On the Right Side

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Human Trafficking: Arkansas rated as one of the "Faltering Four"

Today, Polaris Project released its 2012 State Ratings on human trafficking laws. Arkansas was rated as one of the "Faltering Four" due to its lack of "a basic legal framework to combat human trafficking."

Senator Jason Rapert, Senator Missy Irvin, Representative Greg Leding and myself are working in conjunction with the Attorney General's office, and other stakeholders to strengthen our laws. Legislation has been drafted and we are working to make sure it has broad support so that it can be passed in the 2013 session.

Here is a link to the Polaris Project ratings map: http://www.polarisproject.org/what-we-do/policy-advocacy/current-laws

Here is a link to the specific Arkansas State report: http://na4.salesforce.com/sfc/p/300000006E4S95crKiEvYLHxr2rVvrb54s0U1gA=

Here is a link to the legislation that has been drafted: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/2012F/Pages/ISPIRDetail.aspx?ispid=2011-219

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at david.meeks@arkansashouse.org

*About Polaris Project*
Polaris Project is one of the leading organizations in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Named after the North Star "Polaris" that guided slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad, Polaris Project is transforming the way that individuals and communities respond to human trafficking, in the U.S. and globally. By successfully pushing for stronger federal and state laws, operating the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline (1-888-373-7888), conducting trainings, and providing vital services to victims of trafficking, Polaris Project creates long-term solutions that move our society closer to a world without slavery. Learn more at www.polarisproject.org

Monday, August 6, 2012

For Immediate Release: Polaris Project to Release 2012 Annual Ratings on State Human Trafficking Laws

If you are a member of the Arkansas media or the state legislature please contact me and I can forward you the information for the conference call tomorrow. My personal email is dmeeks72@gmail.com. Phone: 501-277-9340. All others please use the contact information below.

I have accepted the invitation and will be speaking on the conference call about what Arkansas is doing to strengthen it's anti-human trafficking laws. David

*AUGUST 3, 2012*

*CONTACT*: Megan Fowler, 202-540-5231

**Telephone Briefing, Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 1:00PM CDT**

*Polaris Project to Release 2012 Annual Ratings on State Human Trafficking
Laws*

*Washington, DC* - On August 7, 2012 at 1:00pm CDT, Polaris Project will release its 2012 State Ratings on human trafficking laws via a telephone briefing from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, IL. Polaris Project has rated all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on ten categories of laws that are critical to a basic legal framework that combats human trafficking, punishes traffickers and supports survivors. Each state is placed in one of four tiers based on whether it has passed legislation in each of the ten categories.

Attorney General Martha Coakley of Massachusetts; Holly Smith, a human trafficking survivor and activist; lawmakers from the Virginia and Arkansas state legislatures will join Polaris Project to discuss which states have passed significant laws, which states are faltering, and how such laws make a substantial impact in fighting human trafficking in communities across the United States.

*WHAT:* Launch of Polaris Project's 2012 State Ratings Map on Human Trafficking Laws from the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative summit in Chicago, IL

*WHO:* Mary Ellison, Director of Policy, Polaris Project
Martha Coakley, Massachusetts Attorney General
Holly Smith, Human Trafficking Survivor and Activist
Arkansas State Representative David Meeks (*invited*)
Virginia State Senator Adam Ebbin (*invited*)

*WHEN:* Tuesday, August 7, 2012
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT)

*RSVP:* Please RSVP for this call by sending your name, email address, outlet and state to mfowler@polarisproject.org.
For additional information, or if you would like to attend the launch in person in Chicago, please contact Megan Fowler at mfowler@polarisproject.org or 202-540-5231.
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To report a tip, connect with anti-trafficking services in your area, or request information, call The National Human Trafficking Resource Center at: 1-888-3737-888.

*About Polaris Project**Polaris Project is one of the leading organizations in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Named after the North Star "Polaris" that guided slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad, Polaris Project is transforming the way that individuals and communities respond to human trafficking, in the U.S. and globally. By successfully pushing for stronger federal and state laws, operating the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline (1-888-373-7888), conducting trainings, and providing vital services to victims of trafficking, Polaris Project creates long-term solutions that move our society closer to a world without slavery. Learn more at www.polarisproject.org

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Awareness into Action: Arkansas' First Ever Human Trafficking Summit!

Human Trafficking IS happening right here in Arkansas. The recent bust of a sex-trafficking ring headquartered in Little Rock is just one example of how this modern form of slavery has made its way into our state. People from all across our state are coming together to combat it. We are excited about holding our first ever Arkansas Human Trafficking Summit next week in Little Rock. This summit will focus on taking action to end Human Trafficking in our state. We will have representatives from national human trafficking groups Polaris Project and Shared Hope coming in to talk about how we can strengthen our laws and build a stronger coalition. We hope you will join us.

Here is the schedule for the first ever Arkansas Human Trafficking Summit to be held Tuesday, June 26th and Wednesday, June 27th. All events are free and open to public and press.

