Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve

EDUCATOR’S GUIDE TO THE 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY: CREATING THE SCHOOLS OUR STUDENTS DESERVE The Arkansas Education Association is a professional organization for teachers, education support professionals, students and advocates. Our fundamental objective is to work for quality and equitable public education for all of Arkansas students, the betterment of the Arkansas state education system and quality working condi- tions for educators.

WHY DOES POLITICAL ACTION MATTER? Almost every aspect of a school employee’s job is determined by appointed or elected officials. • School funding/resources for students • Class sizes • How student test scores are used • Privatizing services • Due process rights • Retirement and health benefits • Wages If we want to exert some control over the issues that are important to us, our family, our profession, and our community, we need to know: Who are the appointed and elected decision makers? What information do 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 your way around the Capitol. WHAT DOES AEA FIGHT FOR? To help students be successful and ensure schools have the funding they need to maintain and improve their quality, AEA supports: • Well- resourced schools that, at a minimum, meet adequacy findings • Smaller class sizes, especially in earlier grades • Healthy, safe and modern schools • Accountability standards for all publically funded schools • Ensuring every school employee is directly employed by the district • Release time for parents to attend school functions • 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 • Quality pre-k education

To ensure an outstanding education for every student while preserving a high-quality workforce, AEA supports: • A strong Arkansas Teacher Retirement System • Excellent health insurance coverage • Local control over decisions that affect schools and communities • 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

aeaonline.org | 1 HOW ARE STATE POLICY DECISIONS MADE? The first way 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 member presents 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 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. 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. 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). 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 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 Rep- resentatives 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. 6. LAW Bills that become law during the Regular Session are effective 90 days after the final official day of session unless otherwise specified.

HOW TO FIND A BILL ONLINE To find a bill, go towww.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.

aeaonline.org | 3 CONTACT YOUR LAWMAKERS ABOUT PENDING LEGISLATION

MY SENATOR IS:

MY REPRESENTATIVE IS:

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 a 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?

9 Seal the deal. Confirm their opinion or stand on the issue.

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

4 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve 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 organization 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 Write from the heart. Avoid stereotyped sentences or cliché phrases that might make your letter look like a form letter.

10 Always say thank you.

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

aeaonline.org | 5 UPCOMING EDUCATION ISSUES In the past year, public education exploded to the forefront of the public policy debate in state legislatures across the country. We’ve seen public school educators, students, parents and public education supporters take to the streets demanding public investment and support for public schools. In Arkansas, we expect public education issues to take center stage this legislative session. STATE BUDGET & TAX CUTS State revenue has seen an increase in recent months which is good news for the state budget lawmakers will pass during the legislative session. However, Gover- nor Asa Hutchinson has proposed an income tax cut for the top earners in Arkan- sas expected to move forward in the 2019 legislative session. This tax cut would take effect over the next four years and would result in a loss projected at almost $200 million in state revenue annually. In addition, members of the Arkansas Legis- lative Tax Taskforce have tax cut proposals of their own that may also be introduced during the session. Remember, whenever changes are made to the state budget, it impacts the state’s ability to invest in public education.

EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY The House and Senate Education Committees met jointly for 18 months to review public education data, hear from education advocacy organizations and the public about a wide range of public education issues including school facilities, educator pay, special education, transportation and more. Following this review, committee members approved a two year recommendation to increase foundation funding by 1.5% in Fiscal Year 2020 and 1.48% in Fiscal Year 2021. A bill will be filed re- questing this increase during the 2019 legislative session. Foundation funding is the core of public education funding in the state of Arkansas and is sent to school districts on a per-pupil basis. This funding is calculated from a complex formula; however it is not a spending formula. Foundation funding is unrestricted, meaning the state does not specify how the school district must use it. This means that even though funding may be calculated to provide for things like teacher salary or other variables, school districts decide locally how to allocate these funds. This policy is intended to provide flexibility for the specific needs of each school district, allowing some districts to spend more on teacher salaries, for example, while other districts may have higher transportation needs.

6 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve TEACHER SALARY SCHEDULE The minimum teacher salary schedule for the 2018/2019 school year is 31,800 for a first year teacher with a bachelor’s degree and $36,450 for a first year teacher with a master’s degree. A bill has been filed to carry out Governor Hutchinson’s plan to increase the minimum salary schedule for new teachers by $1,000 per year over four years, with the ultimate goal of increasing the minimum teacher salary for a bachelor’s degree to $36,000. The Governor has proposed an additional $60 million to offset the cost for school districts affected by the increase in the minimum salary schedule. The Department of Education will craft the rules for how the $60 million will be awarded. Currently, there are 44 school districts that pay the state minimum salary.

