Patterson updates session

Lawmakers were scheduled to reconvene in the Arkansas legislature Wednesday and continue the current session through Friday of this week.

According to State Rep. Mike Patterson of Piggott, the session should be interesting. "We'll be working on setting up the new state lottery, and we want to make sure it's done correctly," the second-term lawmaker noted Tuesday morning. "And the Governor has asked for a 56-cent a pack tax on cigarettes." Patterson noted the proposed tax would not only fund the implementation of a trauma system in Arkansas, but also would benefit hospitals across the state and the Department of Human Services.

"Anytime we're able to budget money to DHS, we're looking at matching federal funds of up to three to one, and that's something we have to take into account in the budget process," he added.

Patterson also gave an update on the governor's efforts to cut the state's sales tax on groceries. "At first he was asking for three cents, but now he's cut that to just a penny. But anytime you cut a penny you're talking about losing over $30 million in taxes coming in. I'm still undecided about how I'm going to vote on that one."

A local effort also kept Patterson busy his first week in Little Rock, as he continued to work to try to maintain funding for the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Education Center.

"I met with the governor and his staff last Tuesday evening at the Governor's mansion on the subject, and we had another meeting Friday on the funding issue," he said. "In fact, I've got another meeting with the governor on the subject later this week."

Patterson also noted the local letter, card and email campaign has helped bring the matter to the attention of state officials, and he encouraged more of the same.

"I told (Mrs. Barker's) sixth grade class at Piggott Elementary Monday that I was behind it, and how much I appreciated the letters they wrote in support of the museum."

State funding for the museum was cut last biennium, and some lawmakers have questioned the spending in the past. Patterson, along with State Senator Robert Thompson of Paragould, have encouraged friends of the museum to contact Gov. Mike Beebe and voice their support for continued funding.