TUESDAY

State Capitol

10a: Welcome/Press Conference (Old Supreme Court Room)

Scheduled Speakers include:

Lt Governor Mark Darr

Bart Dickinson- Attorney General's office

Representatives from National Groups Polaris Project and Shared Hope

Local Groups

1p: Legislative Committee Hearings. (Rm151, 1st floor)

Complete Agenda can be found at this link: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/Lists/Meetings/Attachments/16971/I10303.pdf

First Baptist Church, LR (Fellowship Hall)

7-8:30p: Human Trafficking Forum: A film by Shared Hope, breakout session, and a panel for questions and answers.

WEDNESDAY

First Baptist Church, LR (Fellowship Hall)

Coalition Building Workshop 8:30p-3:30p (Registration table opens at 8:00 am).

This is a day long seminar by Polaris Project.

To register for the Tuesday night forum and/or the Wednesday Workshop please visit: http://artraffickingsummit.eventbrite.com/

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Thank you!

I want to say Thank you to everyone for your support and for overwhelming voting to re-elect me as the Republican Nominee for District 70.

Thank you to those that prayed. Thank you to the many volunteers who waved a sign, went door to door or made a phone call. Thank you to those who donated whatever amount they could.

Winning the primary gives us the momentum we need to win in November. The stakes are now much higher and I am committed to working hard to make sure our conservative message gets to all the voters of District 70.

I hope you will join me as we continue to fight to make Arkansas a better place to work and live.

Here to Serve,
David Meeks

Monday, May 21, 2012

What You Can Do to Help Get Out the Vote!

We are now the last 36 hours of the campaign. We have gotten our conservative message out to the voters.

Now it is critical they get out and vote. Here is what you can do to help us in last few hours.

1) Pray
2) Wave Signs: Today- Stand on a busy street corner (Dave Ward, Hogan or Salem are good places)
Tomorrow- Polling Places (Peace Lutheran on Dave Ward, McGee Center on Prince, or Grace United Methodist Church on Hogan). I will be at the McGee Center all day on election day.
3) Make Phone Calls and Email those in District 70. I have attached a map of District 70 to help you identify those voters you may know in the district.

Please join us for an election night watch party starting at 7p at Larry's Pizza in downtown Conway.

Here to Serve,
David Meeks

Thursday, May 10, 2012

What My Opponent Hopes Conservatives Don't See

House District 70 Candidate Comparison

Issue	Rep David Meeks	Price Dooley
Gun Rights: NRA Grade	A (Solidly Pro-Gun)	D- (Anti-gun) (1)
Same Sex Domestic Partnerships, Civil Unions	Oppose	Undecided (2)
Blocking Obamacare	Sponsored Legislation/Voted multiple times against funding healthcare exchange	“There is nothing a state legislator can do, ultimately…” (3)
States Rights	Support: Co-sponsored resolution	Unsure. See Above.
Military Service	Yes-Honorable Discharge	No
Endorsements	Arkansas Right to Life NRA
No Climate Tax Pledge (4)	Signed/ Record of voting against every tax and fee increase.	Not signed (As of 5/10/12)

In addition Price Dooley has voted in Democratic Primaries going back to at least 2004. So the question he should answer is who did he vote for in 2008? Barack Obama or Hilary Clinton? Who did he vote for in 2010? Blanche Lincoln or Bill Halter? Did he vote for Joyce Elliot for Congress?

If he is voting for the party will he continue to vote with the Democrats? If he was voting values what values does he have common with all the liberals listed above?

I have a solid conservative record in the legislature and I will continue to fight for hardworking Arkansas taxpayers. I will remain focused on important issues like job creation, spending cuts, and working on comprehensive legislation to combat Human Trafficking.

I ask the voters of District 70 to reject the negative smear campaign being run by my opponent and vote to return a proven, solid conservative to the legislature.

As always, you may contact me at david.meeks@arkansashouse.org

References:

(1) http://www.nrapvf.org/grades-endorsements/2012/arkansas.aspx?f=11308

(2) http://arkansasvotersguide.com/index.asp?p=compare&Officesought=State+House&District=70

(3) http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2012/may/06/battling-health-law-dispute-gop-2-20120506/

(4) http://noclimatetax.com

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Let's Focus on the Issues

There is a proverb that I was taught growing up and strive to live by: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold." (Proverbs 22:1)

So it’s troubling when my opponent wants to avoid his record and instead attempt to discredit me with false accusations.

The reality is I’ve been a strong conservative legislator. I’ve stood against Obamacare. I’ve fought for ethics reform. I’ve been engaged in the concern over our shortfall in Medicaid. I voted for millions of dollars in tax cuts and focused on job creation. Throughout this campaign I have stayed focused on vital issues that are important to Arkansas families.

Predictably my opponent has resorted to false personal attacks because he knows I’ve kept my promises and he can’t match my credentials. Slinging the proverbial mud to distract you from the real concerns we face.

The fact he received a D minus rating from the NRA is just one example of how his stance on an issue does not match up with that of the majority of Arkansans.

He also believes Arkansans should just accept Obamacare because, in his own words, “there is nothing a state legislature can do” to protect Arkansans from overreaching government.

I encourage my opponent to stop the negativity and start telling voters why he would be a conservative voice for Conway.