Rep. Wallace predicts shift towards technical degrees

With the new legislative session already underway --and a massive shift to a republican majority -- freshman representative Dave Wallace, R-Leachville, is looking to be a big part of the state's new direction, particularly in education.

Wallace, who won the District 54 spot over the incumbent representative Wes Wagner, said one of the biggest moves he anticipates is education reform under the state's new Governor Asa Hutchison. Although former Gov. Mike Beebe had been dubbed the "education governor," Wallace said he anticipates Hutchison will try to leave his own mark on the state's education through vocational reform.

"I think, from what I've gathered in my short time down here, that what the governor is trying to do is offer students options -- so they don't feel they have to go to a four-year school," Wallace said. "Too often students feel pressured to go to college, they're made to feel like that's their only option after graduation. We want to open up new opportunities and let these students know that they can do something else, and vocational or technical degrees are what we want to see."

Wallace said his understanding is that the governor will be looking for ways to make obtaining these technical degrees, such as welding, much easier for students. One of the ways he anticipates this will come about is through strengthened partnerships with schools like Arkansas Northeastern College, which already has a strong array of technical programs and has been a great asset, according to Wallace.

"These students are going to be able to graduate high school, go get one of these technical certificates in just a short time and then be making as much as $60,000 a year, whereas someone who goes for, say, a Liberal Arts degree or a History degree will be making $30,000-32,000 after four years of college," he said. "That $60,000 is a lot of money for someone who is 18 or 19 or 20 years old, but this will also help create a greater workforce in Blytheville and the rest of the county."

Another big reason for the push toward technical certification is to decrease the burden of student loan debts on students after they graduate. Wallace said many students who pursue traditional four-year degrees often leave college with massive student loan debts. Being in school for a shorter period of time would greatly decrease the looming debts, according to Wallace.

On Monday, the first day in session, Wallace was appointed as chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Wallace, a veteran himself, said he'll be looking for ways to attract retired military members to the state to help bolster the workforce.

"These men and women come out of the military with skills that are usually going to translate well into the civilian world," he said. "They're drug free and already have a strong work ethic. They make good employees, especially for the jobs we have here."

Wallace also expects tax cuts to be a big issue, including a middle-class cut and potentially a corporate tax cut aimed at drawing in new businesses and industries, as well as looking at the states policies on private option and public school choice.

While in session, Wallace can be reached at 870-919-8046.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com