Baker details issues of legislative session

State Sen. Gilbert Baker updated the Conway Kiwanis Club on Wednesday about issues in the legislative session.

Baker said three things are making this session shape up better than the last one: A projected $120 million to $130 million surplus by the end of the fiscal year on June 30; institutional knowledge from 34 returning senators; and a less hands-on approach by the Supreme Court on school facilities issues.

Speculation on public school facilities funding is that $60 million to $100 million in one-time money will be put into repairs for existing facilities and an additional $30 million to $50 million in ongoing revenue will be dedicated to facilities, Baker said.

A bill that would create a funding formula for higher education has much support in the legislature as well as from university presidents and chancellors, Baker said. University of Central Arkansas President Lu Hardin helped write the formula, he said.

"It takes higher education funding out of the back room," he said. "It's a fair, equitable way to fund our higher education institutions," Baker said.

Also affecting higher education is a bill that would extend the program for university infrastructure, Baker said. The program, which would require no new revenue, involves savings bonds at state universities.

"A lot of buildings at UCA were built on these," Baker said.

A bill Baker is working on would authorize the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department to ask for another interstate bond program in a special election. If the voters approved the program, the highway department would have the authority to issue new bonds whenever the principle drops below $575 million, Baker said.

Asked about the General Improvement Fund, Baker said any bills he proposes will be for statewide projects, such as UCA. He said about $210 million to $230 million is expected to be in the fund, and some of that will go toward school facilities, he believes.

"The debate on how much to spend on facilities hasn't begun yet," he said. "Whatever is left for the Senate in the General Improvement Fund will be divided evenly so all the senators have the opportunity to spend it as they see fit."

In response to a question about the status of a bill to make children of illegal aliens eligible for state college scholarships, Baker said the bill has passed the House, is now in the Senate Education Committee and has support from Gov. Mike Huckabee. Baker does not support the bill, he said.

(Staff writer Rachel Parker may be reached by e-mail at rachel.parker@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1277.)