January 10, 2022 — The Arkansas House of Representatives swore in all 100 members for the 94thgeneral assembly on Monday, January 9. This included Rep. Matthew Shepherd of El Dorado, who was elected to another term as Speaker of the House. This will be Shepherd’s third consecutive term as Speaker of the House after term limits increased in 2014 opened the door for this occurring.
Speaker Shepherd first gave all glory to God and thanked his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his salvation. Shepherd then joked that he was glad that his election as speaker was completed on the first ballot instead a 15th ballotrequired last week to elect Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House of Representative in Washington D.C.
Shepherd focused on a previous speech from President Ronald Reagan to guide the legislature to solve issues of the day. He recognized that businesses need more workers, schools more teachers, and hospitals more nurses. Shepherd also highlighted that the House of Representatives was younger, bringing new ideas and solutions for the people of Arkansas.
After his speech, Speaker Shepherd then announced his selections for leadership positions of the 94th General Assembly. This includes President Pro Temp, Assistant President Pro Temps from house congressional districts, and committee chairs and vice chairs. Unlike the state Senate, which allows individual members to select their committees, chairs, and vice chairs, the House positions are filled by the speaker.
Shepherd made the following selections:
President Pro Temp: – Rep. Jon Eubanks
Assistant President Pro Temp 1st District: Rep. Jack Ladyman
Assistant President Pro Temp 2nd District: Rep. Fred Allen
Assistant President Pro Temp 3rd District: Rep. Charlene Fite
Assistant President Pro Temp 4th District: Rep. DeAnn Vaught
House Standing and Select Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs:
Education:
Rep. Brian Evans, Chair
Rep. Keith Brooks, Vice-Chair
Judiciary:
Rep. Carol Dalby, Chair
Rep. Stan Berry, Vice-Chair
Public Health, Welfare and Labor:
Rep. Lee Johnson, Chair
Rep. Josh Miller, Vice-Chair
Public Transportation:
Rep. Mike Holcomb, Chair
Rep. Rick McClure, Vice-Chair
Revenue and Tax:
Rep. Les Eaves, Chair
Rep. Howard Beaty, Vice Chair
Aging, Children & Youth, Legislative & Military Affairs:
Rep. Sonia Eubanks-Barker, Chair
Rep. Julie Mayberry, Vice-Chair
Agriculture & Forestry:
Rep. Jack Fortner, Chair
Rep. Roger Lynch, Vice-Chair
City, County, Local:
Rep. Lanny Fite, Chair
Rep. Milton Nicks, Vice-Chair (D)
Insurance and Commerce:
Rep. Jon Maddox, Chair
Rep. Karilyn Brown, Vice-Chair
State Agencies:
Rep. Dwight Tosh, Chair
Rep. Mark McElroy, Vice-Chair
House Rules:
Rep. DeAnn Vaught, Chair
Rep. Shad Pearce, Vice-Chair
House Management:
Rep. Carlton Wing, Chair
Rep. Bart Schultz, Vice-Chair
Joint Energy:
Rep. Rick Beck, Chair
Rep. Justin Gonzales, Vice-Chair
Joint Performance Review:
Rep. Mark Berry, Chair
Rep. David Ray, Vice-Chair
Joint Public Retirement:
Rep. Les Warren, Chair
Rep. Mark Perry, Vice-Chair (D)
Joint Audit:
Rep. Jimmy Gazaway, Chair
Rep. Richard Womack, Vice-Chair
Joint Budget:
Rep. Lane Jean, Chair
Rep. Fran Cavanaugh, Vice-Chair
Legislative Council:
Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, Chair
Rep. Bruce Cozart, Vice-Chair
