LITTLE ROCK - In their response to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s State of the State Address, Arkansas House and Senate Democrats outlined their vision for a better Arkansas and the failures of the extreme Republican supermajority in their legislature.

“When you call us, we answer. When you need help, we’re there. Since the time of David Pryor, Democrats have put people first, and that’s just as true today.” said House Minority Leader Andrew Collins.

“She only mentioned it briefly, but I’m glad the Governor shares Democrats’ interest in improving maternal health, where Arkansas ranks dead last among states. We’ll be pressing to make sure that the Governor pursues policies that will actually make a difference for mothers and families in this state. If she wants to take some of our proposals and make them her own, that’s great. All that matters is that good policy gets done,” said House Minority Leader Andrew Collins.

Senator Fred Love discussed the critical issues ignored by Gov. Sanders, Franklin County prison fiasco unfolding, Arkansas’s failure to expand Medicaid, and the lack of responsiveness to the issues important to Arkansans.

“When we first started, [the Franklin County Prison] had a price tag of $300 million, and soon we were told this new prison was going to cost $470 million. Now, we’re being told it may be at least THREE TIMES that, closer to $1.5 billion. Arkansans….we all deserve better than this,” said Sen. Fred Love.  

“Now, I’m going to ask you something. Where is the legislation that goes along with the priorities the Governor outlined today? Where are the bills?” said Sen. Love. “Where are the bills? We cannot rush through legislation without a full discussion. Not again.” 

“Folks, people in this administration are not being straight with you. You should expect better.  You deserve better,” said Sen. Love. “As Democrats, we will demand better. State government doesn’t belong to any one party. It belongs to the people. 

“We’ll work with the Governor where we agree and be vocal when we don’t. We will shine a light on what’s happening and show you that a better Arkansas is one when everyone’s voice is heard and that although we may disagree, we have debated the merits of each and every bill and Arkansans have a voice in the process,” said Sen. Love.

Rep. Andrew Collins took questions from reporters following planned remarks. Reporters asked about working across the aisle, slowing rushed legislation, and Democrats’ view on upcoming tax cuts for the wealthiest Arkansans.

“?When we cut that top tax rate, that makes it more difficult for us to find the resources for other important priorities, including tax relief for working families who need it,” said Rep. Collins.

“We’ll also fight for good policy that makes life better for the people of Arkansas. That’s why we laid out our Better Arkansas Agenda this fall, focusing on four priority areas: taking Arkansas from worst to first in maternal health, strengthening public education, tackling mental health, and defending our democracy. We’ve been driving the conversation forward in these areas, and we’ll continue to do so,” said Rep. Collins. 

Democrats are prepared to provide facts, to listen to everyday Arkansans, and to keep you in the know about what’s going on in Little Rock.

Watch the full response.