Governor tours region

During a tour of Southwest Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson talks about the future of education and his goals as governor.
During a tour of Southwest Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson talks about the future of education and his goals as governor.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson started his rural community tour Monday in Southwest Arkansas to learn about the progress the state is making during his tenure as governor.

Tour stops include Howard, Little River, Sevier, Nevada, Ouachita and Desha counties.

The governor was the guest speaker of the De Queen Rotary Club at the Mary Pop's Restaurant in De Queen, Ark.

"I grew up a half-mile down a dirt road, and I understand rural living. I understood the importance of the county judge because he road-graded our roads," Hutchinson said.

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Amanda and William Blalock

"I understood the importance of community. My mom and dad taught me to work hard and they taught me the value of education and encouraged me to pursue an education.

"I'm proud about what we've done in the state during the past four years. Arkansas has a lot to brag about. We've created an additional 2,500 jobs.

"We lowered the state income tax $150 million. We've lowered it to 7 percent and we want to lower it to 6 percent. We can be more competitive with surrounding states."

Arkansas also has a $120 million surplus available if needed, he said.

Hutchinson said he learned to be humble when he went to the "Hampton Hog Skin Parade."

He said he wanted to attend an event outside of Little Rock and picked Hampton's parade

"This woman came up to me and asked if she could hug me. I thought, wow she wants to hug me for what I've been doingin the state," Hutchinson said.

"She steps back and asks just who are you in Arkansas."

"It illustrates people are concerned about their children, families, what's happening at school, their work and don't worry about what is going on in Little Rock."

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