NWAOnline’s Legislative Coverage

Legislature To Tackle Needs In Tough Times

THE MORNING NEWS LITTLE ROCK — The 87th General Assembly convenes Jan. 12 in economic times so uncertain that Gov. Mike Beebe’s fallback plan for balancing the state budget includes using one-time money for ongoing human services needs. Still, the governor will try to push a further reduction in the state sales tax on groceries through the [...]

Legislature: For Beebe, Times Have Changed

By James Jefferson LITTLE ROCK — Mike Beebe began his first legislative session as governor two years ago with the state awash in extra money. This time around, he’ll be pinching pennies. With a surplus close to $1 billion in 2007, Beebe earmarked nearly half for renovating dilapidated public school buildings and equipment and still managed to cut [...]

Past Clashes Involve Key Players

Gov. Mike Beebe will seek cooperation on key issues among a cadre of government leaders, some of whom have clashed in the past with him and each other. Here are some of the key players who along with the governor will help shape the agenda for the upcoming session