Arkansans will have the opportunity to vote on four amendments to the state constitution as part of the upcoming General Election on November 8. (Early voting begins October 24.) The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Trucking Association met on October 6 and adopted formal positions AGAINST Issues 1, 2 and 4.
For the past 90 years, we have served as the voice of trucking, promoting the vitality of this industry on which nearly 87 percent of Arkansas communities rely to move their goods, and which employs one in ten Arkansans. At the core of our mission is to help our member companies grow their businesses and profits. It is our belief that Issues 1, 2 and 4 threaten the political climate, business environment and equitable economic growth of yours and other businesses in the state.
We encourage you to review the information below and vote AGAINST Issues 1, 2 and 4.
ISSUE 1 – ALLOW GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CONVENE IN EXTRAORDINARY SESSION
Would allow legislators to call themselves into special session if done so by both the speaker of the House and the Senate president pro tempore, or if requested in writing by two-thirds of both the House and Senate. Currently, only the governor can call lawmakers into special session.
WHY WE’RE OPPOSED
- Issue 1 would move Arkansas closer to a full-time legislature and make it difficult for the average person to serve in the legislature since so much of their time would be spent at the Capitol.
- The State Legislature was intended to meet every other year for 60 days; however, they have already expanded that to include a fiscal session in the off years. If Issue 1 passes, the General Assembly will be able to call themselves into session at any time, collecting per diem from taxpayers for every extra day they meet.
- Additionally, Issue 1 would allow legislators to override the discretion of the governor, weakening the Executive Branch, undermining the balance of power in our state and supporting bigger government.
ISSUE 2 – CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND BALLOT INITIATIVE REFORM
Would increase the percentage of voters required to approve a constitutional amendment or initiated acts from 50%-plus-one to 60%.
WHY WE’RE OPPOSED
- Issue 2 restricts the voice of voters by raising the bar to pass citizen initiatives, giving greater power to the legislature to create and change laws.
- By requiring ballot issues to receive a super majority of the public’s vote, any future initiatives on highway funding or legal reform would be significantly more expensive and less likely to succeed.
ISSUE 4 – ADULT USE CANNABIS AMENDMENT
Would legalize recreational marijuana for adults; allow the awarding of cannabis licenses to 20 growers and 120 dispensaries. That includes operations that already have medical marijuana licenses.
WHY WE’RE OPPOSED
- Since truck drivers are subject to federal drug testing, allowing recreational use in the state would further diminish an already small candidate pool of drivers.
- ATA supports the fair, equitable growth of business in Arkansas, which we believe Issue 4 hinders as it has the potential to create what is essential a monopoly for cultivators. As written, Issue 4 permits virtually no new competition; all cannabis — for any purpose, medical or recreational — must be produced by the existing cultivators.
- Additionally, Issue 4 removes limitations on THC levels, more permissive advertising than cigarettes, less tax and regulation than other states, and lacks any criminal justice component for previous offenders.
