LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas’ governor delivered a state of the state address Wednesday while much of his state remains shuttered because of the coronavirus outbreak, telling lawmakers he’ll need their help cutting his proposed budget without harming essential services.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson spoke to lawmakers as they convened in two different locations for this year’s legislative session because of the outbreak. The House met in a 5,600-seat basketball arena, while the Senate met at the Capitol.
“We are here today for regular business at a time in our world when everything seems irregular,” Hutchinson told a Senate chamber sparsely filled with members in face masks. His remarks were broadcast live to the makeshift House chamber in the arena.
Hutchinson last month proposed a $5.8 billion budget for the coming year, but finance officials have since lowered their revenue projections by $205 million.
Arkansas has had at least 1,000 coronavirus cases and 18 deaths. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
