The light Monday committee schedule always contributes to a light free feedbag schedule for lawmakers. But a couple of free events remain, despite Amendment 94’s putative ban of freebies.

The no-freebie rule of the voter-approved Amendment, only four months old, is being flouted by the legislature. Its leaders have unilaterally ruled that just about anything — from a standing lunch to a standing cocktail hour — can be deemed a “scheduled activity” and thus exempt from the gift ban. The state Ethics Commission hasn’t and won’t enter this fray because its members include appointees of legislative leadership and it depends on the legislature for its staff money.

Advertisement

Today’s freebies:

STANDING COCKTAIL HOUR: 5-7 p.m., Capitol Square Apt. #4, “Choo-Choo Room.” This is the free pub operated by lobbyists for:

Advertisement

Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association
Arkansas Hospital Association
Arkansas Medical Society
Arkansas Pharmacists Association
Arkansas Podiatric Medical Association
Arkansas State Dental Association
Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas
Pfizer, Inc.
Arkansas Community Colleges

DINNER, DEVOTIONAL AND PRAYER: 5-:30 p.m., Capitol Room 19, Capitol Commission (a religious lobby that promotes religion in public life.)

UPDATE: There is one “scheduled activity” of a commmittee. The eight members of the Senate Public Health Committee can dine free tonight at one of Little Rock’s finest restaurants. Drop on by. All meetings of the General Assembly are open to the public.

Advertisement

DINNER: 6:30 p.m., Brave New Restaurant, for Senate Public Helath Committee by Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Be of good cheer lawmakers. If past weeks are a guide, the free lunch sign for the standing feedbag thrown by the nursing home lobby will be out again several days this week, as it was last week. The sign probably ought to be posted, too, in front of the Capitol as a symbol  of the life of a legislator and how easy it is to win friends and influence.

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Sunday evening coming down — and an open line Next article Fatter payday nears for state legislators; public hearing today on $23,531 pay raise