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Arkansas Legislature back in session this week

After a snowy week off, the Arkansas Legislature is back in session this week. There are lots of ways to keep up with what is happening, and your representatives need to hear from you. 

Here are ways to stay informed:
Arkansas Ballot Issues at Univ of Arkansas Extension
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
Democratic Party of Arkansas
Citizens First Congress
Moms Demand Action Arkansas
Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition
For AR People
Fight Forward

Several of our state senators and representatives are producing excellent newsletters. Sign up here:
Senator Greg Leding
Representative Nicole Clowney

Find your Arkansas State Senator here.
Find your Arkansas State Representative here

School Board filing periods coming soon
School Board elections matter! School Board positions are nonpartisan, and 11 seats in Benton County are up for re-election in 2021. The filing period is February 22 to March 1 and only 20 signatures are needed to file a nominating petition.  Find out more on our website. If you are interested in running, seeing district maps, or would like to talk to someone about the process, please email us TODAY at dpbccandidates@gmail.com

School Board Positions Available:

Decatur: Zones 1, 2, 3, and 5
Gentry: Zone 2
Gravette: Two at-large positions
Pea Ridge: One at-large position
Rogers: Zone 3, Two at-large positions
Siloam Springs: Zone 2
Three constitutional amendments will be added to the 2022 ballot

Arkansas lawmakers have filed 43 proposed constitutional amendments for the 2022 ballot. The proposals cover a variety of topics, calling for partisan elections, a higher threshold for voter approval of ballot issues, renters' rights, limits to lawsuit damages, eliminating personal property taxes, and granting more authority to lawmakers for calling extraordinary sessions. 

Now that the Feb. 10 filing deadline has passed, representatives and senators will narrow down the proposals in coming weeks through discussion at State Agencies and Governmental Affairs committee meetings. The Arkansas Constitution allows legislators to refer up to three amendments at a time to voters.

Arkansas's 1874 Constitution currently has 102 amendments, the latest of which were approved by voters in November 2020. Voters approved a permanent half-cent sales tax for roads and changed term limits for state legislators.

Full list of proposals and their sponsors here

Source: Democratic Party of Arkansas

Message from the Chair

The election is over, the insurrection is over, the inauguration is over, and the impeachment trial is over. Let’s all take a collective deep breath.  

However, we are still dealing with a global pandemic that impacts the health and economic security of many in our community. As we approach the one-year mark of our lives being disrupted, we feel the toll this pandemic has taken on our mental health. The  burden of worrying about safety at work and home, our financial safety, and the safety of our family and friends this year has been a lot, for all of us. 

Our state legislature has been taking advantage of the distraction of the pandemic. The plethora of harmful bills they have introduced is appalling. We have to stay engaged with our legislators. We have to follow their committees and urge them to vote down these harmful bills. 

We want to make sure that you have the information and tools you need to be engaged. At our February meeting, we had guest speaker, Sarah Moore, from the Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition, show us how to follow bills, contact our legislators, find their committees, and even watch committee hearings. 

Right here in Benton County, our work continues. Twelve School Board seats are up for election this spring. Information about specific zones that will be on the ballot is in our School Board article above. Look carefully at the maps of these zones. Who do you know that lives in those areas who would make a good addition to the School Board? Maybe you? 

This is a crucial time for the DPBC. This is not the time to sit back and wait for the next election cycle. This is the time to engage. The DPBC is ready. At every meeting, we will give you information you need to stay connected and an action you can take to unite, engage, or grow the party.   

This is my first note to you as your newly-elected chairperson. I would love to be all sunshine and lollipops, but our mission is too important. But honestly, I am excited to be here and truly excited for what’s to come. Thank you for being here, thank you for supporting our party. Together, we’re going to make change happen here in Benton County.

In Solidarity, 
Anna Good

Join the Membership Committee
The Membership Committee needs you to help recruit, engage, and integrate new members. The sun dancing on the snow and ice these last few days made it feel like a whole new world and reminded us of the the opportunities we have to renew Benton County, integrating more of our shared values into our local government. To do that we need people who are engaged members of our county party.  The Membership Committee welcomes new members, reaches out to our supporters to invite them to join us, and helps new members find out how they can get involved. If you are feeling excited about our possibilities, please reach out to our Membership Committee to learn about our vision for Benton County and how you can help!
Membership Drive!

Renew and pay your annual $15 dues soon
It's membership renewal time. Membership dues for the Democratic Party of Benton County are $15 annually. Dues are payable when you join and once a year in January or February. Please pay your dues and also complete an online membership form to provide or update your information. Click here for more information on membership and to join or renew.

To request a fee waiver, please complete the Sponsorship application form on our website here.

This year, consider sponsoring a member or making a donation to the DPBC when you join or renew.  We are building a strong community presence in Benton County and count on the consistent funding of our membership to finance these efforts.
 

Thank you for being a member of the DPBC!
 

Renew Now
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