ARKANSAS TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS) has recently been recognized as one of the top performing teacher retirement systems in the nation. However, the House chair of the Joint Retirement Committee, Rep. Doug House, is pursuing multiple bills to make changes to ATRS and other public retirement systems. The details of his bill package are not finalized but he has already filed a bill requiring “stress tests” that could later be used to justify a reduction in benefits. House has also filed a shell bill to alter the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) provided for retirement system participants each year. Rep. House’s proposals could materially decrease the income received by retirees. Currently, these COLAs ensure retirement income doesn’t lose its value over time. This means that ATRS participants’ buying power will the same on the first day of retirement as it is in the tenth year.

VOUCHERS An attempt to create Education Savings Accounts, more commonly known as vouchers was narrowly defeated in 2017, but will be back this session. Rep. Jim Dotson, Republican of Bentonville, has said he expects a similar piece of legislation to be introduced again this session. The Governor has also indicated his support of this proposal ahead of the session. The 2017 version of this bill would have diverted state revenue to individuals or organizations that made a deposit into an account to pay for private schools. In addition, Arkansas already has a voucher program deceptively called the “Suc- ceed Scholarship Program.” This program was first approved by lawmakers in aeaonline.org | 7 2015 and funding has been increased during each subsequent legislative session. This voucher program is aimed at students with an Individualized Education Pro- gram (IEP), but has now grown to include children in Foster Care. State funding for this voucher program has also increased during each legislative session. Parents or guardians of a child on an IEP are required to waive their child’s federal civil rights protections to apply for the voucher.

TEACHER FAIR DISMISSAL & EMPLOYEE FAIR HEARING ACT In December of 2018 the State Board of Education, for the first time granted a waiv- er to two school districts from the Teacher Fair Dismissal and Employee Fair Hear- ing Acts. These laws provide due process for school employees. Some lawmakers have already expressed interest in legislation to repeal due process laws for all educators. The Teacher Fair Dismissal Act and the Public School Employee Fair Hearing Act represent significant gains made by AEA to provide job security for educators. The TFDA and the PSEFHA are two hallmarks in providing fair treatment for the educators of Arkansas. Arkansas has seen a sharp decline in educators entering the profession over the past five years, and undermining these laws does nothing to support student achievement or the education profession.

CHARTER SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY The Arkansas Education Association, along with our partner organizations are drafting legislation to address the lack of transparency and accountability at Arkan- sas charter schools. These bills will seek to level the playing field between charter and traditional public schools since both entities receive millions of dollars in public funds, while ensuring the public can find out how their tax dollars are spent.

DUTY Currently, state law requires any teacher assigned more than sixty minutes of nonin- structional duties per week be compensated. Unfortunately, some school districts are not following this law and assign more duty than the law provides for without additional pay. We anticipate an effort to erode this law.

8 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve PLANNING TIME Currently, state law states that each school district in this state shall provide a minimum of two hundred minutes each week for each teacher to schedule time for conferences, instructional planning and preparation for all classroom teachers employed by the school district. The planning time shall be in increments of no less than forty minutes during the student instructional day unless a teacher submits a written request to be allowed to have his or her planning time scheduled at some time other than during the student instructional day. We believe there will be an attempt to revise or erode this critical time, undermining educators’ ability to prop- erly prepare for their students.

PUBLIC EDUCATION MINIMUM WAGE Current law requires school districts to increase the minimum hourly rate paid to full-time classified school employees by a percentage equal to the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index. This is a separate statute from the statute that sets the state minimum wage. However, in 2018, voters approved an increase in the state minimum wage to $9.25 in 2019, up to $10 in 2020 and up to $11 in 2021. Senator Bob Ballinger has filed a bill to create an exemption to the new minimum wage for public school employees.

