Mark Perry, State Representative District 66

Mark Perry, State Representative District 66 Rep. Mark Perry is running for re-election in the November 5th election. He is currently serving his sixth term in the Arkansas House.

He represents District 66, which includes portions of Jacksonville and other areas of Pulaski County.

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 5-29-26This week, the Arkansas State Capitol belonged to the ne...
05/29/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 5-29-26

This week, the Arkansas State Capitol belonged to the next generation.

Students from across our state gathered in Little Rock for Arkansas Boys State, Arkansas Girls State, and the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. For a few days, committee rooms, hallways, and the House floor were filled with young Arkansans learning firsthand how government works and, more importantly, how they can be a part of it.

They debated legislation, asked thoughtful questions, participated in mock sessions, and stepped behind the same microphones used by elected officials during the legislative session. Watching students from communities large and small confidently stand to speak, disagree respectfully, and work together was a reminder that Arkansas has an incredibly bright future.

Programs like these matter because they make government feel real and accessible. Civics is no longer just a chapter in a textbook when students are sitting in the House Chamber debating ideas themselves. Many current members of the Arkansas House and Senate once sat in those same seats as Boys State or Girls State participants. For some legislators, those programs helped spark an interest in public service that eventually led them to serve their communities at the Capitol. That is part of what makes these programs so meaningful. You never know which student walking through the Capitol today may someday return as a teacher, mayor, business leader, judge, or legislator.

The Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute carried a particularly meaningful mission this year. Created by members of the Arkansas House and Senate, the program ensured students who were unable to attend Girls State because of administrative issues still had an opportunity to experience leadership development and civic engagement at the Capitol. Their enthusiasm and participation made it clear just how valuable these opportunities are.
This week, the Capitol belonged to the next generation, and after watching these students lead, debate, and serve, it’s clear Arkansas is in good hands.

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 5-22-26Arkansas is proudly known as The Natural State, but it i...
05/25/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 5-22-26

Arkansas is proudly known as The Natural State, but it is also a deeply rural state. From agriculture and forestry to small businesses and local infrastructure, many of the issues that shape Arkansas begin in rural communities. That is why legislators from across the state gathered this week in Jonesboro for the Arkansas Rural Development Conference.

The three-day conference brought together mayors, county judges, legislators, state and federal officials, and community leaders, focused on strengthening communities across Arkansas. Two legislative committees met during the conference: the Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development Committee and the State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee. These meetings gave lawmakers the opportunity to hear directly from state agencies and economic development leaders about both the opportunities and challenges facing rural Arkansas.

Members also heard encouraging news about Arkansas’s economic standing nationally. Arkansas was recently ranked the number one state for affordability by U.S. News & World Report and first in the nation for inbound movers by Atlas Van Lines. Forbes Advisor ranked Arkansas third best in the country to start a new business, while the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported Arkansas has the fourth-lowest industrial electricity costs in the nation.

Economic developers emphasized several key factors businesses consider when selecting locations, including workforce availability, utilities, infrastructure, higher education resources, taxes, permitting, and quality of life. Many of these areas have been a focus of the General Assembly in recent sessions through investments in education, workforce development, infrastructure, and tax relief. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission noted the legislature’s efforts to lower both corporate and individual income taxes have strengthened Arkansas’ ability to recruit new businesses and compete for economic growth opportunities. As Arkansas continues competing for jobs and investment, addressing the unique needs and challenges facing rural communities remains critical to the long-term success of our state.

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 5-8-26The Arkansas House convened in special session this week ...
05/09/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 5-8-26

The Arkansas House convened in special session this week to consider legislation related to income tax reductions. Members returned to the Capitol on Monday and adjourned on Wednesday after passing identical measures, House Bill 1001 and Senate Bill 1, outlining changes to the state’s income tax rates.

The legislation lowers the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% beginning January 1, 2026, and reduces the top corporate income tax rate to 4.1% beginning January 1, 2027. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed both measures into law on Wednesday.

House Bill 1001 is now Act 1, and Senate Bill 1 is now Act 2. According to bill sponsors, approximately 1.1 million individual income taxpayers with net taxable income of $26,400 and above are expected to benefit under the new law. It is estimated that the measure will reduce state general revenue by approximately $191.8 million in fiscal year 2027 and $144.8 million in fiscal year 2028.

Arkansas has enacted a series of gradual income tax reductions over the past decade. In 2013, the state’s top individual income tax rate was 7%. Since then, the General Assembly has approved several rounds of rate reductions through both regular and special sessions.

The latest General Revenue Report shows Net Available General Revenues totaled $5.87 billion, which is $404.7 million, or 7.4%, above the same point last year. After ten months in the fiscal year, revenues are currently above forecast by $226.1 million, or 4%.

Following adjournment of the special session, the House convened in caucus and approved HR1001, authorizing the use of the House Chamber for the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. Announced by members of the Arkansas House and Senate, the Institute was created to provide leadership and civic engagement opportunities for students who were recently denied admission to Arkansas Girls State due to administrative errors. The Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol is scheduled for May 26, 2026.

