LITTLE ROCK, AR - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure county employees, specifically in Jefferson County, are paid for their work despite ongoing county budget disputes. Senator Ben Gilmore (District 26), Senator Stephanie Flowers (District 8), Representative Glenn Barnes (District 65), Representative Mike Holcomb (District 93), and Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson (District 64) are sponsoring the bill in the legislature.

The legislation requires cities and counties to pass their annual budget by February 7^th of each year. If the city or county fails to do so, it will revert to using the previously approved budget to make sure all employees are paid, and county services are provided again.

“The people of Jefferson County work hard, contribute to their community, and pay their taxes and since county leaders were unable to fix this budget dispute, pay their employees, and provide basic services to their citizens, we are stepping in,” said Governor Sanders. 

“Those of us elected hold a public trust and are obligated to serve our constituents. It is time for Jefferson County officials to focus on doing what is right and allow government operations to continue for the people they represent. I am grateful for the elected officials in Jefferson County who are working to find solutions and striving for unity. I call on all county officials to do what their constituents expect of them. I appreciate Governor Sander’s leadership and the Jefferson County legislative delegation for stepping up to end this senseless crisis, and I urge my colleagues in the legislature to support this common-sense solution,” said Senator Ben Gilmore.

“So many people are suffering as a result of the impasse and we believe that this legislation will allow the servants in Jefferson County to be paid,” said Representative Glenn Barnes. “We hope that the people of Jefferson County will soon be able to receive their checks and pay their bills.”