State Rep. Robbie Wills used a prop to make a point today in his first address to the House as its new speaker.

The Democrat from Conway held up a device he called a “do-nothing” — a novelty item that at one time was offered for sale at his family’s business in Pickles Gap. The device had a crank which, when turned, did nothing.

“Don’t be a do-nothing,” Wills told newly sworn House members. “Be a do-something.”

Wills offered a list of things he wants lawmakers to accomplish this session, starting with going beyond adequacy in funding public education.

Wills says he also wants to continue investing in work force training, fund infrastructure improvements, extend broadband access to every area of the state and promote job growth.

He urges lawmakers to be “ambitious” on health care issues, funding a statewide trauma system, community health centers, in-home care for the elderly, cancer treatment and Medicaid and expansion of the ARKids First health coverage program for the children of Arkansas’ working poor.

Wills urged House members to make the “courageous decision” to raise the cigarette tax to pay for health care projects because “it’s the right thing to do.”

Wills named chairmen and vice chairmen to a number of House committees, a list of which can be found here.

Tags: lottery, Robbie Wills, trauma system

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