Good timing on the tax credit bill for poor workers. A grassroots group, the Arkansas Citizens First Congress, is at the legislature today to press issues important to working families.

Their priorities:

Opportunities to learn for all students
A sound state budget, fair taxes and Reauthorize the Private Option Health Insurance
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
Arkansas State Water Plan
Oppose state-level or punitive immigration reform
Prison Reform & Judicial Equality for Mental Health
Fair Election Reform
Worker fairness and safety
Create an Arkansas Civil & Human Rights Commission
Reform eminent domain to protect citizens

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Lots of specifics and lots of money — more than $50 million for “re-entry” centers and parole system improvements to produce safer communities, for example. Then there’s $20 million for expanded pre-K support, after-school programs and school-based nutrition.

It’s a strong populist voice, a conscience at least.

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