The 94th General Legislative Assembly is underway and -- the Republicans seem to exceed each mean-spirited, ill-conceived proposed piece of legislation with another that's even worse, more hateful and likely unconstitutional.
There's maybe never been a more important time to dig in and get involved as a Democrat. We can't just get mad. We've got to come together and apply pressure on policymakers.
In Other News... February is for showing some love 💙 to our candidates and volunteers. Join us for a free appreciation event on Feb. 13. And much more.
PAY AR TEACHERS
Democrats Stand Up For Teachers and Students;
Need Our Help to Mobilize Votes
Democratic caucus leaders Senator Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville) and Representative Tippi McCullough (D-Little Rock) unveiled the RAISE Act of 2023 and classified staff raise bills in Little Rock last week. Every Democratic member of the state legislature is a co-sponsor of the bills. If passed, the educator raises would be funded from a portion of the state’s general revenue, with the state budget surplus having exceeded $1 billion last year.
The legislation filed by House and Senate Democrats pitches big investments in public school teachers and staff.
The RAISE Act (HB1268) would raise starting salaries from $36,000 to $50,000 and provide a $10,000 raise to teachers.
SB149, the companion bill in the Senate, would provide raises to classified staff and set the minimum hourly wage for classified staff at $15.
What can we do? It's time to RAISE up -- Call and email your legislator TODAY. Tell your legislator to raise teacher pay and to raise staff pay now with the RAISE Act of 2023.
More on What's Happening at State Government Level:
94th General Legislative Assembly:
For AR People recap of Week 4 of the 94th General Assembly: YouTube
Monday, February 13, 2023 TxARHouse, 300 S 1st St, Rogers, AR 72756 6:00 pm doors open, 6:30 pm food served.
This DPBC-sponsored event is our way of saying thank you to both the candidates that ran for public office and to those that supported candidates with their donations and their time and money.
We want this event to be free for all those that devoted time and energy during the 2022 campaign cycle. However, if you are feeling generous and are interested in offsetting the cost of this event, we have sponsorship opportunities available!
Save the Date for March:
Our March General Membership Meeting will bring us back to Arvest Community Room in Downtown Bentonville on Monday, March 13. Doors open at 6 pm with the meeting beginning at 6:30 pm. We will have guest speakers explaining what legislation is under consideration in Little Rock this session -- and what we can do to mobilize to protect public education, stand up for LGBTQ+ neighbors, and more. Gwen Faulkenberry of Arkansas Strong is confirmed to speak with us on March 13. Do not miss this important meeting!
BUY TICKETS TODAY! NW Arkansas Soup Sunday
Join us TOMORROW in support of the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families for one of our region's best fundraisers. Come to Soup Sunday tomorrow, Sunday, February 5 at the Rogers Convention Center from 4 to 6:30 p.m.! Tickets and sponsorships are still available. Individual adult tickets start at $35 (kids ages 5-17 are $10 and under 5 are free) and sponsorships start at $300.
ELECTION CENTRAL May 9 - Spring School Board Elections
There is one position (Zone 2) on the Rogers School Board which will be up for election this spring. The incumbent, Curtis Clements, has served on the board since his first appointment in 2011. He was elected again without opposition in 2013 and 2018.
The ASK:
Please review the following information and email dpbccandidates@gmail.com if you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about the school board position and what a school board election entails.
Eligibility to Serve: U.S. citizen; resident of zone; registered voter; never convicted of embezzlement of public money, bribery, forgery or other infamous crime(s); cannot be an employee of the school district
Zone Borders: North: Hudson; East: Arkansas (plus a bit more), South: Walnut to 28th /Oak to 19th /Olrich, West: I-49
Term Length: 5 years
Compensation: None (training paid for by district)
Requirement to file to run: Collect 20 signatures from registered voters in the zone and file paperwork with the county during the filing period (noon, Feb. 22 - noon, Mar. 1). Filing details and a copy of the candidacy petition can be found on the County Clerk's website
From left to right, front: Hispanic Caucus Member - Daisy Bonilla, DPBC State Committee Members - Maritza Munich and Parker Stohlton; back: Executive Committee member: Tyler Masters, DPBC State Committee Members - Lon Cross and Cody Little
DPA UPDATESNewly Elected Officers and Executive Committee Need Our Support!
Congratulations to Benton County's very own Tyler Masters and Christine-Erwin-Jimenez for being elected to represent us in the Democratic Party of Arkansas (DPA) Executive Committee. Christine and Tyler are state committee members representing the third congressional district, along with Dean Flanagan (Sebastian County) and Suzy Bell (Carol County).
Members of the DPA State Committee also enthusiastically elected by acclimation new party executive officers. Grant Tennille returns at Chair, flanked by Vice Chair Jannie Cotton, Vice Chair for County Committees Dustin Parsons, Treasurer Darlene Goldi Gaines, Secretary Josh Price, and Vice Chair for Auxilaries Gracie Ziegler.
This is your chance to join or renew your annual membership with the Democratic Party of Benton County.
There is NO fee to join the party. Completion of the new member/renewal form allows the county party to maintain an accurate database of members and shows you are INVESTED in making a difference in Benton County.
Why should you join/renew?
You believe all people have value
You believe in democracy
You believe the government should work for the people
You want to elect Democratic candidates to local, state, and national office
Your continued support demonstrates dedication to these values
Visit the party website to learn more about the DPBC
