Asa Hutchinson was sworn in as Arkansas’ 46th governor on Tuesday, Jan. 13 in Little Rock.
In Hutchinson’s inaugural address, he discussed his policies, the potential he sees in Arkansas and what the new Republican government means for the state.
Freshman Luke Helms was present at Hutchinson’s inauguration ball after gaining the opportunity through his mother’s work with a state nonprofit. Helms said the experience didn’t necessarily change his view of Hutchinson, but enhanced it.
“Politicians can kind of seem intimidating when you see them on TV, like you can’t really access this person,” Helms said. “When you go to something that they are in you realize that they are just another human. It has definitely brought it into light that Hutchinson is just another guy.”
Helms also said that Hutchinson seemed very personable and appeared to be someone who loved to work the crowd. Helms is not the only student gaining a positive impression of the new governor.
“It’s not like he is trying to run for president like other politicians are, and I like that,” senior American studies major Adam Hogan said. “He’s doing it because he wants to help Arkansas, not because he wants to further his career.”
In his inaugural address, the governor discussed several areas that he wanted to work on during his tenure, including a tax cut, business regulations and Medicaid options.
“He has big plans for the state,” senior public administration major Silas Heffley said. “I know part of his platform was that he was going to continue with some work that Governor Beebe did with the private option Medicaid program.”
Hutchinson has already gotten to work, with his tax cut passing in the Senate on Jan. 22.
However, he also discussed that there are changes he wants Arkansas to embrace.
“He’s already displayed some of that initiative, but I hope he doesn’t change too much,” Heffley said. “I like it here right now. I don’t think he’s looking to do a complete overhaul.”
Helms said he thinks Hutchinson can bring good changes to Arkansas.
“He seems like a guy that can work bipartisan, can reach across the aisle and work with those opposing him to pass things that will improve the state,” Helms said.
That bipartisan relationship was another topic the governor addressed in his inaugural speech, stressing that it does not matter which political party is in the majority, but that it is important to find common ground to work together.
Hutchinson is a long-time Arkansas politician and has run four times for a state office. He also formerly served as congressman for Arkansas’ 3rd District.
