Legislative Corner


From the counties to ‘the Hill...’ A typical jam-packed day of doing business during the session


and protection in times of disaster for rural counties across the state of Arkansas. Tat work takes place all year long, but the culmination is the beginning of the Arkansas legislative session. Te exciting time when officers of old and new take the reins of leadership as Associations, such as the AAC, work to keep them honest, accountable and focused on the needs of their citizens. Tis article will serve as a walk-through on the day-to-day efforts of the AAC. Each morning the staff meets at 8 o’clock to discuss the issues for the day ahead, summarize goals and objectives and strategize. Te team then heads to the Capitol – otherwise known as “the Hill” – to begin the push for legislation on county-related issues. Every member is entrusted with the full confidence of the AAC’s Legislative Director and Executive Director. Quick decisions are sometimes necessary and we are confident that the men and women elected to the Legislative Committee from among the nine associations representing each area of county and district government are fully competent and able to meet their tasks. All non-pressing matters are brought to the entire Legislative Committee in the follow-up meeting at the end of each day’s legislative session. In this meeting, the committee briefs the Executive and Legislative Directors on the events and progress of that day and provides an overview of following day’s issues. Please remember that all county officials are invited to attend any committee meeting or the daily AAC staff meetings. Your service is both encouraged and appreciated as we work together for a better Arkansas. Every AAC staff member is expected to pitch in generally; however, specific assignments are as follows: Legal analysis of specific legislation, Coroners, Collectors and Sherriffs issues are assigned to Mark Whitmore; financial issues and those issues delegated by the directors are assigned to Martha Miller; County Judge and Assessor issues are assigned to Wes Fowler; all Clerk issues (Circuit or County) are assigned to Patty Hill; Treasurer issues, JP issues, and miscellaneous issues are assigned to Jeff Sikes; and Executive Director Chris Villines gives hands-on oversight to the daily process.


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Committee assignments are vital to the Association agenda as the staff of the AAC comprises the driving force that helps the legislative committee function at its highest level.


Committee and staff assignments are as follows:


(Compiled by AAC Law Clerk Keia Johnson for Jeff Sikes’ Legislative Corner)


he Legislative staff of the AAC works hard to push through meaningful legislation and tackle tough issues that are important to you, from securing federal funding and grants for education to strengthening county flood insurance


COMMITTEE & STAFF ASSIGNED “A” COMMITTEES


Education – Jeff Sikes


Judiciary – Mark Whitmore & Debbie Wise Public Health, Welfare & Labor – Jeff Sikes Public Transportation – Wes Fowler Revenue & Taxation – Martha Miller & Chris Villines


“B” COMMITTEES


Aging, Children, Legislative & Military Affairs – House – Martha Miller


City, County & Local Affairs – Chris Villines & Wes Fowler Insurance & Commerce – Randy Kemp State Agencies & Government Affairs – Patti Hill & Wes Fowler


“C” COMMITTEES


Transportation, Technology & Legislative Affairs – Senate – Mark Whitmore


JOINT COMMITTEES Energy – Mark Whitmore


Public Retirement & Social Security – Chris Villines Joint Budget (JBC) – Randy Kemp JBC/Personnel – Randy Kemp JBC/Special Language – Randy Kemp


SELECT COMMITTEES


Rules – House – Mark Whitmore Technology – House – Mark Whitmore


JEFF SIKES AAC Legislative Director


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COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2011


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