murdock-D

rkm_72360@yahoo.com

870-295-3208

Lee County, Clarendon, Forrest City, West Memphis

Steve Hollowell-R

steveh1229@aol.com

870-633-0442

Wynne, Brinkley, Forrest City, Palestine-Wheatley

Milton Nicks-D

nickshomebuilders@yahoo.com

901-301-4381

Earle, Marion, West Memphis, Cross County

Deborah Ferguson-D

ddsferg@gmail.com

901-486-8786

Marion, West Memphis

Dwight Tosh-R

dwight.tosh@arkansashouse.org

870-926-0423

Bay, Jackson County, Harrisburg, Marked Tree

Dan Sullivan-R

dan.sullivan@arkansashouse.org

870-275-2929

Brookland, Buffalo Island Central, Riverside

Johnny Rye-R

john.rye1956@gmail.com

870-919-3690

Buffalo Island Central, Gosnell, Manilla

Monte Hodges-D

monte.hodges@sbcglobal.net

870-740-1694

Blytheville, Osceola, Rivercrest

Joe Jett-R

jett@centurytel.net

870-926-2740

Corning, Piggott Rector, Greene County Tech, Marmaduke, Maynard

Jimmy Gazaway-R

jimmygazaway@sbcglobal.net

870-239-4002

Greene County Tech, Paragould

Brandt Smith-R

brandt.smith@arkansashouse.org

870-351-7459

Jonesboro

Jack Ladyman-R

jack.ladyman@gmail.com

870-210-2062

Jonesboro, Westside Consolidated

Frances Cavenaugh

fran@cavautogroup.com

870-761-3990

Hillcrest, Hoxie, Lawrence County, Sloan-Hendrix

Scott Baltz - D

scottbaltz@yahoo.com

870-378-1380

Mammoth Spring, Salem, Viola, Pocahontas, Highland

Michelle Gray-R

michelle.gray@arkansashouse.org

870-291-2515

Calico Rock, Izard County Consolidated, Melbourne, Cave City, Mountain View

James Sturch-R

jmsturch@yahoo.com

870-612-7589

Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Southside

John Payton-R

paytonforthepeople@yahoo.com

501-362-5815

Norfork, Concord, Mountain View

Rick Beck-R

rick.beck@arkansashouse.org

501-912-1441

Nemo Vista, South Conway County, Wonderview, Perryville

Josh Miller-R

josh.miller@arkansashouse.org

501-250-7039

Heber Springs, Quitman, Guy-Perkins, Clinton, South Side

Stephen Meeks-R

stephen@stephenmeeks.org

501-314-9250

Greenbrier, Vilonia

Trevor Drown-R

trevor.drown@gmail.com

479-967-2300

Dover, Pottsville, Shirley

Aaron Pilkington

pilkingtonforar@gmail.com

304-276-0087

Clarksville, Lamar, Westside

12 | Educatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

aeaonline.org | 13

DISTRICT

MEMBER NAME

PHONE

SCHOOL DISTRICT

David Meeks-R

David.meeks@arkansashouse.org

501-277-9340

Conway, East End

Kenneth Henderson-R

ken4arkansas@gmail.com

479-970-4850

Russellville

Steve Magie - D

stevemagie@conwaycorp.net

501-680-0552

Conway

Mary Bentley - R

mary.bentley@arkansashouse.org

501-889-3556

Danville, Dardanelle, Two Rivers, Western Yell County

Jon Eubanks-R

jon.eubanks@arkansashouse.org

479-450-0533

Booneville, Magazine, Paris, Scranton

Charlotte Vining Douglas-R

charlotte.douglas@arkansashouse.org

479-430-1070

Mulberry-Pleasant View, Fort Smith, Greenwood, Lavaca

Matthew Pitsch-R

Mat@Matpitsch.com

479-452-4005

Fort Smith

Justin Boyd - R

justinboyd@cox.net

479-221-5864

Fort Smith

George McGill-D

georgemcgill@sbcglobal.net

479-651-2107

Fort Smith

Gary Deffenbaugh-R

Gary.Deffenbaugh@arkansashouse.org

479-719-8197

Van Buren

Charlene Fite-R

charlenefiteforstaterep@yahoo.com

479-414-1818

Cedarville, Lincoln, Prairie Grove

Bruce Coleman-R

bmjcoleman@aol.com

479-806-6825

Alma, Mountainburg, Elkins, West Fork

Sarah Capp-R

sarahcapp@centurytel.net

479-209-2454

Charleston, County Line, Ozark, Huntsville

David Branscum-R

davidlbranscum@hotmail.com

870-448-2069

Valley Springs, Deer/Mt. Judea, Jasper, Searcy County

Charlie Collins-R

clcollins6@cox.net

479-582-9410

Fayetteville, Greenland

David Whitaker - D

Whitakerfor85@gmail.com

479-236-8313

