Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rogers Seeks 2nd Term

State Rep. Sandra Rodgers announces her plans to seek reelection to the Arkansas House of Representatives from district 28.

This district represents portions of Hempstead and Nevada counties.

"I greatly appreciate the support given and the confidence expressed by the people of the district," Rodgers, a Democrat serving her first term in office, said. "I have tried my best to represent the interests of our legislative district, and I believe we have made some positive accomplishments for our area."

Rodgers said her experiences in the state House would be an asset in her continued advocacy for the people of the district and state of Arkansas.

"We face some important decisions in the years ahead," the Hope resident said, "and our area needs a strong voice t make sure our ideas are heard in state government. By working together, we can accomplish a lot more for our area."

Rodgers said her first year of service in the House coincided with some significant achievements for District 28. She cited the following accomplishments approved by the Arkansas General Assembly during its regular legislative session in 1997:

* An appropriation for the building renovations and campus improvements at the University of Arkansas Community College in Hope;

* A $1,030,300 appropriation for construction of a new Arkansas State Police regional headquarters building in Hope;

* Approval of an increase from $30 to $40 a month in the personal needs allowance provided to Arkansas nursing home residents covered by Medicaid. The first such increase in 10 years;

* Approval of a new state law to divide the Eighth Judicial District into north and south districts and allow voters in Hempstead and Nevada counties to vote for their own prosecuting attorney and juvenile judge beginning with this year's elections; and

* Awarded a D.A.R.E. grant for Nevada County through the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.

Rodgers said she would continue to work hard on developing state laws to promote law and order, develop the state's economy, expand educational opportunities, improve health and human services programs and create an affordable highway improvement program.

As a member of the General Assembly, Rodgers chairs the Legislative and Military Affairs subcommittees of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee.

She also serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the Legislative Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs, served as vice-chair for Boys' State and has been appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve on the Arkansas Trauma Advisory Council.

Rodgers is again running as a Democrat in the May 19 Preferential Party Primary.