State Representative RJ Hawk

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸

Their courage, service, and dedication will never be forgotten. As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, may we also take a moment to remember and give thanks to those who gave everything for our country.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

Congrats!

🏆💙Congratulations to the Bryant Lady Hornets on winning their third consecutive 6A Conference Championship!

The Senate talked a lot of trash leading up to this game (rightfully so…they had won 7 straight games).

Nothing like a walk off in the bottom of the 7th and raising a ton of money for kids!

Today House Resolution 1052 & Senate Resolution 37 (companion resolutions) were filed. These resolutions were done because Girls State (American Legion Auxiliary) is punishing 10 girls in Bryant as well as many more across the state for a clerical error, not by the students but by administrators. The committee is saying that these young ladies can’t participate in something that many of them have been waiting to be part of.

Once again, the kids did everything correct to meet the deadline and administrators missed the deadline because the new date was not communicated.

The American Legion Auxiliary has refused to communicate with parents, school staff and legislators. Administrators at each school have even admitted fault in not meeting the deadline.

At the end of the day, Girls State (the American Legion Auxiliary) chooses to punish kids who have done nothing wrong. Kids only have one shot at attending and that opportunity is being taken away.

The joint fiscal session is underway! Up next: Governor Sarah Sanders will deliver the State of the State speech

As we prepare for the upcoming Fiscal Session, activity is already underway at the Capitol. This week, more than 70 budget bills were filed in the House, marking an important first step in the state’s formal budgeting process. Each bill is filed through the Clerk’s Office, where it is assigned a number and scanned so Arkansans can easily access it online.

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol on April 8 at noon to officially begin the Fiscal Session of the Arkansas General Assembly. After the House convenes, members will briefly recess before joining the Senate in the House Chamber for the Governor’s address, which traditionally outlines priorities for the year ahead.

Fiscal Sessions are unique in that they are focused entirely on the state’s budget. Under Amendment 86 of the Arkansas Constitution, lawmakers are limited to budget matters unless a separate resolution is adopted by a two-thirds majority in both chambers. This ensures our attention remains on responsible planning and funding of the state government.

Arkansas continues to be in a strong financial position. The most recent general revenue report shows net available general revenues totaling just over $5 billion, up 4.6 percent from this time last year and exceeding forecast expectations. The Department of Finance and Administration currently anticipates a surplus of $334 million.

The Governor’s proposed budget reflects modest growth, increasing overall state spending by about 3 percent while making targeted investments. These include additional funding for education, state employee pay, public safety efforts, workforce initiatives, and higher education. In recent discussions with lawmakers, she emphasized the state’s strong financial position and the goal of continuing to reduce the income tax.

House leadership expects the session to last around three weeks, as members work to finalize a balanced budget that supports Arkansas families and keeps our state moving forward. You can watch the Governor’s address and all House meetings at arkansashouse.org.

TITLE TOWN USA!!! Go Hornets!!

Tonight was a great night celebrating 75 years of the bentonchamberofcommerce at the annual banquet!

I’m blessed to be able to represent a portion of this great county!

It was also great to hear the inspiring story of Sarah Thomas, the first female NFL referee!