State Sen. Ben Gilmore gave Bradley County Economic Development Corp. board members an overview of the recent legislative session during the monthly board meeting Monday.
Gilmore is in his second term after serving as an aide to U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman. He mostly deals with criminal justice issues and also served in the Forestry Caucus with state Rep. Jeff Wardlaw.
He said the 89-day session had the smallest number of bills passed since the 1970s. One of the main bills was the Protect Arkansas Act which created four levels of percentages that inmates would have to serve before being eligible for parole. He noted that aims to reduce the current 50 percent recidivism rate and offer more work-related programs.
Top photo: State Sen. Ben Gilmore spoke to the Bradley County Economic Development Corp. board Monday. Shown, from left, are Gilmore, board member James Wells and accountant Bob Milton. Photo by Tim Kessler.
By Tim Kessler
Saline River Chronicle Freelance Contributor
The law changes the parole revocation point system and Gilmore said, “We have broadened the ways to offset negative points.”
He said the new law gives inmates more access to their children and allows pregnant inmates more time outside of prison after they give birth.
“Preparing them to meet workforce demands will make them more successful,” he said.
Other issues included creating corridors for hauling logs on federal highways, repeal of the throwback law that caused businesses working in other states to have tax levies sent back to Arkansas if the other state didn’t tax at the same rate and the LEARNS Act education law.
Board members present for the meeting included Chairman Dr. Bob Smalling, James Wells, Hugh Allen Quimby, John Gavin and Devin McDiarmid.
In other action:
- Accountant Bob Milton said the organization had $125,000 cash on hand, with $919,000 fixed assets, $869,000 net worth. One member joined last month, paying a $50 membership fee. There was a $114 loss for the month and $2,928 loss for the year.
- A dinner was held at Warren Country Club in honor of a prospective industry.
- A regional meeting will be held soon with new Highway Commissioner David Haak of Texarkana.
- A $200 donation was approved to Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival.
- A motion was approved to pay $550 for liability insurance through Merchants and Planters Agency to cover the Griggs Property and 45 acres leased to a chip mill. The Binns Property may be added to the policy later.
- Smalling reported a business looking at the Griggs Property would need 150 rail cars stored there. He said BCEDC may look at acquiring some additional property.
- Banks Mayor Keeton Hudson said a slab would be poured this week for a new fire station. He said a sales tax election will be held on May 9 for a tax that could bring in $900-$1,000 per month.
- Smalling reported the South East Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority board met and discussed the possibility of putting a feed mill on the property. He said Tyson Foods recently closed its Pine Bluff feed mill.
- Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terrie White said inquiries have been made about Pink Tomato Festival vendors booths and T-shirts. She said T-shirts should be available for sale soon.
The Chamber will sponsor the next Market On Main from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 20. The Tour DeTomato bicycle event and Hermitage Daze will also be held on that date.
- On Wednesday, board member Devin McDiarmid said senior SEACBEC students will make a citywide tour, including the courthouse, downtown businesses, Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles and Arkansas State Police.
- BCEDC will not have a board meeting in May. The next meeting will be June 26.