It was another historic day in the House Chamber as all newly elected constitutional office took the oath of office.
Among those swearing in were Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, Secretary of State John Thurston, Treasurer Dennis Milligan, Auditor of State Andrea Lea, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land and Governor Asa Hutchinson.
After taking his oath, the Governor addressed the legislature outlining his agenda for this session.He called for a third phase of tax cuts being referred to as the “2-4-5.9 plan”. It would lower income tax rates to 2% for people who earn up to $8,000 a year, 4% for those who earn between $8,001 and $18,000 a year and 5.9% for people who earn more than $18,000 a year.
He is also asking the legislature to increase public safety funding for more state troopers and increase minimum teacher salaries by $1,000 a year.
More than 250 bills have already been filed. Committees will begin meeting Wednesday morning at 10am. The House will convene at 1:30 on Wednesday.