Senate rejects amendment to divert Arkansas Youth Expo funding; amendment fails on roll call

Senators on March 3 debated and rejected an amendment to a budget bill that would have reduced funding for the Arkansas Youth Expo (AYE) and redirected the difference to county fairs. The amendment (Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 106) proposed deleting $48,000 and substituting $5,400 for AYE support; proponents said the change would shift funds to county fairs, while opponents argued it would harm a statewide program that serves hundreds of children from roughly 71 counties.

Senator Deese spoke against the amendment, describing the AYE as serving students across 71 counties and warning that the proposed reduction would “shatter” a program that provides scholarship and exhibit opportunities for youth. Senator Gilmore and other senators echoed concerns, saying the event provides valuable year-round agricultural learning and competition. Supporters of the amendment, including Senator Payton, argued the allocation was uneven compared with support for district and county fairs and said the change would provide more funds for local fairs.

After debate the Senate held a roll-call vote on the amendment. The clerk read the amendment text aloud (delete 48,000; substitute 5,400; and adjust the total line accordingly). The roll-call result recorded by the secretary was 6 yeas, 21 nays, 6 not voting and 1 present, and the amendment failed. The floor then continued with the budget bills; the underlying appropriations provisions advanced as part of the budget batch.

Senators who spoke against the amendment emphasized the number of counties represented and the youth impact; senators who supported the amendment emphasized parity for county and district fairs and questioned the magnitude of the AYE allocation. The amendment's failure leaves the existing AYE funding level in the bills as they continue through the budget process.