Today, as the fiscal session begins in Arkansas, a re-education camp for political dissidents is once again open in our State Capitol.
Normally, when you hear the term “re-education camp,” it brings to mind reports of forced labor, harsh imprisonment, and the treatment of dissidents in communist regimes.
The re-education camp in Little Rock is very different. Instead of confinement and harsh conditions, it relies on perks, access, and special treatment to gently “reeducate” conservative politicians—nudging them toward embracing bigger government and seeing themselves as part of the ruling class.
Re-educating Arkansas Legislators
The primaries are behind us, and legislators are back in Little Rock for the fiscal session—with a special session expected to follow. And along with it comes a familiar pattern: a steady stream of “events” surrounding the work of the legislature.
During campaign season, promises were made. Candidates listened to voters, heard their concerns, and talked about conservative principles.
So the question returns:
Will this be the time a Republican supermajority says “NO” to business as usual?
“No” to wasteful spending?
“No” to the policies that keep Arkansas a high-tax burden state?
That possibility is a real concern for big lobbyists and the special interests they represent—because their business model depends on government handouts, carve-outs, and legislation that benefits a few at the expense of many.
Their job isn’t complicated: remove those inconvenient ideas about smaller government, lower taxes, and economic freedom from lawmakers’ minds… and replace them with something more “practical.”
And that process doesn’t start during floor debate—it starts early.
With each new session, the work of the lobbyists begins the moment legislators arrive.
Waiting on legislators’ desks in the chamber: a neatly prepared “events” calendar—an open invitation to a series of breakfasts, lunches, and evening receptions hosted throughout the session.
A quick glance at just the first couple of days shows a packed schedule of gatherings and hosted events. And beyond that, additional invitations—from organizations, associations, and companies—are already making their way around the Capitol.
We’ll let the list speak for itself.
Below are just some of the “events” taking place as the fiscal session gets underway.