Daily Summary for Wednesday, May 6The House concluded the special session by passing SB1, the Senate version of the tax ...
05/07/2026

Daily Summary for Wednesday, May 6

The House concluded the special session by passing SB1, the Senate version of the tax relief measure, and the Governor has since signed both HB1001 and SB1 into law. The legislation lowers the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% beginning January 1, 2026, and reduces the top corporate income tax rate to 4.1% starting January 1, 2027.

Members also took time to honor several members serving their final terms in the House, recognizing their service and contributions to the state.

Following adjournment, the House convened in caucus and approved HR1001, authorizing the use of the House Chamber for the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. Announced by members of the Arkansas House and Senate, the Institute was created to provide leadership and civic engagement opportunities for students who were recently denied admission to Arkansas Girls State due to administrative errors. The Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol is scheduled for May 26, 2026.

Daily Summary for Tuesday, May 5The House convened for the second day of the special session and approved HB1001 by a vo...
05/06/2026

Daily Summary for Tuesday, May 5

The House convened for the second day of the special session and approved HB1001 by a vote of 79–17. The bill would lower the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% beginning January 1, 2026, and reduce the top corporate tax rate to 4.1% starting January 1, 2027.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee also met this afternoon and advanced SB1, an identical bill from the Senate.

The House will reconvene tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. to consider SB1, which is expected to conclude the special session. The House will convene as a caucus 5 minutes after adjournment.

Daily Summary for Monday, May 4The House convened Monday for a special session called by the Governor to consider tax re...
05/05/2026

Daily Summary for Monday, May 4

The House convened Monday for a special session called by the Governor to consider tax relief.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee advanced HB1001, which would lower the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% beginning January 1, 2026, and reduce the top corporate tax rate to 4.1% starting January 1, 2027.

The House is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Daily Summary 4-28-26The House is nearing the conclusion of the 2026 Fiscal Session. Members approved the Revenue Stabil...
04/29/2026

Daily Summary 4-28-26

The House is nearing the conclusion of the 2026 Fiscal Session. Members approved the Revenue Stabilization Act, establishing the state budget for Fiscal Year 2027, along with more than a dozen appropriation bills for agencies and institutions, including the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Health, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.

The House also paused to honor the lives of Senator Gary Stubblefield and Representative Stan Berry, with Rep. Berry’s family present in the gallery.

The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 10 a.m., with adjournment of the Fiscal Session expected.

Daily Summary for Thursday, April 23On Thursday, the Joint Budget Committee adopted an amendment to the Revenue Stabiliz...
04/24/2026

Daily Summary for Thursday, April 23

On Thursday, the Joint Budget Committee adopted an amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA), the framework that outlines and prioritizes state spending for the upcoming fiscal year.

The proposal includes an overall increase of $211 million compared to the current fiscal year, with targeted investments in Educational Freedom Accounts, the Arkansas State Police, the Department of Correction, and institutions of higher education.

The House Revenue and Tax Committee also advanced HB1103, legislation that would increase the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $600 to $675.
The House will reconvene on Monday at 3 p.m.

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 4-17-26The House completed its second week of the 2026 Fiscal S...
04/17/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 4-17-26

The House completed its second week of the 2026 Fiscal Session with a focus on both the state budget and a proposal aimed at providing additional property tax relief for Arkansans.

In a 92–0 vote, members approved HR1006, a resolution that would allow for the introduction of a non-appropriation bill to increase the homestead property tax credit. During a fiscal session, legislation outside of the budget requires approval by a two-thirds majority in both chambers before it can be filed. If the Senate also approves the resolution, a bill will be introduced to raise the credit from $600 to $675.

The homestead property tax credit was established in 2000 after Arkansas voters approved Amendment 79. The credit for qualifying homeowners is funded through the Property Tax Relief Trust Fund, which is supported by a half-cent sales tax. Over time, revenues to the fund have exceeded original projections, creating opportunities for lawmakers to revisit and adjust the credit amount. Most recently, the General Assembly passed Act 330 during the 2025 Regular Session, increasing the credit from $500 to $600.

Budget work also continued in earnest this week. In the Joint Budget Committee, members approved an appropriation of $1 million for contraband interdiction and corrections intelligence technology within the Department of Corrections. This investment is aimed at detecting and preventing illegal wireless device activity in correctional facilities. It is important to note that appropriation bills authorize spending only when funds are available; they do not allocate funding themselves. Actual distribution of funds is determined through the Revenue Stabilization Act.

The House also passed several appropriation bills for state boards, commissions, and colleges as the fiscal session continues.
The House will reconvene on Tuesday, April 21. You can watch all committee meetings and House floor proceedings at www.arkansashouse.org.

Daily Summary for Thursday, April 16With a 92–0 vote, the House approved HR1006, a resolution that would allow for the i...
04/17/2026

Daily Summary for Thursday, April 16

With a 92–0 vote, the House approved HR1006, a resolution that would allow for the introduction of a non-appropriation bill to increase the homestead property tax credit. If the Senate also approves the resolution by a two-thirds majority, legislation will be filed to raise the credit from $600 to $675.

The House also passed several appropriation bills for boards, commissions, and colleges.
The House will reconvene on Tuesday at 1 p.m.

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Jacksonville, AR
72076

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