LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Arkansas legislators returned to the state Capitol in Little Rock today, starting their 87th General Assembly amid a grim economy and a tight budget. House Speaker Robbie Wills of Conway said he would challenge his colleagues to be an "active Legislature" and tackle whatever they can. He said legislators cannot use the poor economy as an excuse to "take a pass on big issues."
Topping the agenda are setting up a voter-approved state-run lottery, establishing a statewide trauma system and cutting the state's sales tax on groceries.
Two years ago, legislators had a billion-dollar surplus to work with.
