Texarkana lawmaker making a name for himself

Specifically, he has been trying to protect Texarkanas sales tax exemptions and minding ‘Arkansass Ss .

The last few weeks, at least from an outsiders standpoint, have been interesting for Harrelson.

From sales tax exemptions to s on the word ‘Arkansas for the official possessive form, Harrelson has run the gamut of serious and light-hearted legislation.

Lets start with the serious stuff first.

Simply put, Harrelson fought an uphill battle to prolong his home citys sales tax exemptions on groceries, over-the-counter medications and energy usage.

He lost the fight on the state level last month and now some attempts will be made at the congressional level to prolong or extend those exemptions.

In 2003, before Harrelson was elected to office, the Arkansas Legislature approved the Streamlined Sales Tax Act.

The intent was for the states sales tax rate to be the same amount so sales tax could be assessed on Internet purchases.

While its a good move for the state, it meant imminent trouble for Texarkana, Ark. The city would have to give up its exemptions on groceries, over-the-counter medication and energy use when Internet purchases were taxed.

When this act was before the legislature in 2003, Texarkanas then-state representative David Haak, a Republican, didnt vote yes or no when his citys exemptions were at stake.

He voted ‘present.

The vote passed with 74 in favor, 12 against, Haaks lone present vote and 13 not voting.

At that point, everyone knew Texarkana, Ark., was living on borrowed time.

Unfortunately, the borrowed time ran out under Harrelsons watch as Texarkanas state representative.

Last month, he put forth an effort to try to stave off the sales tax exemption loss for another year but no deal. Now, he will try the congressional arena to protect the citys exemptions.

Meanwhile, hes become quite the media darling, or devil depending on your view, when it comes to grammar.

Hes found himself the inspiration for national and international headlines by filing a resolution regarding the possessive form of Arkansas seeking to make the official possessive form Arkansass, not Arkansas.

Harrelson sought this change at the request of Parker Westbrook, chairman of the Pioneer Washington Restoration in nearby Hempstead County.

‘Yeah, I got lots of ridicule and criticism on this one, but Id do it again. No state documents will reflect this change ts merely a declaration and gesture for Parker, who has been active in Arkansas politics since joining my grandfathers congressional staff in 1948’ Harrelsons blog states.

When Harrelson filed the non-binding resolution, I dont think he realized how much attention it would attract.

But it has been cussed and discussed by teachers, linguists, journalists and regular folks.

Harrelson was even on NPRs ‘All Things Considered a few days ago regarding his grammar grit.

Because of standing his ground against critics, he is one of ‘Arkansass most well-known legislators.