A big thank you again for all those who came out to the 2023 Lobby Day and Rally Around Public Education on Wednesday. We stood up and spoke truth to power against the dangerous education plan the Governor is pushing.

We continue to see legislation move forward that attacks our rights. Several of these bills are on the agenda to be heard TOMORROW (Monday, Feb. 20), including SB71 – which would abolish affirmative action – as well as some that seek to illegally change the Arkansas Constitution (read more below).

This Thursday (Feb. 23) at the Capitol steps, we need you to come stand up against the attacks on all of our rights! This is a collaboration between Arkansas Public Policy Panel, Citizens First Congress, ACLU of Arkansas and many other groups- with more still signing on.

Find more info on the Stand For AR Rights Rally and share with friends here.

New Bills We're Watching

Attack on Ballot Measure

SB260/HB1419: To Create the Ensuring Access for All Arkansans and Voter Protection Act of 2023.
Lead Sponsor: Sen. Jim Dotson (R), Rep. Kendon Underwood (R)
CFC Stance: Oppose
Summary: These bills seek to amend the Arkansas constitution by increasing the number of counties required to obtain signatures for a ballot initiative from 15 counties to 50 counties. It also increases the amount of signatures required by 50%.
Why It Matters: This legislation violates the Arkansas constitution by seeking to change the text of the constitution via legislation as opposed through a constitutional amendment.
The overwhelming majority of Arkansans voted to reject a similar measure in 2020, Issue 3, that would have increased the number of counties required.
If passed and made law, this would make it all but impossible for everyday citizens to see ballot initiatives put on the ballot, all but ensuring that big-monied special interests buy their way into our constitution.
Current Status: SB260 passed out of the Senate State Agencies committee on Feb. 15, HB1419 will be heard on TOMORROW (Feb. 20) in the House State Agencies committee
Call To Action: Tell your lawmaker to Protect Your Rights and Vote No on SB260 and HB1419.
House of Representative Message Board: 501-682-6211
Senate Message Board: 501-682-2902

Another Illegal Attempt to Amend the Constitution

HB1407: To Create the Voter Registration and Secure Voter Records Act of 2023
Lead Sponsor: Rep. Rick McClure (R), 64 Republican representative co-sponsors
CFC Stance: Oppose

Summary: Amends the constitution to allow the Secretary of State to examine the accuracy of the statewide voter rolls. This includes verifying the address of the voter, preventing multistate registration, and verifying citizenship of the voter.
Why It Matters: This legislation seeks to amend the Arkansas Constitution, which is not legal through legislation passed through the General Assembly. Only a referred Joint Resolution or a citizen led ballot initiative in which the citizens of Arkansas vote on said amendment can change the constitution. Regardless of the contents of the legislation, the General Assembly is attempting to unilaterally change our constitution without our input.
Current Status: Referred to the House State Agencies Committee, scheduled to be heard TOMORROW (Feb. 20).

FRIDAY WEBINAR: Why Black History Matters

riday's discussion stressed the importance of teaching Black history throughout the year – not just in February (and included some great book recommendations).

Racial Equity Coordinator and moderator, Osyrus Bolly, was joined by panelists Stacey McAdoo and Kwami Abdul-Bey.

They spoke about how the study of Black history provides important context for how we got to where we are today and a deeper understanding of the issues we still face in this country, with the panelists sharing their personal experience of being empowered through understanding history.

Watch full webinar here

This discussion is part of the series of Noon Friday Webinars the Arkansas Public Policy Panel is hosting each Friday during the 94th General Legislative Assembly via Facebook Live. Next week's will be a Legislative Update from Leadership with guests representatives Tippi McCullough and Vivian Flowers. See event page for more info.