The 2022 Fiscal Session is now underway.

In a Joint Session of the 93rd General Assembly, Governor Hutchinson outlined his budget priorities for the 2023 Fiscal year.

In addition to increases in funding for education and healthcare, the Governor is requesting funding for the victims of crime through the Crime Victims Reparations Program, funding for child abduction response teams, and funding for two new drug courts.

The Governor voiced his support for an increase in pay for state troopers. He is also requesting $45 million in the surplus fund to be used as a $5,000 one-time payment for every county and city-certified law enforcement officer.

He is requesting surplus funds be used for safety equipment for law enforcement and for investment in a new prison facility.

The Joint Budget Committee will meet on Tuesday at 9 am and the House will reconvene at 1 pm.

You can watch all committee meetings and House proceedings at www.arkansashouse.org.