Lignite Exploration is Essential By Lt. Governor Mark A. Darr This week I wanted to talk to you about an economic issue on which I have been focused. We have a real need for new energy sources in this country right now and I believe that our state has a great deal of potential in contributing to that need. If you're not familiar with lignite, it is a low-grade form of coal. Research...

Your Heart is in Your Hands By Lt. Governor Mark A. Darr At the first of every year, people often make resolutions to get healthy by starting to eat right and exercise. I've done the same thing and as we all know, these efforts usually fall flat as we revert to old habits. But, we really should take our health more seriously. February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the #...

On School Choice By Lieutenant Governor Mark A. Darr This week is the 2nd Annual National School Choice Week and serves as a wonderful opportunity for parents to learn more about effective education options for their children. National School Choice Week features special events and activities that highlight support for school choice programs and proposals. The effort is a collaboration of ...

What are you doing for others? By Lieutenant Governor Mark A. Darr The third Monday of every January, the nation observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in honor of the civil rights leader whose famous dream gave hope to so many others' dreams in this country. Commemorative events are held all over the country to remember his legacy. A Congressional designation in 1994 established this holida...

The Year Ahead By Lieutenant Governor Mark A. Darr I hope the new year finds you all well. The turning of a new year is always a milestone that prompts us to both reflect and to look forward. It's almost been a year since I had the honor to be sworn in as your Lieutenant Governor and I have to say, it's been one of the most rewarding times of my life. Travelling our magnificent state, mee...

A Few Thoughts Before The New Year By Lieutenant Governor Mark A. Darr A troubling report was recently released from the National Center on Family Homelessness called America's Youngest Outcasts 2010. The report ranks states across the nation on child homelessness. Sadly, Arkansas ranked third. According to this report, there were nearly 14, 000 homeless children in Arkansas in 2010. This ...

Arkansas Lt. Governor Mark a. Darr Column December 6, 2011 This past week, I had the opportunity to tour the Arkansas Nuclear One facility near Russellville. According to Entergy, the company that operates the two units there, this plant provides nearly 30 percent of our state's electric power. There has been a lot in the news lately about coal power, natural gas, and green energy, but nuc...

A Time to Give By Lt. Governor Mark A. Darr Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday in this country. I'm so glad that we have this as a national tradition. It's a time when we all purposefully reflect on the blessings in our life. Of course, my family is a blessing to me each and every day. The kids are starting to make their Christmas lists and they have fun with that, but you know, it's th...

A Little Perspective By Lieutenant Governor Mark A. Darr Much attention has been given in the press lately to the spate of protests around the country sparked initially in New York by a group calling itself Occupy Wall Street. By their own account, they are protesting against the people they believe are responsible for economic inequality in this country, namely banks, the wealthy and big cor...

My Trip to China By Lieutenant Governor Mark A. Darr I had a great opportunity this past week to make a trip abroad to China as part of a delegation on behalf of the National Lieutenant Governor's Association. I and the Lt. Governors of Alabama, Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota all traveled together for the trip. I enjoyed getting to know some of my counterparts from arou...