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Wishy-Washy Republicans to Dodge Vote

The Arkansas legislature goes into its Fiscal Session on February 14, 2022. Unfortunately, some legislators are working to try to avoid votes on important issues such as restricting abortions, banning the racist indoctrination of Critical Race Theory (CRT), and perhaps protecting unvaccinated workers from discrimination.

With Republicans having a supermajority in both the Arkansas Senate and House of Representatives you might think passing legislation on these issues would be easy, but that is not the case. Why?

While most constituents will want their legislators to vote FOR such legislation, the woke corporate benefactors of wishy-washy Republicans will want them to vote AGAINST such conservative legislation. Wishy-washy Republicans want to avoid taking a stand on these issues, especially since the elections are near.

Wishy-washy Republicans and RINOS joined Democrats in avoiding votes on restricting abortion and banning CRT last December by voting to adjourn the Special Session before the issues could be voted on.

We expect the same wishy-washy Republicans and RINOS to try to avoid a vote on the issues this session by: First, falsely claiming the Fiscal Session is only for budget issues; and Second, attempting to table introduction of such legislation until the end of the session.

FALSE CLAIM ABOUT THE FISCAL SESSION

The claim that the Fiscal Session is only for budget issues is a clear LIE. The Fiscal Session (which is in even numbered years) was proposed by the legislature and approved by the people. In proposing the Amendment, the legislature wanted to have the option to file legislation on any issue but they wanted to limit the number of bills filed. To limit the number of non-budget bills filed they required a resolution approved by a 2/3ds vote of each house before the non-budget bill could be filed.

There are more than enough Republicans in the legislature to reach and surpass the 2/3rds vote without the need of any Democrats. But wishy-washy Republicans don’t want it to come to a vote and if there is a vote they will vote against consideration saying the issues shouldn’t be considered in the Fiscal Session. (The next regular session is nearly a year away.)

If wishy-washy Republicans can’t stop the legislation from being filed, they will try to delay the vote until after March 1 because that date is the end of the filing period to become a candidate in the Republican Primary. They don’t want their vote against considering the issues to spur someone to file as an opponent in the Republican Primary.

Senator Jason Rapert sounded the alarm over efforts to stop consideration of such bills. On his Facebook page on January 28th he said:

“I am sad to say it was reported to me today that some Arkansas Republican State Senators are scheming to undermine our efforts to pass the Texas-style civil cause of action bill to stop abortions in Arkansas. They are leaning on Republicans not to vote for it and even trying to cut a deal to get ProLife advocates to pull their support. Why would Republican voters support these people? The second principle listed in our Arkansas GOP platform is the Sanctity of Life. Voters should ask every legislator to explain why we would block efforts to save babies when Texas has shutdown abortions with this same approach. …” (See full quote in notes)[i]

Is your Senator or Representative a wishy-washy Republican or even a RINO? Watch to see if they try to avoid voting on these important issues in the upcoming legislate session.

 


[i] Senator Jason Rapert Facebook post January 28, 2022:

I am sad to say it was reported to me today that some Arkansas Republican State Senators are scheming to undermine our efforts to pass the Texas-style civil cause of action bill to stop abortions in Arkansas. They are leaning on Republicans not to vote for it and even trying to cut a deal to get ProLife advocates to pull their support. Why would Republican voters support these people? The second principle listed in our Arkansas GOP platform is the Sanctity of Life. Voters should ask every legislator to explain why we would block efforts to save babies when Texas has shutdown abortions with this same approach. Evil can infect the mind of anyone that gives the devil an inch. I am disgusted at some of these people for abandoning the fight for babies lives when the US Supreme Court has finally started allowing abortion bans to stand. It is regretful. Some of these people I have considered friends but I will not sacrifice the sanctity of life for friendship or political support. I’m actually not looking for abortion supporters to support me or be buddies with me – I want to do what is right and do not care to stand alone if that is what it takes. God speak to these people and free them from the evil being used to confuse their minds about LIFE.

– Sen. Jason Rapert

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