Douglas announces bid for re-election

By Doug Thompson

BENTONVILLE -- Rep. Dan Douglas, R-Bentonville, will run for re-election to the District 91 seat of the state House of Representatives, he announced Jan. 29.

A cattle farmer and commercial real estate manager, Douglas served four years on the Benton County Quorum Court before being elected to his first term in 2012.

He voted for the so-called private option health care expansion in April, during the regular legislative session. Douglas continues to support the private option as it comes up for yearly budget approval, but said his support shouldn't be interpreted as a blank check.

"I've heard of possible changes, and I need to read those changes before I make a final commitment," Douglas said. "I'm not going to say I support something whatever happens to it."

The program takes about $915 million in federal taxpayer dollars intended for the expansion of Medicaid, a government program. Instead, the money is used to help poorer Arkansans who don't qualify for Medicaid to purchase private health insurance.

The change required a waiver from the federal Department of Health and Human Services. A state spending bill appropriating money to the program requires a three-quarters vote in each chamber of the House in February's fiscal session. The vote is expected to be close.

Douglas also is known as a supporter of expanding and improving broadband internet access for Arkansas public schools. He sponsored Act 1280 of 2013, which updates, streamlines and clarifies the standards for "digital learning" in schools.

A student who wants to study physics, for instance, should have the opportunity to study that subject wherever he goes to school in Arkansas, Douglas said. The most cost-efficient way to allow that is to allow the effective teaching of classes by digital video, audio and computer connection with a qualified teacher, he said. Arkansas ranks last among the 50 states in providing such access, he said.

Douglas currently serves on the House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development Committee, the House Transportation Committee and the Joint Energy Committee.