Mark Perry, State Representative District 66, Jacksonville, AR (2026)

10/23/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 10-23-26

Budget hearings continued this week at the State Capitol, and early voting is now underway for the November 3 General Election.

While voters are deciding who will represent them in the Arkansas House, preparations are already underway for the 96th General Assembly, which begins in January. There's quite a bit that happens between Election Day and the first day of the legislative session, and much of that work begins almost immediately after the election.

One of the first major dates is November 6, when members will review the Governor’s balanced budget proposal. This gives legislators a starting point as they work through funding priorities for education, public safety, healthcare, and other state services.

On November 16, members can begin pre-filing bills and resolutions for the upcoming session. That means legislation can be introduced before the session officially begins, giving everyone a chance to see some of the proposals that will be up for discussion.

The next day, November 17, the House will hold its organizational meeting. For representatives serving their first term, the organizational meeting includes drawing for seniority. All members, both new and returning, will also select their seats in the House chamber and choose their standing committee assignments. Those committee assignments are especially important because much of the work on legislation begins in committee, where members hear testimony, ask questions, and consider proposed changes to state law.

Then, on January 11, the 96th General Assembly will officially convene for the 2027 Regular Session.

So while the election may be the focus right now, there's plenty of work ahead before the first bill is debated on the House floor. We'll continue keeping you informed as the new General Assembly takes shape and preparations move forward for January.

10/17/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 10-16-26

Early voting for the 2026 General Election begins Monday, October 19. With Election Day just a few weeks away, now is a good time to make a plan to vote.

Whether you prefer to vote early or wait until Election Day, there are several options to make casting your ballot convenient.

Most counties offer early voting at the county clerk's office, and some have additional locations. Hours and locations can vary, so it's a good idea to check with your county clerk before heading out. If you plan to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Not sure where to vote? You can visit the Arkansas Secretary of State's Voter View website at www.voterview.org to check your voter registration, find your polling location, and even see a sample ballot for your precinct. It's a helpful way to know what to expect before you get to the polls.

Remember to bring an approved form of photo identification. If you can't make it to the polls because of an unavoidable absence, illness, or physical disability, you may also qualify to vote absentee.

In addition to the midterm races for federal, state, and local offices, Arkansas voters will see four proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot:

Issue 1: A constitutional amendment to be known as "The Citizens Only Voting Amendment" and providing that only a citizen of the United States meeting the qualifications of an elector under the Arkansas Constitution may vote in an election in this state.

Issue 2: A constitutional amendment to amend Arkansas Constitution, Article 2 § 5, to protect the right to keep and bear arms.

Issue 3: A Constitutional Amendment Concerning Economic Development in the State of Arkansas; and Authorizing the General Assembly to Provide for the Creation of Economic Development Districts Within Cities, Counties, or Cooperative Areas to Promote Economic Development Within the Economic Development District

Issue 4: Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025

We encourage you to take a little time to look over the candidates and ballot issues before you vote. The decisions we make at the ballot box have a real impact on our schools, roads, public safety, and communities. Voting is one of the simplest ways to have a say in those decisions.

10/10/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 10-9-26

Although the 2027 Regular Session is still several months away, much of the work that shapes the state's budget is already underway.

This week, Arkansas lawmakers began Pre-Session Budget Hearings, an important part of preparing for the legislative session that begins January 11.

These hearings give legislators an opportunity to examine state agency funding requests, ask questions about spending priorities, and evaluate how taxpayer dollars are being used.

Hearings began Tuesday with the Department of Labor and Licensing and continued with requests from several boards and commissions.

The hearings will continue through October. Members expect to review the balanced budget proposal from the Governor on November 6.

Another important step in the budget process took place Monday when the House and Senate Education Committees advanced recommendations from the state's Adequacy Study. This study helps determine the resources needed to provide Arkansas students with an adequate education. Its recommendations play an important role in developing public school funding legislation and the overall state budget.

The committees recommended increasing foundation funding from the current $8,037 per student to $8,239 for the 2027–2028 school year, a 2.51% increase. They also recommended increasing funding to $8,431 per student the following year.

Additional recommendations include increased funding for programs serving students with specific educational needs, including dyslexia intervention services. These recommendations are not final. They will be considered as lawmakers develop legislation for the upcoming session.

