Minority Leaders Rep. Andrew Collins and Sen. Greg Leding gave remarks after the adjournment of the General Session

LITTLE ROCK — Following the adjournment of the legislative session, Arkansas House and Senate Minority leaders presented their closing remarks at a press conference. Democrats discussed the bills they were able to pass, including bills that expanded access to voting and healthcare and made state government more transparent. Democrats also discussed bills passed by Republicans, including the assault on direct democracy, attacks on libraries, and attempts to take control away from cities and counties. 

Rep. Andrew Collins (D-Little Rock) said, “Today we'll talk about the direction of the state and some of the serious problems created and worsened by the Republican supermajority. We'll also highlight some Democratic and bipartisan successes, because despite the bleak overall picture, there are some bright spots, too. This session will be remembered for out-of-control spending on misguided policies, power grabs away from the people of Arkansas and divisive national politics continuing to seep into our state. The message was clear from the very beginning of session, Republicans were going to bust the budget on no limit private school vouchers and a misguided billion dollar plus prison in Franklin County, and there wouldn't be much left for anything else.”

“Still, the news is not all bad,” continued Rep. Collins. “The work Democrats did fighting back against this harmful agenda and finding ways to advance good policy that will help the people of Arkansas provided some bright spots.”

“I think to a person,” Sen. Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville) said, “[House & Senate Democrats] filed bills to help families, women, help expand access to healthcare, to help reform criminal justice issues, to do more to help everyday Arkansans.”

Sen. Greg Leding said, “One of the biggest issues in the session, obviously, was the prison. Senate Democrats came together… to keep that issue from advancing. That was one of the governor's signature issues. Regardless of what you might think about the need for prison, it's clear that that plan in Franklin County was wrong. And, despite the fact that our governor won 76% of the vote in Franklin County, that didn't matter.”

“Democrats showed up. We stood by those folks. We worked with them to help block that plan, and we will continue to do so. And so, to any Republicans out there who are frustrated with Republican leadership, I would just say, please look at the work that Democrats did this session. It doesn't matter whether you voted for us, it doesn't matter where you live,” Sen. Leding continued.

Sen. Greg Leding said, “And I want to assure you that... Democrats in both chambers, Every day we were breaking our backs to ensure the best possible outcomes. And so in the lousiest situations, we will always put the people of Arkansas first. Always again, whether you vote for us or not, Arkansas Democrats will show up whenever, wherever and for as long as it takes, to fight for you.”