Little Rock, Arkansas – In a move to restore financial stability and protect public workers in Jefferson County, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced new legislation that aims to solve the ongoing budget deadlock that has left county employees in limbo.
The bill, which is receiving bipartisan support, would require all cities and counties in Arkansas to pass their annual budgets no later than February 7 each year. If local governments fail to do so, the legislation mandates that the previously approved budget be used automatically to ensure that public employees continue to receive their paychecks and essential services are not disrupted.
“The people of Jefferson County work hard, contribute to their community, and pay their taxes and since county leaders were unable to fix this budget dispute, pay their employees, and provide basic services to their citizens, we are stepping in,” said Governor Sanders.
Jefferson County, which has faced a prolonged financial impasse, has been unable to pass a working budget, causing growing concerns over missed paychecks and stalled public services. The newly introduced legislation intends to prevent such breakdowns in the future by creating a legal fallback mechanism that keeps the government functioning even if local officials are at odds.
The bill is sponsored by several legislators from across the state, including Senator Ben Gilmore of District 26, Senator Stephanie Flowers of District 8, Representative Glenn Barnes of District 65, Representative Mike Holcomb of District 93, and Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson of District 64. Their involvement signals a broad consensus that action is necessary to protect the rights and livelihoods of county workers.
Senator Ben Gilmore voiced strong support for the initiative and emphasized the need for responsible governance at the county level. “Those of us elected hold a public trust and are obligated to serve our constituents. It is time for Jefferson County officials to focus on doing what is right and allow government operations to continue for the people they represent. I am grateful for the elected officials in Jefferson County who are working to find solutions and striving for unity. I call on all county officials to do what their constituents expect of them. I appreciate Governor Sander’s leadership and the Jefferson County legislative delegation for stepping up to end this senseless crisis, and I urge my colleagues in the legislature to support this common-sense solution,” Gilmore said.
Representative Glenn Barnes echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the toll the budget crisis has taken on local workers and their families. “So many people are suffering as a result of the impasse and we believe that this legislation will allow the servants in Jefferson County to be paid,” said Barnes. “We hope that the people of Jefferson County will soon be able to receive their checks and pay their bills.”
The proposal comes after weeks of public frustration and uncertainty. Without a functioning budget, many Jefferson County employees have been left wondering when they will be paid and how county services will resume. Local officials have struggled to come to an agreement, prompting the state to step in with a legislative fix.
If passed, the new law could set a precedent for other counties across Arkansas, ensuring that no public employee is ever again put in the position of working without knowing when—or if—they will be paid.
Governor Sanders and the bill’s sponsors are expected to advocate for swift passage in the legislature, hoping to bring an end to the current crisis and restore confidence in local governance.
As the situation unfolds, many in Jefferson County are watching closely, hopeful that the legislation will finally bring relief and stability to a community that has waited far too long.
