Page 32 - ATR 2 2019 digital

“But where the negotiation came
“IT WILL JUST STRENGTHEN OUR OPPORTUNITIES, in is that we had to make sure that it
AND I’LL JUST COME BACK TO THE TRUCKING was $35 million a year that was going
INDUSTRY IS ONE OUT OF EVERY 12 JOBS IN to flow into there. So we had to not
ARKANSAS. THAT’S HOW WE GET OUR MARKETS make it just fluid but some guaranteed
amount to make sure we could reach
ABROAD AND TO OTHER STATES. WE’RE GREAT that $300 million level.” This is where
PRODUCERS HERE, BUT TRUCKING CARRIES US TO the general revenue would fit.
There was back and forth, but
THOSE MARKETS. AND SO WE WANT TO CONTINUE Hutchinson says the plan really came
TO GROW. THAT’S A CRITICAL PART OF OUR GROWTH, together as a result of participation
AND I THINK WE’RE REALLY WELL POSITIONED TO from so many critical players.
GET IT ALL.” “After some very tough negotiating,
by the time Monday rolled around, we
had pretty good unity around this plan
ing his belief that it was a three- and The casino tax became a point of that was announced.”
six-cent fuel tax increase that he could negotiation for the general revenue
ask the people of Arkansas to pay. piece from House Speaker Shepherd. MAKING IT PUBLIC
“Obviously, I had to satisfy the Hutchinson said the casinos were a When the cameras and report-
Speaker of the House, and I had to sat- part of his original plan because it has ers were huddled alongside lawmakers
isfy the Senate Pro Tem and get every- the potential to be a growing revenue and industry leaders in the governor’s
body together. But it was also industry, stream. “That was an important part of conference room, two easels held illus-
and Shannon Newton of the trucking an effective plan is, that you’ve got the trations of where the $300 million had
industry who was critical as a major ability to grow and keep up with infla- been found in the budget.
player in making sure that they were tion. That’s been the problem in the The legislature needed to approve
fully on board.” past. the ballot measure for voters to decide

32 Issue 2 2019 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT