With the backdrop of a newly refurbished Walmart AMP and a six-lane section of I-49 running through Pinnacle Hills, which is one of Northwest Arkansas’s most successful developments, Governor Hutchinson visited Rogers recently. His purpose was to campaign for Issue One, an election measure that was passed overwhelmingly by the voters of Benton County.

The beginning of early voting season in Northwest Arkansas was marked by a visit from Governor Asa Hutchinson, who was here campaigning for Issue One on a cold and wet day. Despite the chilly weather, Issue One, also known as the Transportation Sales Tax Continuation Amendment, was a hot topic for voters in our part of the state. 

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce worked closely with the governor, the “For Issue One” campaign, and the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation to secure the passage of Issue One in Benton County. Receiving 67,347 votes, with just 57 percent of the votes cast, the measure passed easily. However, Issue One did not fare as well in other regions. It failed to gain passage in Arkansas’s most populous county, Pulaski County. In fact, across Arkansas’s most populous areas, Benton County outperformed all the larger counties on this issue.

Praise came from Robert Moery, Director of the Campaign for Issue One, who was quoted as saying, “The passage of Issue One means Benton County will be provided the infrastructure resources it needs to keep up with the current regional growth and plans for future growth. Passing Issue One would not have happened without strong support from the governor and the business leaders across Northwest Arkansas”

Issue One Legislative Champions
Gone from the ballot this year were Representative Jana Della Rosa (District 90) and Representative Dan Douglas (District 91). They were the only two legislators from the Benton County House Delegation who previously voted for placing Issue One on the ballot. Their courage to refer the issue to the people will not be forgotten. Two of the largest transportation operations in Arkansas are in their respective districts. These are the headquarters for JB Hunt Transportation and the Walmart Distribution Center. The Chamber thanks both Jana and Dan; your leadership will be missed.

Legislative Newcomers
Representative Delia Haak will be succeeding Dan Douglas in representing District 91. Of all those who faced a challenger this year, she received more votes than any other candidate (incumbent or newcomer) for state representative in Benton County. Delia came in second place in the March 3 Republican primary behind Scott Richardson but overtook him three weeks later by a wide margin in the runoff election. She has been a good friend to the business community, therefore receiving the Chamber’s support throughout the primary and runoffs. Kendon Underwood defeated Representative Jana Della Rosa in another runoff election for the District 90 seat in Rogers. Josh Bryant beat his challenger in District 96, and John Carr overcame his opponent to represent Rogers in District 94.

Mail It In
Due to COVID-19 concerns, Benton County was not unlike many counties across America, in that a record number of absentee ballots were cast in the 2020 election. Benton County processed more than 16,156 requests for absentee ballots, and 15,023 of those ballots were returned by voters for tallying. Absentee ballots also played an integral part in the Republican primary runoff elections in March, fueling the strategy for Delia Haak’s get-out-the-vote efforts and ultimate come-from-behind win in District 91.

Legislative Candidate Forums Receive Record Views
The Legislative Candidate Forums, sponsored by the Chamber for the contested House races in Benton County, were broadcast live on Facebook and streamed on social media channels. The Facebook posts, alone, approached 17,000 views and received a healthy number of shares. Look for more live content and social media content from Government Affairs in 2021.

Redistricting on the Horizon
Campaigns are political affairs, but there is no process in our system of governance that is more political than redistricting. The Arkansas Board of Apportionment and the Arkansas General Assembly will be redrawing federal and state district lines in 2021. Look for the 3rd Congressional District, represented by Steve Womack, to shrink even more in size this time around. Benton County will likely pick up multiple seats in the Arkansas House of Representatives, and possibly a new state Senate seat.

New Government Affairs Content Coming in 2021
The Chamber’s Government Affairs division is pleased to announce some new program content for 2021. There are sponsorship possibilities associated with these new programs. If you are interested in sponsoring one of these programs, please contact Jacque Eakins at (479) 619-3189

Capitol for a Day Program
Dates: Spring 2021, Date TBD
Participants will go to Little Rock during the regular legislative session to meet their elected officials and legislators. Morning briefing sessions and a private lunch with constitutional officers and legislators will be held at the Capitol.

Legislative Session Updates
Dates: January - April 2021, Weekly
Legislative Session Updates are weekly legislative informational news items that will be broadcast on the Chamber Voice of Business YouTube channel and Podcast as well as social media. The Chamber will also be producing a weekly program that concentrates on reporting the events surrounding the meeting of the Arkansas General Assembly. This program will include news, commentary, and interviews with Northwest Arkansas legislators.