|
|
| |
| Thu, Dec. 4, 2008 |  |
 |
|
||
| |
Beebe opposes using general revenues to fund trauma centers Wednesday, Jun 20, 2007 By Rob Moritz Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - Gov. Mike Beebe said Tuesday that a plan to use $25 million in state general revenues for a statewide trauma center program is unacceptable. "You can't do that," Beebe said. "A balanced budget is a balanced budget. We're conservative in our budgets but we're not so conservative that there is an extra $25 million laying around. You couldn't take $25 million out of general revenue without seriously impacting current essential services." Rep. Denny Sumpter, D-West Memphis, said this week he is drafting a proposed initiated act to possibly take to voters in 2008 that would create a statewide trauma center program and fund it with $25 million a year in general revenues. Sumpter said he plans to submit the proposal to the attorney general next month if the governor does not call a special session to address the trauma center issue. Tuesday, Beebe said he has no plans to call a special session. He said he would support an initiated act as long as it has an adequate funding source other than general revenue. "As long as there is some mechanism funding a trauma center, then I can be totally open-minded about it," the governor said. "Without a mechanism for funding, it has its problems." Told of Beebe's comments, Sumpter said hopes to meet with the governor to discuss the issue. "The governor is being a good governor by wanting to be cautious and make sure those surpluses will be there, but we should know that within the next year," Sumpter said. "I need to sit down with the governor and brainstorm ... look at different revenue streams." Sumpter said he still believes general revenue is the best way to go because there is already a surplus and the revenue forecast for the next two years is good. A Level 1 trauma center is essential for Arkansas, the only state that does not have one, he said. Sumpter said his draft initiated act would use $25 million a year to upgrade the medical center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science and would set aside funding for hospitals statewide to upgrade their facilities. The measure's popular name and ballot title would have to be certified by the attorney general's office before supporters could begin a petition drive to get it on the November 2008 general election ballot. If certified by the attorney general, supporters would have until July 7, 2008, to gather signatures of 61,974 registered voters in the state to qualify the measure for the general election ballot. |
