August in Alaska. Beats August in Arkansas as a rule.

A gang of legislators went to an August 9-13 session of the Council of State Governments. At least 12 from the House and 14 from the Senate were authorized to attend, at a cost that seems to be ranging generally from $3,000 to $4,000 a pop.

Note that the list includes opponents of wasteful government spending, particularly when it means allowing working class poor people to get federally paid health coverage from Obamacare in the private option version passed by a bare margin of Arkansas legislators. Travelers included Sen. Alan Clark, who took his wife along to Alaska and found time outside of a heavy meeting load to enjoy the scenery.  His wife, Jana, wrote on her Facebook page a sentiment most would share, if they could afford it:

Advertisement


We highly recommend a summer time visit to Alaska.

Want to attend vicariously? Clark’s Facebook page has lots of photos. You’ll see some of his colleagues. Judging by the placesClark covered — Denali, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Skagway — Clark extended his visit beyond the CSG function (I’ve been trying to get in touch). Oh, and don’t forget Wasilla.

I am not posting pictures of Sarah Palin’s house in Wasilla. But did we find it and drive by? You betcha.

You have to check with officers of the House, Senate, Legislative Audit and the Bureau of Legislative Research to find out who was authorized to attend and how much they’ve sought in reimbursement.  Here are those authorized to attend (spouses may accompany legislators, but must pay their own travel expenses, apart from sharing rooms), but I don’t have a final count on attendees or the final reimbursement tally:

Advertisement

House approved (12)

Charles Armstrong, Duncan Baird, Nate Bell, Ann Clemmer,  Charlene Fite, John Hutchison, Andrea Lea, Stephanie Malone, George McGill, Micah Neal, Tommy Thompson, Butch Wilkins

Senate approved (14)

Cecile Bledsoe, David Burnett, Alan Clark, Jim Hendren, Keith Ingram, Bryan King, Michael Lamoureux, Bruce Maloch, Bobby Pierce, Bill Sample, Gary Stubblefield, Larry Teague, Robert Thompson and Jon Woods.

Advertisement

Here are the requests so far for state reimbursements:

Legislative Audit

Sen. Cecile Bledsoe 2621.29
Sen. David Burnett 3301.89
Sen. Bryan King 3220.97
Rep Nate Bell 2043.21 hotel receipt is currently being reconciled and has not been reimbursed as of 9-18-14
Rep. John Hutchison 4041.36

Bureau of Legislative Research

Senator Lamoureux $3432.76
Senator Maloch $3051.30
Senator Pierce $3184.20
Senator Teague $1999.45
Senator Woods $3747.16
Senator Hendren $2940.58
Senator Robert Thompson $2253.93
Representative Tommy Thompson $4375.48
Representative Wilkins $4032.54

Advertisement

Cue Johnny Horton: ” … North to Alaska, go north the rush is on.”

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article James Jones to become LR assistant city manager Next article Arkansas Rugby, Van Lang Cuisine, Sam Lipsyte, the Civil War and a very important laptop fund