The above subjects represent a few topics that we believe will take center stage this legislative session, however AEA will be at the Capitol each day of the legislative session representing our members and working to improve public education in Arkansas. However, it will also be imperative for AEA members and public education supporters around Arkansas to engage with their legislators.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: JANUARY 28, 2019 IS THE DEADLINE TO FILE RETIREMENT LEGISLATION UNLESS APPROVED BY A ¾ VOTE IN EACH CHAMBER

FEB 13, 2019 DEADLINE TO FILE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

MARCH 18-22 AEA LOBBY DAYS AT THE CAPITOL

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ARKANSAS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 HOUSE

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

ARKANSAS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 HOUSE

PHONE SCHOOL DISTRICT 903-276-1981 Texarkana 870-234-5433 Emerson-Taylor-Bradley, Fouke, Genoa Central 870-703-5524 Blevins, Hope, Spring Hill, Prescott 870-832-2638 Dierks, Ashdown, Foreman, DeQueen, Horatio 870-904-1716 Magnolia, Lafayette Couunty 870-863-0602 Emerson-Taylor-Bradley, El Dorado, Junction City, Parker’s Chapel 870-814-7605 Harmony Grove, El Dorado, Smackover-Norphlet, Strong-Huttig 870-226-9501 Hermitage, Warren, Hampton, Fordyce 870-723-0583 Crossett, Hamburg, Drew Central, Monticello 870-489-7177 Cleveland County, Watson Chapel, Star City 870-538-4691 Dermott, Lakeside, Dumas McGehee 870-995-2499 DeWitt, Stuttgart, Barton-Lexa, Helena-W. Helena, Marvell 870-830-3004 DeWitt, Stuttgart, Des Arc, Hazen 501-412-8959 Carlisle, England, Lonoke 870-942-5269 Sheridan, Poyen, Glen Rose, Ouachita, White Hall 870-717-6366 Dollarway, Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel 870-413-8615 Dollarway, Pine Bluff 870-403-6287 Arkadelphia, Gurdon, Lake Hamilton, Mountain Pine 870-245-6365 Nashville, Centerpoint, Kirby, South Pike County 479-234-2803 Caddo Hills, Mt. Ida, Cossatot River, Mena, Ouachita River 479-207-3339 Jessieville, Mountain Pine, Waldron 501-623-1100 Fountain Lake, Jessieville 501-794-2228 Benton, Bryant 501-627-3232 Hot Springs 501-520-8201 Cutter Morning Star, Lakeside 501-545-6066 Bismarck, Magnet Cove, Malvern 501-888-3522 Bryant 501-303-0716 Benton, Bryant 501-612-3939 Little Rock 501-225-4979 Little Rock 501-837-5109 Pulaski County 501-551-9571 Pulaski County 501-766-3177 Little Rock

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

PHONE SCHOOL DISTRICT 501-240-7140 Little Rock 501-613-1007 Little Rock 501-425-9824 Pulaski County 501-352-0652 North Little Rock 501-416-4926 North Little Rock 501-837-5221 Pulaski County 501- 590-1055 Mayflower 501-580-9000 Pulaski County 501-529-5151 Pulaski County 501-605-7565 Cabot 501-230-5635 Mt. Vernon-Enola, Pangburn, Rose Bud 501 858-7403 Bald Knob, Beebe, Riverview 501-827-1344 Searcy 501-724-5748 Newport, Midland, Bradford, Augusta, McCrory 870-295-3208 Lee County, Clarendon, Forrest City, West Memphis 870-633-0442 Wynne, Brinkley, Forrest City, Palestine-Wheatley 901-301-4381 Earle, Marion, West Memphis, Cross County 901-486-8786 Marion, West Memphis 870-926-0423 Bay, Jackson County, Harrisburg, Marked Tree 870-275-2929 Brookland, Buffalo Island Central, Riverside 870-919-3690 Buffalo Island Central, Gosnell, Manilla 870-740-1694 Blytheville, Osceola, Rivercrest 870-926-2740 Corning, Piggott, Rector, Greene County Tech, Marmaduke, Maynard 870-239-4002 Greene County Tech, Paragould 870-351-7459 Jonesboro 870-210-2062 Jonesboro, Westside Consolidated 870-761-3990 Hillcrest, Hoxie, Lawrence County, Sloan-Hendrix 870-847-7334 Mammoth Spring, Salem, Viola, Pocahontas, Highland 870-291-2515 Calico Rock, Izard County Consolidated, Melbourne, Cave City, Mountain View 870-612-3974 Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Southside 501-362-5815 Norfork, Concord, Mountain View 501-912-1441 Nemo Vista, South Conway County, Wonderview, Perryville 501-250-7039 Heber Springs, Quitman, Guy-Perkins, Clinton, South Side 501-314-9250 Greenbrier, Vilonia 479-970-7982 Dover, Pottsville, Shirley 304-276-0087 Clarksville, Lamar, Westside

