To President Pro Tempore Hester and Speaker Shepherd: 
 
I am returning without my approval Senate Bill 509, legislation entitled “To Amend the Law Concerning Stipends for Members of the Board of Corrections and to Amend the Law Concerning Stipends for Members of State Boards,” which would raise the stipend for the Arkansas Board of Corrections from $85 to $110.  

As Governor, I made a commitment to the State of Arkansas that I would look for ways to reduce government waste and ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely. Elected officials have a responsibility to eliminate unnecessary spending at every level of state government. 

Senate Bill 509 carries with it a price tag – an increase which cannot be justified to Arkansas taxpayers. Therefore, I am vetoing this resolution. 

Sincerely,
Sarah Huckabee Sanders,
Governor of Arkansas