In the 88th General Assembly, State Rep. Andy Mayberry supported tax-cut measures that resulted in $35 million of tax reductions for Arkansans. Those bills included a back-to-school sales tax holiday, a reduction in the state's grocery tax, and a reduction in the tax charged on previously owned vehicles.

As owner of a small business and former communications director for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Andy understands that sometimes the best thing government can do to help create jobs is to simply get out of the way. That's why he was happy to co-sponsor other successful tax-cut measures to help working families and promote job creation.

As a first-term House member, Mayberry introduced successful legislation to provide Arkansas Academic Scholarship funding priority to orphans of Arkansas military personnel killed in action, as well as an act that clarified developmental disability definitions to assist families with special needs.

A board member of Arkansas Right to Life, Mayberry is an outspoken advocate on pro-life issues. He sponsored HB1887, known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. If passed, the legislation would have prevented abortion past 20 weeks, which is the stage scientifically proven where unborn children feel pain. Exceptions in the bill would have been in cases to prevent death or severe physical impairment of the mother.

"Unfortunately, this bill to protect innocent children - like many other good pro-life bills - died in a close vote in the House Public Health Committee," Mayberry said. "I intend to bring this bill back in 2013 and continue the fight to protect the most weak and vulnerable among us - the unborn."

Mayberry said he is already busy preparing legislation for the 89th General Assembly that will start in January 2013. He said he is working with other conservative legislators on a broad range of issues that includes spending restraint, tax reform, education, Medicaid sustainability, voter ID, and safety and security issues for Arkansas citizens.