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DISTRICT MEMBER NAME EMAIL 70 Spencer Hawks-R [email protected] 71 Joe Cloud-R [email protected] 72 Steve Magie - D [email protected] 73 Mary Bentley - R [email protected] 74 Jon Eubanks-R [email protected] 75 Lee Johnson-R [email protected] 76 Cindy Crawford-R [email protected] 77 Justin Boyd - R [email protected] 78 Jay Richardson-D [email protected] 79 Gary Deffenbaugh-R [email protected] 80 Charlene Fite-R [email protected] 81 Bruce Coleman-R [email protected] 82 Sarah Capp-R [email protected] 83 Keith Slape-R [email protected] 84 Denise Garner-D [email protected] 85 David Whitaker - D [email protected] 86 Nicole Clowney-D [email protected] 87 Robin Lundstrom-R [email protected] 88 Clint Penzo-R [email protected] 89 Megan Godfrey-D [email protected] 90 Jana DellRosa-R [email protected] 91 Dan Douglas-R [email protected] 92 Gayla Hendren McKenzie-R [email protected] 93 Jim Dotson-R [email protected] 94 Rebecca Petty - R [email protected] 95 Austin McCollum-R [email protected] 96 Grant Hodges-R [email protected] 97 Harlan Breaux-R [email protected] 98 Ron McNair_R [email protected] 99 Jack Fortner-R [email protected] 100 Nelda Speaks-R [email protected]

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PHONE SCHOOL DISTRICT 501-764-6847 Conway, East End 479-858-8033 Russellville 501-680-0552 Conway 501-889-3556 Danville, Dardanelle, Two Rivers, Western Yell County 479-450-0533 Booneville, Magazine, Paris, Scranton 479-883-6393 Mulberry-Pleasant View, Fort Smith, Greenwood, Lavaca 479-883-1667 Fort Smith 479-221-5864 Fort Smith Fort Smith 479-719-8197 Van Buren 479-414-1818 Cedarville, Lincoln, Prairie Grove 479-806-6825 Alma, Mountainburg, Elkins, West Fork 479-209-2454 Charleston, County Line, Ozark, Huntsville 870 715-5623 Valley Springs, Deer/Mt. Judea, Jasper, Searcy County 479-283-5050 Fayetteville, Greenland 479-236-8313 Farmington, Fayetteville 479-445-5337 Fayetteville 479-957-1959 Siloam Springs, Springdale 479-466-6681 Springdale 479-200-4460 Springdale 479-236-3060 Rogers 479-273-1877 Gentry 479-787-6411 Decatur, Gravette 479-644-0740 Bentonville 479-621-3464 Bentonville, Rogers 479-426-4141 Pea Ridge 479-381-9513 Rogers 479-981-3170 Berryville, Eureka Springs 870-754-7962 Harrison, Green Forrest 870-656-7664 Bergman, Lead Hill, Omaha, Flippin, Yellville-Summit 870-421-2552 Mountain Home

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ARKANSAS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 SENATE

DISTRICT MEMBER NAME EMAIL PHONE 1 Bart Hester - R [email protected] 479-531-4176 2 Jim Hendren - R [email protected] 479-619-5498 3 Cecile Bledsoe - R [email protected] 479-639-2115 4 Greg Leding - D [email protected] 479-422-8099 5 Bob Ballinger - R [email protected] 870-350-5175 6 Gary Stubblefield - R [email protected] 479-965-3078 7 Lance Eads - R [email protected] 479-435-5139 8 Matt Pitsch - R [email protected] 479 883-2072 9 Terry Rice - R [email protected] 479-650-9712 10 Larry Teague - D [email protected] 870-845-5303 11 Jimmy Hickey - R [email protected] 903-824-8861 12 Bruce Maloch - D [email protected] 870-904-5517 13 Alan Clark - R [email protected] 501-262-3360 14 Bill Sample - R [email protected] 501-624-3445 15 Mark Johnson - R [email protected] 501-682-6107

16 Breanne Davis-R [email protected] 479-970-0081 17 Scott Flippo - R [email protected] 870-204-7748 18 Missy Irvin - R [email protected] 870-269-2703