Farmington, Fayetteville

Greg Leding-D

greg@gregleding.com

479-422-8099

Fayetteville

Robin Lundstrom-R

Robin@Lundstrum4Arkansas.org

479-957-1959

Siloam Springs, Springdale

Clint Penzo-R

clint@penzogroup.com

479-466-6681

Springdale

Jeff Williams-R

jeffwilliamsfordistrict89@aol.com

479-445-8266

Springdale

Jana DellRosa-R

DellaRosa4Arkansas@gmail.com

479-236-3060

Rogers

Dan Douglas-R

dan-douglas@sbcglobal.net

479-273-1877

Gentry

Kim Hendren-R

kim.hendren@arkansashouse.org

479-790-5600

Decatur, Gravette

Jim Dotson-R

jim@jimdotson.com

479-644-0740

Bentonville

Rebecca Petty - R

pettyforar@yahoo.com

479-621-3464

Bentonville, Rogers

Austin McCollum-R

austin@mccollumforarkansas.com

479-426-4141

Pea Ridge

Grant Hodges-R

grant@granthodges.com

479-381-9513

Rogers

Bob Ballinger-R

Bob@BobBallinger.com

870-350-5175

Berryville, Eureka Springs

Ron McNair_R

rmcnair1950@gmail.com

870-754-7962

Harrison, Green Forrest

Jack Fortner-R

jack.fortner@yahoo.com

870-656-7664

Bergman, Lead Hill, Omaha, Flippin, Yellville-Summit

100

Nelda Speaks-R

nelda@neldaspeaks.com

870-421-2552

Mountain Home

14 | Educatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

aeaonline.org | 15

ARKANSAS 91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2017 SENATE DISTRICT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

MEMBER NAME Bart Hester - R Jim Hendren - R Cecile Bledsoe - R Uvalde Lindsey - D Bryan King - R Gary Stubblefield - R Lance Eads - R Jake Files - R Terry Rice - R Larry Teague - D Jimmy Hickey - R Bruce Maloch - D Alan Clark - R Bill Sample - R David Sanders - R Greg Standridge-R Scott Flippo - R

EMAIL bart.hester@senate.ar.gov jim.hendren@senate.ar.gov cecile.bledsoe@senate.ar.gov uvalde.lindsey@senate.ar.gov bryan.king@senate.ar.gov info@garystubblefield.com lance.eads@gmail.com mail@jakefiles.com terry.rice@arkansashouse.org Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov jim71854@yahoo.com bruce@brucemaloch.com alan.clark@senate.ar.gov bsample@cablelynx.com davidjamessanders@gmail.com greg.standridge@senate.ar.gov flippo4ARSenate@gmail.com

PHONE 479-531-4176 479-619-5498 479-639-2115 479-530-6082 870-438-4565 479-965-3078 479-435-5139 479-648-9216 479-650-9712 870-845-5303 903-824-8861 870-904-5517 501-262-3360 501-624-3445 501-682-6107 479-968-1562 870-204-7748

Missy Irvin - R

missythomasirvin@gmail.com

870-269-2703

Norfork, Concord, Heber Springs, Quitman, West Side, Guy-Perkins, Mayflower, Salem, Viola, Salem, Searcy County, Mountain View, Pangburn, Rose Bud, White County Central

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Linda Collins Smith - R Blake Johnson - R John Cooper - R Dave Wallace-R Ronald Caldwell -R Keith Ingram - D Stephanie Flowers - D Eddie Cheatham - D Trent Garner-R Jonathan Dismang - R Eddie Joe Williams - R Linda Chesterfield - D Joyce Elliott - D Will Bond-D Jeremy Hutchinson - R Jane English - R Jason Rapert - R

lindacollinssmith@gmail.com blake.johnson@senate.ar.gov jncooper@02@gmail.com dave.wallace@senate.ar.gov roncaldwell50@hotmail.com kmingram@aol.com attysflowers@sbcglobal.net cheatham1@windstream.net trent.garner@senate.ar.gov dismang49@hotmail.com eddiejoe.williams@senate.ar.gov lchesterfield@comcast.net

870-378-1434 870-323-1766 870-761-0130 870-919-8046 870-238-5421 870-735-9580 870-535-1032 870-364-5659 870-818-9219 501-766-8220 501-286-9366 501-993-5345 501-626-3037 501-936-5400 501-773-3760 501-257-7670 501-336-0918

Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Midland, Southside, Calico Rock, Melbourne, Sloan-Hendrix

will.bond@senate.ar.gov jeremy.hutchinson@senate.ar.gov jane.english@senate.ar.gov Jason.Rapert@senate.ar.gov