Another factor in the budget process is the state's revenue outlook. The latest report shows net available general revenue totaled $1.91 billion during the first three months of the fiscal year. That's $147.3 million, or 8.4%, above the same period last year and $104.5 million above forecast.

The decisions made during the legislative session begin with the work taking place now. Through these hearings and committee meetings, we are laying the groundwork for a responsible state budget that reflects Arkansas's priorities.

10/02/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 10-2-26

For many Arkansas families, breast cancer is more than a statistic. It is a diagnosis that can bring months of appointments, testing, treatment, and difficult decisions. October, recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is an opportunity to support those facing the disease while also highlighting the importance of early detection and access to quality care.

During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed several measures aimed at reducing barriers to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction.

Act 268 eliminates out-of-pocket costs women can face when getting checked for breast cancer. It strengthened protections for mammograms and breast ultrasounds and made clear that those protections still apply when a patient needs more than one test or has to come back on a different day. The law also addresses costs for follow-up testing when something concerning is found.

Act 553 helps ensure that cost doesn't stand in the way when women need additional breast cancer testing. It prohibits patients from being charged certain out-of-pocket costs for covered screening, diagnostic and supplemental breast exams. That includes additional testing that may be recommended for women at higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with dense breast tissue or a personal or family history of the disease.

Act 424 ensures that medically necessary breast reconstruction surgeries are covered under health benefit plans. It also strengthens protections concerning treatment decisions, reimbursement, and prior authorization.

Act 561 expands coverage for certain mastectomy-related procedures, including artificial or biological mesh used to support tissue and nerve grafts. These procedures can help preserve or restore nerve function following surgery.

Together, these measures address several stages of breast cancer care from screening and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder to schedule recommended screenings, understand your individual risk factors, and encourage the women in your life to do the same. Awareness matters, but access matters too. By reducing financial barriers and expanding coverage, we can help more Arkansans get the care they need when they need it.

09/26/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 9-25-26

Research into Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has advanced significantly in recent years. We know more about reducing risk, detecting cognitive decline earlier and treating the disease than we did when Arkansas developed its previous state plan.

This week, the Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council reviewed the updated 2026 Arkansas Alzheimer’s and Dementia State Plan and discussed potential legislation for the 2027 Regular Session.

More than 60,000 Arkansans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The updated plan recognizes that advances in research, diagnostic tools, and treatments are changing how we approach the disease and how we can better support patients and their families.

One of the plan’s priorities is earlier detection. This includes educating healthcare providers about cognitive assessments and improving access to evaluations, particularly for Arkansans under age 65 and those living in rural areas.

The plan also emphasizes brain health and what we are learning about factors that may reduce the risk or delay the onset of dementia. Many of the same steps that promote overall health—including physical activity and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes—may also support long-term cognitive health.

Another major focus is supporting caregivers. Approximately 175,000 Arkansans provide unpaid care for someone with dementia. Recommendations include expanding respite services, caregiver education and resource centers while creating a more coordinated system to help families find available services.

The plan also examines how Arkansas can improve access to newer diagnostic tools and treatments that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s for some patients.

As we prepare for the 2027 Regular Session, lawmakers will continue examining these recommendations and potential legislation. Alzheimer’s touches families in every part of our state. As science and treatment continue to evolve, Arkansas must ensure our policies evolve with them.

09/24/2026

You never know who you will see at a DU banquet. Always good to see my friend Shane Broadway. Thanks for coming by the Saline Cty DU banquet.

09/20/2026

This morning I had the opportunity to present a check to Mt Pleasant Baptist Church Food Pantry to help with their support and mission. They provide needed support and food to families in the community. They expected to serve over a 100 families this morning.

They offer this every 3rd Saturday of the month. Valerie Bluford and her husband spearhead the amazing volunteers that help provide this for the community.

09/18/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 9-18-26

This week at the State Capitol, lawmakers examined issues ranging from state finances and education to childcare, workforce services and Arkansas’ growing energy needs.

The Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed the state’s financial picture. Gross general revenue collections for the fiscal year are approximately $1.34 billion, up $50.6 million from this time last year. ALC also reviewed the restricted reserve transfer requests of $70 million for Educational Freedom Accounts and $200 million in funding for Medicaid.

