On June 28th, Speaker Matthew Shepherd hosted a fundraiser in Rogers, AR benefiting the House Leadership PAC. Cove Street Consulting was asked along with a few other firms to sponsor the well attended event. This was a good opportunity to meet candidates from the northwest part of the state.

The run-off races are complete with no major surprises. Senator Bob Ballinger lost he run-off to former member Bryan King. Both would be problematic for the business world but King will be less effective.

Legislative meetings will continue to fall during the 3rd week of the month with Arkansas Legislative Council meeting that Friday until budget meetings begin in December.

Members will be traveling to OKC during July for the Southern Legislative Conference and to Denver in August for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Business groups/lobbyists will host an Arkansas night (including dinner) during both conferences.