Rep. Matthew Shepherd is now the Speaker of the Arkansas House. We convened Friday, June 15, 2018, for a special House Caucus Friday morning. The House voted by acclamation to name Shepherd as Speaker for the remainder of the 91st General Assembly.

Better access to mental-health counseling for students must be a priority as Arkansas leaders look for ways to tighten security at public schools, Gov. Hutchinson said today as he accepted preliminary report from the AR School Safety Commission. Details: bit.ly/SchlSafety.

“Prepare for your future and your career, but don’t forget to prepare to set yourself apart from everyone else in your field.” -Andrew Parker, AR State Chamber #ThinkBeyond #CHSCareerConference

Today we participated in Forestry Day at the Capitol with the Arkansas Forestry Association, where we also celebrated Smokey Bear's 75th Birthday. #SmokeyBear75 #ArkAg Check out more photos at: flickr.com…/72157675843922977/with/45928987065/

We are preparing for a huge announcement this morning at the Capitol. The Arkansas Republican Women Caucus is about to kick this off! #ARGOP #DreamBIGAr #ARNews #ARPX

Rep Charlene Fire speaking about Juvenile Justice Reform and the Legislative package that will be filed. #arleg

Strong, conservative women taking the lead! They are great role models for girls in Arkansas, like my daughter, Delta. They represent the majority of women in Arkansas, like my wife, Kelly. #DreamBIGAr #arpx #arleg #ARNews

The AR Republican Women Caucus is bringing some bold initiatives to the table this morning to include education, economic development, healthcare, and juvenile justice reform. They have dubbed these solutions the #DreamBIGAr Campaign! #arpx #ARNews

Today, Arkansas has been formally introduced to the Leadership of the largest Republican Women Caucus in state history. With over 144 years of collective public service experience, they are ready to offer solutions to ALL ARKANSANS. #arpx #ARNews #DreamBIGAr

Sen. Jane English outlines literacy goals for legislators.

Sen. Missy Irvin introduces “dream BIG” list of goals for legislature to enact this session.

Two pieces of legislation addressing the opioid crises in AR moved forward. With a vote of 97-0, the House voted to advance HB1013 to the Senate. This bill adds podiatrists to the list of healthcare providers subject to rules regarding schedule II narcotics. 1/7

HB1177 provides rights for employees including the right to refuse an implant, have it removed, and access to the data collected- ensuring the employer responsible for costs incurred. A bill making way to the Senate addresses large animal veterinary shortages in the state. 6/7

HB1124 creates certifications for veterinary technologist and technician specialist. It passed the House with a vote of 96-0. The House will convene again on Wednesday at 1:30pm. 7/7

Click to view today's daily summary : bit.ly/2RLJBmL The House will reconvene on Monday, January 28 at 1:30pm.

The House has now wrapped up its 2nd week of Regular Session. More than 250+bills have been filed in the House&150+have been filed in the Senate. Weekly Update: bit.ly/2WgV8ZG

"Today is a BAD day for Cancer." Missy Thomas Irvin is introducing SB151, which will help the UAMS W. P. Rockefeller Center gain National Cancer Institute designation. This new measure is expected to drop cancer mortality by nearly 25%. #DreamBIGar #arnews #arpx

Arkansas Agriculture Secretary "optimistic" 2019 will be a brighter year for farmers katv.com/news/local/ark…

Senate Tax and Rev. just failed used car sales tax bill that would've raised the exemption from $4000 to $7500. #arleg

To any college student struggling w/ food insecurity, there is hope. I would encourage you to visit your local Wendy’s & fill out an application. As a manager in college I received $15 of comped food daily. W/ that level of village support you can feed friends & make new ones.