Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Final Session Good For Ross (cont)

id off through future federal highway funds designed for interstate highways.

There will be a four-cents per gallon tax increase on diesel, with a tax hike of three cents on gasoline to be factored in over a three-year period. The diesel tax will be phased in over two years.

"We need to do a lot of work in a hurry," Ross said, "if we are to keep promoting economic development and tourism in Arkansas."

Additionally, he said, the interest on the bonds issue will cost the state less in the long run than the pay-as-you-go method because of future inflation.

Ethics were also discussed during the session, he said. The senate passed a bill ruling against a sitting member of the house or senate accepting any contribution during the session, or 30 days before or after a session.

Public officials will not be allowed to campaign at publicly maintained offices either, he said.

"The legislature should not use its influence for monetary gain," Ross said. "A lot (of elected officials) tend to forget they are elected to serve the public, and those who do wrong and are found guilty should do time in jail."

In fact, Ross suggested those holding public office who are found guilty of crimes should be given more severe penalties because of the damage done to the public trust.

When the November 2000 General Election rolls around, the assembly will have three measures on it.

One of the most vital will be changing the property tax assessments in the state.

Ross said the measure calls for limiting increases in assessed residential property to 5 percent per year, and 10 percent annually for non-residential property.

A freeze would be placed on the assessments on property owned by those 65 and older, along with disabled residents.

The legislature would provide $300 in credit against property tax, but not exceeding the amount of tax on real property. Personal tax would be left untouched.

A method to equalize personal and real property will be included in the bill as well.

Another issue the ballot will have will be to allow municipalities and counties to form redevelopment districts and issue bonds for capital improvements.

In so doing, Ross said, it can help halt deterioration in some areas, slowing the growth of slums and stopping the loss of industry.

One of the added benefits of this measure, he said, is it will allow cities and counties to enter into short term lease agreements not to exceed five years.

Currently, cities and counties are barred from entering into any type of lease agreement where they are required to pay interest.

Ross praised the legislators, saying the democratic legislature was able to work with a republican governor to bring about meaningful changes for the people of Arkansas.

It shows, he said, the two parties can work together to get things done on this level, while in Washington, the two parties are continually bickering and getting nothing done.

"We're there to put people first," Ross said, "as it should be. We meet fewer days than most states, with most state assemblies meeting every year, yet we were able to consider more bills in 89 days than the U.S. Congress will in the next five years.

"We were able to do this with few errors and under a balanced budget."