March 4th, 2019
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson’s $95 million highway-funding bill, part of a historic $300 million highway funding package, passed the House today with 71 votes, reflecting broad, bipartisan support. In a second vote this afternoon, the House passed HJR1018 to refer an amendment to the voters to extend the current 1/2-cent sales tax passed in 2012.
“It is gratifying to work with members of the General Assembly who understand the dire need to fund the upkeep of our roads now and into the future,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “The passage of this historic bill is a solid and necessary measure to ensure we keep our roads in good repair, which is essential to our commerce and to daily life.”
The Governor praised representatives for passing HJR1018, a referred amendment that would give voters the chance to extend a 1/2-cent sales tax to pay for highways. The extension would raise $205 million a year.
“I appreciate the House chamber’s support, as well as the leadership from Speaker Shepherd and bill sponsor Representative Mike Holcomb for their work to pass this important legislation,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I am hopeful the Senate will follow suit. It would be wrong to deprive Arkansans of the chance to extend the tax that they approved a decade ago. This is an important piece of our overall transportation plan.”
Story: Office of Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchison
Photo: “Interstate 30 ends at this exit, leading traffic I-40 either east or west.” by Brandonrush is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