16 | Educatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

SCHOOL DISTRICT Bentonville Decatur, Gentry, Siloam Springs, Lincoln Prarie Grove Rogers, Pea Ridge Farmington, Fayetteville, Greenland-Winslow Berryville, Eureka Springs, Green Forest, Alma, Cedarville, Mountain Burg,Mulberry, Huntsville, St. Paul, Lavaca, Westfork Ozark, Lamar, Westside, Booneville, Magazine, Paris Scranton, Danville, Dardanelle, Two Rivers, Western Yell Co. Elkins, Springdale Fort Smith, Greenwood, Hackett Van Buren, Charleston, County Line, Waldron, Ft. Smith, Harford, Mansfield Hope, Dierks, Nashville, Centerpoint, Kirby, South Pike County, Cossatot River, Mena, Ouachita River Bradley, Lafayette County, Ashdown, Foreman, Fouke, Genoa Central, Texarkana, DeQueen, Horatio Arkadelphia, Gurdon, Emerson-Taylor, Magnolia, Fordyce, Sheridan, Nevada, Prescott, Camden-Fairview, Stephens Lake Hamilton, Poyen, Bismark, Glen Rose, Magnet Cove, Malvern Hot Springs, Jessieville, Mountain Pine Valley Springs, Jasper, Deer-Mt. Judea, Atkins, Dover, Hector, Pottsville, Russellville, Clinton, Shirley, South Side Cotter, Mountain Home, Alpena, Bergman, Harrison, Lead Hill, Omaha, Yellville-Summit

Pocahontas, Hillcrest, Hoxie, Lawrence County, Sloan-Hendrix, Greene County Tech, Paragould, Corning, Piggott, Rector Jonesboro, Nettleton, Valley View, Westside Bay, Buffalo Island Central, Riverside, Armorel, Blytheville, Gosnell, Manila, South Mississippi County, Osceola, Trumann Cross County, Wynne, Newport, Brinkley, Forrest City, Palestine-Wheatley, Augusta, McCrory Earle, Marion, West Memphis, Lee County, Barton-Lexa, Helena/W. Helena, Marvell, Forrest City. Hughes Dumas, Dollarway, Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel, White Hall, Barton-Lexa Crossett, Hamburg, Hermitage, Warren, Dermott, Lakeside, Woodlawn, McGehee, Drew Central, Monticello, Star City Hampton, Cleveland County, Bearden, Camden-Fairview, El Dorado, Junction City, Norphlet, Parkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel, Smackover, Strong-Huttig DeWitt, Stuttgart, Carlisle, England, Lonoke, Clendon, Des Arc, Hazen, Beebe, Rivewview, Searcy Pulaski County, Cabot, Mt. Vernon, Enola Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pulaski County Little Rock, Pulaski County Little Rock, Pulaski County Pulaski County, Benton Bryant Northe Little Rock, Pulaski County Conway

aeaonline.org | 17

DETERMINED CONSTITUENT GUIDE TO THE ARKANSAS STATE CAPITOL The 91st General Assembly begins the 2017 Regular Session on January 9. The session will likely run through early April. During session, the Arkansas House of Representatives generally meets Monday through Friday. The Arkansas Senate generally meets Monday through Thursday. The Capitol is located at 500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. It’s less than a three-hour drive for most all Arkansans. The Capitol is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays. Parking and other information is available at sos.arkansas.gov.

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND All visitors must go through security. Elevators are found on the east side of each floor. Public Wi-Fi is available throughout most of the Capitol. (Look for “Capitol Public Access”). • Basement: Capitol Café, restrooms • First Floor: ATM, Capitol Police, and press offices (east lobby), gift shop and post office (rotunda), restrooms, House and Senate committee rooms, Commissioner of State Lands • Second Floor: Senate committee rooms, Governor, Auditor, Treasurer, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State • Third Floor: House and Senate chambers, Senate committee room, snack stand (east side) • Fourth Floor: House and Senate galleries Find a schedule and more at www.arkleg.state.ar.us.

18 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

aeaonline.org | 19

THIRD FLOOR • SUITE 350

FIRST FLOOR AND “BIG MAC” B

ARKANSAS HOUSE

HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEES

501-682-6211 (In-Session)

The House has 10 standing committees split into five “A” and five “B” committees. Unless otherwise specified, “A” committees meet at 10:00 AM Tuesday and Thursday, while “B” committees meet at 10:00 AM Wednesday and Friday. Note that committees can meet at other times, particularly near the end of session.

