State Rep. Jim Medley, R-Fort Smith, announced today he will run for the state Senate seat now held by the term-limited Denny Altes, who is running for the state House.

Medley has served three two-year terms in the House. He is the CEO of the nonprofit Area Agency on Aging and a former member of the Fort Smith Board of Education and the Board of Directors of the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce.

“Rep. Jim Medley’s extensive knowledge of governmental processes, service to the citizens of Fort Smith, and passionate concern for the future of the state of Arkansas is the foundation Jim is prepared to bring to Arkansas state Senate District 13,” a news release from Medley’s campaign states.

Former Republican state Rep. Jake Files and Rep. Frank Glidewell, R-Fort Smith, have also said they will run for the District 13 Senate seat.

A term-limited state House member says term limits has left the Legislature bereft of institutional memory and with lawmakers ill-equipped to represent their constituents.

Three-term Republican Jim Medley of Fort Smith  told reporters today he’s frustrated by what he has seen from fellow legislators in recent budget hearings.

“I’ve been going to these various committee hearings, and I just don’t see enough questioning of the budget and what we’re doing. It’s like, ‘Roll over and go with the flow,’” he said.

Arkansas’ term-limits law is one of the most restrictive in the country, limiting state senators to two four-year terms and state representatives to three two-year terms. Medley says the frequent turnover hinders the Legislature’s ability to be a watchdog on public spending and a champion of worthwhile programs.

He spoke to reporters after a budget hearing in which lawmakers rejected his proposal to offset federal spending cuts by providing $598,000 in state money for the Arkansas Department of Education’s school-based mental health program.

He expressed regret that a former El Dorado legislator known for his expertise on educational matters over more than 30 years in office was term-limited out of the Legislature two years ago.

“If he were still a legislator, I can guarantee you Jodie Mahony would be standing up for this,” Medley said.