CFC Alert! Put energy efficiency in Arkansas' Constitution

Thank you for your calls on SJR6 to support energy efficient government buildings! 

SJR6 came up along with HJR1003 and HJR1004, but the committee did not make a decision today. All three are being pushed hard, and legislators are trying to find a way to combine the proposals. This will most likely be decided on tomorrow - your calls can still help!

Please call or e-mail the following legislators ask them to support energy efficiency and support SJR6:

• Sen. Bobby Glover, Carlisle -- cnhc@juno.com; 870-552-7150; or 501-682-2902 during the day
• Sen. Randy Laverty, Jasper -- 870-446-5005; or 501-682-2902 during the day
• Sen. Bill Pritchard, Elkins -- pritchardb@arkleg.state.ar.us; 479-442-8611; or 501-682-2902 during the day
• Sen. Ed Wilkinson, Greenwood -- 479-996-4171; or 501-682-2902 during the day
• Rep. Larry Cowling, Foreman -- cowlingl@arkleg.state.ar.us; 870-542-7453; or 501-682-6211 during the day
• Rep. Linda Tyler, Conway -- tylerl@arkleg.state.ar.us; 501-329-8644; or 501-682-6211 during the day
• Rep. Tiffany Rogers, Stuttgart -- rogerst@arkleg.state.ar.us ; 870-830-3953; or 501-682-6211 during the day
• Rep. Butch Wilkins, Bono -- wilkinsb@arkleg.state.ar.us; 870-972-5503; or 501-682-6211 during the day

The Legislature is allowed to refer 3 ballot items or constitutional amendments each legislative session to the ballot for people to vote on.  They have already referred 2 this session -- on economic development and on the "right to hunt" that messes with the Game and Fish Commission.  These still need to be approved by Arkansas voters to be enacted. 

That leaves just one more, and it will be decided by the Senate and House Joint State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee.  SJR6 is the last chance this legislature will have to make our energy systems more efficient and clean -- don't let them miss the opportunity!

The Citizens First Congress is a grassroots coalition of over 40 community groups from across Arkansas that works on progressive reform at the Arkansas Legislature.  

Our Ten Priorities for a Better Arkansas for the 2009 Arkansas Legislature are

• Increased resources for rural and small business economic development.
• Enact the recommendations of the HIV/AIDS Task Force.
• Progressive tax reform to provide low and middle income tax relief while generating sufficient state revenue.
• Enact the recommendations of the Global Warming Commission.
• Create an Arkansas Civil Rights Commission.
• Close the education achievement gap.
• Enact the Dream Act to make sure every student graduating from an Arkansas school has the opportunity to pay in-state college tuition.
• Create a Task Force on Arkansas Water Resources.
• Increase penalties for and enforcement of wage theft.
• Expand state incentives for land conservation.