19 James Sturch - R [email protected] 870-612-7589 20 Blake Johnson - R [email protected] 870-323-1766 21 John Cooper - R jncooper@[email protected] 870-761-0130 22 Dave Wallace-R [email protected] 870-919-8046 23 Ronald Caldwell -R [email protected] 870-238-5421 24 Keith Ingram - D [email protected] 870-735-9580 25 Stephanie Flowers - D [email protected] 870-535-1032 26 Eddie Cheatham - D [email protected] 870-364-5659 27 Trent Garner-R [email protected] 870-818-9219 28 Jonathan Dismang - R [email protected] 501-766-8220 29 Ricky Hill - R [email protected] 501-286-2285 30 Linda Chesterfield - D [email protected] 501-993-5345 31 Joyce Elliott - D [email protected] 501-626-3037 32 Will Bond-D [email protected] 501-936-5400 33 Kim Hammer - R [email protected] 501-840-3841 34 Jane English - R [email protected] 501-257-7670 35 Jason Rapert - R [email protected] 501-336-0918

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ARKANSAS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 SENATE

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 Clinton, Conway, Dardanelle, East End, Greenbriar, Mayflower, Nemo Vista, Perryville, PCSSD, South Conway County, Southside BeeBranch, Two Rivers, Vilonia, Wonderview 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 Norfork, Concord, Heber Springs, Quitman, West Side, Guy-Perkins, Mayflower, Salem, Viola, Salem, Searcy County, Mountain View, Pangburn, Rose Bud, White County Central Batesville, Cedar Ridge, Midland, Southside, Calico Rock, Melbourne, Sloan-Hendrix 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, Parker’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 18 | Educator’s Guide to the Capitol: Creating the Schools Our Students Deserve DETERMINED CONSTITUENT GUIDE TO THE ARKANSAS STATE CAPITOL

The 92nd General Assembly begins the 2019 Regular Session on January 14. 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.

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THIRD FLOOR • SUITE 350 ARKANSAS HOUSE 501-682-6211 (In-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. The House generally convenes at 1:30 PM each afternoon unless otherwise specified. A live video stream is available on the House website. Learn more at arkansashouse.org.

HOUSE FAST FACTS • 100 Members: 76 Republicans, 24 Democrats • Speaker: Matthew Shepherd (R-El Dorado) • Speaker Pro-Tempore: Jon Eubanks (R-Paris) • Majority Leader: Marcus Richmond (R-Harvey) • Majority Whip: Brandt Smith (R-Jonesboro) • Minority Leader: Charles Blake (D-Little Rock) • Minority Whip: LeAnne Burch (D-Monticello)

SEND A MESSAGE TO MEMBERS 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.

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FIRST FLOOR AND “BIG MAC” B HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEES

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.

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 Education Rm 138 Judiciary Rm 149 Revenue and Taxation Rm 151 Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Rm 130 Public Transportation “Big MAC” B

HOUSE STANDING “B” COMMITTEES Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative, and Military Affairs Rm 130 Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development Rm 138 City, County, and Local Affairs “Big MAC” B Insurance and Commerce Rm 149 State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Rm 151

Always check the schedule before traveling!

aeaonline.org | 21 THIRD FLOOR • SUITE 320 ARKANSAS SENATE 501-682-2902 (In-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. While Senators are often in the Senate chamber, their offices are scattered throughout the south end of the Capitol. 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. The Senate generally convenes at 1:30 PM each afternoon unless otherwise specified. A live audio stream is available on the Senate website. Note: The Senate seldom meets on Friday. Learn more at arkansas.gov/senate.

SENATE FAST FACTS • 35 Members: 26 Republicans, 9 Democrats • President Pro Tem: Jim Hendren (R-Gravette) • Majority Leader: Bart Hester (R-Cave Springs) • Majority Whip: Scott Flippo (R-Mountain Home) • 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 FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD FLOORS SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES

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. Note: The Senate seldom meets on Friday during session. If you wish to speak at a committee hearing, you must sign in. Ask staff for guidance. All Senate committees meet on the south end of the Capitol. Two committees meet “in the Old Su- preme Court room (OSC) on the second floor.

SENATE STANDING “A” COMMITTEES Education Rm 207 Judiciary Rm 171 Revenue and Tax OSC Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Rm 272

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.

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