The Joint Committee on Energy held an extensive discussion on data center development in Arkansas. Google provided an update on its $4 billion West Memphis data center, while lawmakers heard from utilities and local officials about electricity demand, water use, infrastructure, and protecting existing ratepayers.

Another important conversation focused on access to quality childcare. The Early Childhood Education Task Force heard updates on Arkansas Head Start and Early Head Start and examined early childhood education policy and school readiness. Reliable childcare affects not only children and families, but also parents’ ability to work and employers’ ability to find workers.

This week, the Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee adopted its interim report on the Legislative Study of Workforce and Social Services Reform, outlining recommendations aimed at making Arkansas’ workforce and social services easier to navigate. The recommendations will help guide the subcommittee’s continued work as it develops a legislative package for the 2027 Regular Session.

From managing state finances to preparing our workforce and infrastructure for future growth, these discussions will help guide many of the decisions lawmakers face in the months ahead.

09/12/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 9-11-26

Flashing lights on the side of the highway should immediately tell every driver to do two things: slow down and move over.
It is a simple action, but it can save a life.

This week, state leaders, law enforcement, highway officials and first responders gathered at the State Capitol to launch the “Just Move Over” campaign, a statewide effort to increase awareness of Arkansas’ Move Over Law and protect those who work alongside our roadways.

The campaign grew out of a working group assembled by House Speaker Brian Evans after he personally witnessed several close calls involving highway workers and first responders in his district. Speaker Evans joined partners from that working group at this week’s press conference to encourage Arkansans to take the law seriously.

Arkansas’s Move Over Law requires motorists approaching an authorized vehicle stopped on or alongside a roadway to move to the farthest possible lane. If moving over cannot be done safely, drivers must slow down and exercise caution.

The law applies to emergency response and law enforcement vehicles as well as ARDOT vehicles and contractors, utility vehicles, and tow trucks.
The numbers show why this matters.

On average, at least five emergency vehicles are struck on the shoulders of Arkansas state highways each year. Over the past five years, more than 600 crashes on state highways have involved a vehicle parked on the shoulder. More than 60 resulted in a fatality or serious injury.

Just Move Over will emphasize both awareness and enforcement. Public service announcements, graphics, and educational materials will help remind drivers what the law requires. Law enforcement will reinforce that message through warnings and citations. More than 8,000 move-over-related citations or warnings have been issued statewide during the past five years.

The goal is not simply enforcement. The goal is to change behavior, prevent injuries and save lives.

Law enforcement officers, paramedics, highway crews, utility workers and tow truck operators routinely work just feet away from vehicles traveling at highway speeds. They are our neighbors, friends and family members, and they deserve the space to do their jobs safely.

Every driver can help.
When you see flashing lights, slow down, pay attention and give them room.
Just move over.

09/05/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 9-4-26

Labor Day gives us an opportunity to recognize the men and women whose hard work keeps Arkansas moving forward.

From teachers and nurses to construction workers, manufacturers, farmers, small-business owners, and first responders, Arkansas workers strengthen our communities and our economy every day. This weekend, we thank them for the work they do and the contributions they make to our state.

We also have encouraging signs about the future of Arkansas’ workforce. The state’s unemployment rate declined to 4% in July, marking the third consecutive month of improvement. Employment remains at a record high, with 22,895 more Arkansans working than at this time last year.
That progress is part of a longer trend. Between 2014 and 2024, Arkansas added nearly 139,000 jobs, an increase of almost 12%.

More opportunities are expected in the years ahead. Every major industry group is projected to experience net job growth in the next decade.
Some of the strongest growth is expected in education and health services, professional and business services, construction, financial activities, and leisure and hospitality.

Those numbers are encouraging, but continued growth does not happen by accident. The Arkansas General Assembly is consistently working to create an environment where businesses can invest, expand, and create more jobs. That means keeping taxes competitive, investing in education and workforce training, improving infrastructure, and removing unnecessary barriers to economic growth.

Our goal is not simply to add jobs. We want Arkansans to have access to good careers that allow them to support their families and build a future right here at home. This Labor Day, we celebrate the people who have built Arkansas’ economy, and we remain committed to creating even more opportunities for the next generation of Arkansas workers.

Mark Perry, State Representative District 66

10/23/2026

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