Hope Kiwanis Club Hears From State Representative Dolly Henley

District 88 State Representative Dolly Henley gave a brief program to the Hope Kiwanis Club on Tuesday (3-25).  Henley talked about some of the legislation the legislature is seeing.  She briefly touched on the ACCESS higher education reform bill noting that the bill is promoting programs similar to what Hope High has collaborated on with UAHT to have high school students gain college credit with still in high school.  She also talked about Workforce Challenge Scholarship and the increase in the Arkansas Academic scholarship amount.  Another piece of legislation she discussed was a maternal healthcare bill that will improve health care for expecting mothers and allow these ladies to get check-ups at the county health units.  Henley also talked about legislation aimed at curbing youth suicide and also noted the recent increase in the homestead property tax credit to $600.  Another piece of legislation she highlighted a grant program the legislature approved for wastewater and water treatment plants.   Henley also discussed some legislation that will allow energy companies to allow utilities to charge incremental rates to allow expansion of electrical systems for the power needed for the future.  Henley this is not supposed to affect Hope Water & Light.  Another piece of legislation will reform canvassers who solicit signatures seeking to place an initiative on the public ballot.

Henley closed out by saying she is also working to seek funding for our local hospital.  She says her aim is to talk to someone everyday about the needs Hope has for the hospital.

She thanked the Kiwanians for letting her rerpresent them in the legislature.