Arkansas Democrats Release Statement Following Hearing in House District 70 Lawsuit Against Gov. Sarah Sanders

LITTLE ROCK- Today, the Pulaski County Circuit Court held a hearing on the lawsuit filed by the Democratic Party of Arkansas and residents of House District 70 against Gov. Sanders and Secretary of State Cole Jester.

Following the hearing, Arkansas Democratic Party Chair Col. Marcus Jones (Ret.) said:"We're proud of the case that we presented today. Taxation without representation is wrong, plain and simple. It's not partisan. The 30,000 residents in House District 70 deserve a say in our state budget during the upcoming fiscal session."

The hearing began at 1:30 PM and concluded around 4:30 PM. Plaintiffs for the lawsuit testified, as well as election officials.

During the hearing, Pulaski County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth testified: "I learned from the news, the dates set by the Governor for the Special Election." Clerk Hollingsworth then confirmed that she still has not received any communication from the Governor's office about the House District 70 Special Election.

When asked by counsel if having the Special Election sooner than June 9th was possible, Clerk Hollingsworth said, "Yes, and we've done it before."

Plaintiff Jane Ginocchio said: "I, and the rest of the residents in House District 70, have a constitutional right to representation. No taxation without representation is a fundamental principle in our country."

Plaintiff Julie Rhodes: "I believe that every person in this state deserves to have representation in both chambers of the legislature. It's a fiscal session- we're gonna discuss how our tax dollars are being spent. The residents of House District 70, my friends, my family, we have opinions about how state money should be spent. We should get to have a seat at the table. Our voice is no less valid than the other 99 districts in this state."