Arkansas State Capitol, Little Rock
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas lawmakers have rejected a proposal for the state to stop paying dues for membership in two national legislative organizations.
The Joint Budget Committee on Wednesday rejected a proposal to cut funding for lawmakers' dues to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Council of State Government. Republican Rep. Nate Bell of Mena said his proposal would help fund new firefighting positions at the Arkansas Forestry Commission by saving $267,400.
The Forestry Commission laid off 34 workers earlier this year, but 15 firefighters were rehired in February after Gov. Mike Beebe shifted money in the state's budget.
Opponents of the measure said the organizations help the Legislature by providing expertise and is needed even more in the era of term limits.
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