Stipend Important, But Long-Term Solution Needed

CONWAY, Ark. – Arkansas Lieutenant Governor candidate and State Senator Jason Rapert today released the following statement after the signing into law the Department of Public Safety’s annual budget for FY2023 containing a $40 million appropriation for the Public Safety Equipment Grant Program and a separate $50 million full-time law enforcement pay stipend:
 
“I am proud of the General Assembly and the Governor for funding the Public Safety Equipment Grant Program that I sponsored in 2021.  The $40 million will go a long way to help better equip our state’s law enforcement officers with safety gear, body cameras, and additional training. 
 
“Additionally, I am pleased the General Assembly took an important step this session to improve law enforcement pay with the one-time stipend for full-time officers.  Next year, the legislature and our new Governor will need to create a permanent long-term solution.  As Lt. Governor, I plan to continue supporting law enforcement officers who protect us all every day.”

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