Chambers of commerce will compete for legislators at competing cocktail hours this evening.

From 5 to 7 p.m., legislators have their choice:

Freebies from the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce at the Capitol Hill Building or from the Crittenden County Chambers of Commerce at Next Level Events in the Train Station. Skol!

Advertisement

Again: Voters made free eats and drinks illegal by constitutional amendment in 2014, but the legislature promptly carved several loopholes, the biggest being legalizing free drinks and eats courtesy of lobbyists as long as all members of the House and/or Senate are invited.  A delicious side note is that the legislature also provided a legal pathway to funneling tax revenue to private chambers of commerce to help cover their expenses as they lobby legislators. You may be sure their agenda does not include better pay and working conditions for the sons and daughters of toil.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Survey puts Little Rock near bottom of happiness ranking Next article Fishing, floating, the rural scene: the “Arkansas Territory Collection”