501-682-7771 (Out-of-Session) The Arkansas House of Representatives is located on the north end of the third floor. The House Gallery, available to the public, is located on the fourth floor. Visitors must sign in to see staff. During session, look for a “Red Coat” guide if you need help. While House members are often in the House chamber, their individual offices are scattered throughout the Capitol. If you’d like to speak with a legislator, ask a Red Coat to send a note into the chamber. If the legislator is inside and is free to speak, he or she should step outside to visit with you.

If you wish to speak at a committee hearing, you must sign in. Ask staff for guidance. Eight House committees meet on the north end of the first floor of the Capitol. Two committees meet in Room B on the fifth floor of the Multi-Agency Complex located immediately to the west of the Capitol. The building is referred to as “Big MAC”. The House live-streams its committee meetings on the House website.

HOUSE STANDING “A” COMMITTEES

The House generally convenes at 1:30 PM each afternoon unless otherwise specified. A live video stream is available on the House website.

Education

Rm 138

Judiciary

Rm 149

Learn more at arkansashouse.org.

Revenue and Taxation

Rm 151

Public Health, Welfare, and Labor

HOUSE FAST FACTS

Public Transportation

• 100 Members: 76 Republicans, 24 Democrats • Speaker: Jeremy Gillam (R-Judsonia)

HOUSE STANDING “B” COMMITTEES

• Speaker Pro-Tempore: Jon Eubanks (R-Paris)

Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative, and Military Affairs

Rm 130 “Big MAC” B

Rm 130

• Majority Leader: Mathew Pitsch (R-Fort Smith)

Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development

• Majority Whip: John Payton (R-Wilburn)

City, County, and Local Affairs

• Minority Leader: Michael John Gray (D-Augusta)

Insurance and Commerce

Rm 149

• Minority Whip: David Whitaker (D-Fayetteville)

State Agencies and Governmental Affairs

Rm 151

SEND A MESSAGE TO MEMBERS

Always check the schedule before traveling!

Rm 138 “Big MAC” B

Call the in-session phone numbers for the chambers to leave a message for a legislator, and a note is left on his or her desk. A stack of them can send a real message.

20 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

aeaonline.org | 21

THIRD FLOOR • SUITE 320

FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD FLOORS

ARKANSAS SENATE

SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES

501-682-2902 (In-Session)

Senate standing committees differ from the House. In addition to four “A” and four “B” Committees, there’s one “C” committee. Unless otherwise specified, “A” committees meet at 10:00 AM Wednesday and Friday. “B” committees meet at 10:00 AM Tuesday and Thursday, while the “C” committee meets at noon Monday. Committees can (and often do) meet at other times, particularly near the end of session.

501-682-6107 (Out-of-Session) The Arkansas Senate is located at the south end of the third floor. The Senate Gallery, available to the public, is located on the fourth floor. Guides are stationed outside the Senate chamber during session.

Note: The Senate seldom meets on Friday during session.

While Senators are often in the Senate chamber, their offices are scattered throughout the south end of the Capitol.

If you wish to speak at a committee hearing, you must sign in.

If you’d like to speak with a legislator, ask a guide to send a note into the chamber. If the senator is inside and is free to speak, he or she should step outside to visit with you.

All Senate committees meet on the south end of the Capitol. Two committees meet “in the Old Supreme Court room (OSC) on the second floor.

Ask staff for guidance.

The Senate generally convenes at 1:30 PM each afternoon unless otherwise specified. A live audio stream is available on the Senate website.

SENATE STANDING “A” COMMITTEES Education

Rm 207

Note: The Senate seldom meets on Friday.

Judiciary

Rm 171

Revenue and Tax

OSC

Public Health, Welfare, and Labor

Rm 272

Learn more at arkansas.gov/senate. SENATE FAST FACTS

• 35 Members: 26 Republicans, 9 Democrats • President Pro Tem: Jonathan Dismang (R-Searcy) • Majority Leader: Jim Hendren (R-Gravette) • Majority Whip: Jimmy Hickey, Jr. (R-Texarkana) • Minority Leader: Keith Ingram (D-West Memphis) • Minority Whip: Will Bond (D-Little Rock) CONTACT GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON

The Governor’s office is found on the north end of the second floor. You can also call his office at 501-682-2345, tweet at him (@AsaHutchinson), or use the contact form found at governor.arkansas.gov. Always be polite.

22 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

SENATE STANDING “B” COMMITTEES Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development

Rm 309

City, County, and Local Affairs

Rm 272

Insurance and Commerce

Rm 171

State Agencies and Governmental Affairs

OSC

SENATE STANDING “C” COMMITTEES Transportation, Technology, and Legislative Affairs

Rm 309

Find a schedule and more at www.arkleg.state.ar.us.

aeaonline.org | 23

__________________________________________________________________________

24 | Educatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

aeaonline.org | 25