Recreational Marijuana Would Harm Arkansans

Marijuana, News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 9, 2019

On Tuesday activists in Arkansas announced plans to propose measures legalizing recreational marijuana in Arkansas, letting Arkansans grow marijuana at home, and letting a criminal convicted of a low-level marijuana offense petition a court for expungement of the conviction.

Family Council President Jerry Cox released a statement saying, “There’s nothing safe about marijuana. People are killed every day in marijuana-related car accidents in this country. Children in Colorado, California, and other states where marijuana is legal have been hospitalized after getting ahold of an adult’s marijuana. In Alabama, a toddler recently died in a hot car while his parents allegedly were passed out under the influence of marijuana. Legalizing recreational marijuana will put Arkansans at risk.”

Cox said legalization will not end the illegal sale of marijuana. “Legalizing marijuana doesn’t eliminate the black market for marijuana. In Colorado, people still buy and sell marijuana illegally all the time so they can avoid paying taxes. Drug dealers buy marijuana in states like Colorado or California so they can sell it illegally in other states.”

Cox said recreational marijuana ultimately will cost taxpayers. “The taxes on marijuana can’t possibly cover all the cost to the taxpayer. This measure will require the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control Division to spend public funds overseeing recreational marijuana sales and use in Arkansas. The measure lets people grow marijuana at home. Every law enforcement agency in Arkansas from the county sheriff to the state police will have to spend time and money making sure folks growing marijuana at home aren’t selling it to their neighbors. Taxpayers are the ones who will have to foot that bill.”

Family Council is a conservative education and research organization based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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Family Council Pleased With Nomination of Arkansas Attorney Lee Rudofsky to Federal Bench

Current Events, News, ,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 1, 2019

On Monday, President Donald J. Trump nominated Lee Rudofsky to serve as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Family Council President Jerry Cox released a statement saying, “We are very pleased with President Trump’s decision to nominate Lee Rudofsky. Mr. Rudofsky is highly qualified to serve as a federal judge. He is a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School, and he has experience with constitutional law. As Solicitor General for the State of Arkansas, Mr. Rudofsky tirelessly defended state laws and policies in court—including policies that protect taxpayers from subsidizing abortionists like Planned Parenthood through Medicaid funding. While there were many other qualified candidates for the position, I am confident Mr. Rudofsky will do an excellent job serving on the federal bench, and I urge the United States Senate to confirm him.”

Family Council is a conservative education and research organization based in Little Rock.

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Come to This Candidate Forum on August 13

Elections, News,

The following is a press release from a partnership of statewide faith leaders and community leaders.

COMMUNITY LEADERS TO HOST GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE FORUM

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS— All three candidates for Arkansas Governor have confirmed that they will attend a gubernatorial community forum in North Little Rock on Monday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m.

The forum, which will focus on issues important to families and the future of Arkansas children, is sponsored by a combination of statewide faith leaders in partnership with the Arkansas Out of School Network and other community groups.

“As faith leaders we feel it is important for us to come together and be advocates for our children and those who can not speak loudly for themselves due to lack of resources or lack of access”, explained New St. Hurricane Baptist Church Pastor Derick Easter of Pine Bluff.

The 90-minute forum, which will allow community members to become more informed about the candidates and their platforms, will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 1821 Edmonds Street, beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m.  Doors for the event open at 6 p.m.  Incumbent and republican candidate Asa Hutchinson, democrat candidate Jared Henderson and libertarian candidate Mark West will discuss pre-established questions from topics such as afterschool and summer programming, health care and economic development.

“Afterschool and summer learning programs are a vital resource for families across Arkansas”, said AOSN Network Coordinator Laveta Wills-Hale. “They keep kids safe and healthy while preparing them for the future.”

Some supporting partners for the event include the Arkansas Out of School Network, Regular Arkansas Baptist State Convention, Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arkansas, Arkansas Family Council, Faith Voices of Arkansas, Arkansas First Jurisdiction Church of God In Christ and Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

Early voting begins October 22 for the gubernatorial election, which will be held on November 6.

For further information about this free community event contact: Derick Easter 870-536-8337 or 501-590-4589 or dkeaster@sbcglobal.net

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