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"Be patient; this is
as much about timing as persuasion. And we always need to follow the
lead of our sponsor” – words quoted by Martha Perry, ArkSHA lobbyist
during the 87th General Assembly in regard to HB 1149. I am happy to say
that as of June 8, 2009; ArkSHA’s patience has paid off.
On June 8, 2009, the Arkansas State Board of Education met to review the
2009-2010 Budget. During this meeting, it was discovered there was a
surplus fund balance that they were not originally aware of. As a
result, Commissioner Dr. Ken James asked that the monies be used for the
Salary Stipend for Public School SLPs. John Kunkel, Associate Director
of Finance for the Department of Education, has informed ArkSHA that
these are “one time funds” – because our bill was not funded during the
87th General Assembly; however there was some money left over in the
budget that allowed a revision to the Public School Fund for payment of
the stipend.
Currently, ADE is writing Rules and Regulations for the payment of the
stipend. This entails a “Rule Making Process” which will take place over
the summer. If there are more than the projected 500 SLPs, ADE will have
to review the Rules and Regulations and possibly cut back on the $5000
payment/SLP to ensure all qualifying SLPs receive payment. Payments will
be made during Spring 2010, once the Rule Making Process and Rules and
Regulations have been finalized.
ArkSHA would like to thank those who have supported us during this
process. Particular thanks to Rep. Eddie Cheatham, Sen. Shane Broadway,
Sen. Tracy Steele, Sen. Jimmy Jeffries, Martha Perry, Marcia Harding,
and AEA (Arkansas Education Association). As a matter of fact, the call
to inform us of this accomplishment came from Richard Hutchinson,
Government Relations Director for AEA. Mr. Hutchinson has been
instrumental in assisting ArkSHA since we began this legislative process
in 2005 with the 85th General Assembly. Lastly, none of this would be
possible without the vision set forth by former State Representative
Betty Pickett. ArkSHA thanks her for stepping forward to represent us
and get Act 1187 enacted.
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