Pine Bluff, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders introduced bipartisan legislation to guarantee that county employees, particularly in Jefferson County, are paid despite ongoing budget disputes. The bill is sponsored by Senator Ben Gilmore (District 26), Senator Stephanie Flowers (District 8), Representative Glenn Barnes (District 65), Representative Mike Holcomb (District 93), and Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson (District 64).
The legislation mandates that cities and counties pass their annual budgets by February 7 each year. If they fail to do so, the most recently approved budget will take effect to ensure employee pay and continued county services.
Governor Sanders emphasized the need for state intervention, stating, “The people of Jefferson County work hard, contribute to their community, and pay their taxes, and since county leaders were unable to fix this budget dispute, pay their employees, and provide basic services to their citizens, we are stepping in.”
Senator Gilmore echoed this sentiment, urging Jefferson County officials to act in the best interests of their constituents. “Those of us elected hold a public trust and are obligated to serve our constituents. It is time for Jefferson County officials to focus on doing what is right and allow government operations to continue for the people they represent,” he said. He also expressed appreciation for officials working toward a resolution and urged legislative colleagues to support the bill.