NWAOnline’s Legislative Coverage

Three state lawmakers from Fayetteville — Sen. Sue Madison, Rep. Jim House and Rep. Uvalde Lindsey — all expressed support for the governor’s proposed tobacco tax increase but reserved the right to see the final bill. That support was voiced during a Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce forum that began at 4 p.m. Mayor Lioneld Jordan was at the event, hosted by chamber president Steve Clark.

Sen. Bill Pritchard, R-Elkins, still has “problems with it” (the tobacco tax), saying he saw a liquor tax as something more appropriate for paying for trauma centers. He said he talked with the governor and hopes for more money for drug courts and substance abuse programs. The governor also added some detail on funding the medical school expansion in Fayetteville, saying that he would make sure it received its first year funding but than anything after that would depend on available revenue. The governor’s office confirmed that.

All lawmakers at the forum said that the tobacco tax faced a tough sell and had actually lost ground since the governor first announced it.

In other news, Lindsey said there is a bill drafted that would provide some state money to all districts for school facilities but that it was very tough going so far. Also, a bill’s been filed to limit mayor’s pensions, Rep. House said.