Congratulating Robert Arrington

Floor Speech

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate President Robert Arrington on his recent selection to lead the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.

President Arrington succeeds President Mark Conine, who served the authority from May of 2021 until his departure during 2025. President Arrington has worked at the authority since 2014 and was previously the vice president of homeownership and public finance.

The ADFA was established by then-Governor Clinton in 1985 to promote economic growth and community development across Arkansas.

President Arrington is a former municipal securities principal with over 25 years of public finance experience and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate President Arrington on his selection and wish him many years of faithful service to the great State of Arkansas. Petit Jean State Park 100th Anniversary

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recent celebration of the 100th anniversary of Petit Jean State Park, a landmark of natural beauty and historical significance in central Arkansas.

Established in 1923 and dedicated in 1925, Petit Jean was Arkansas' first State park and helped inspire and initiate the entire Arkansas State Park System. The Civilian Conservation Corps later built many of the enduring features, including cabins, trails, and the historic Mather Lodge. For a century, families have enjoyed its scenic overlooks, hiking trails, Cedar Falls, and the landscape.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Petit Jean State Park on its centennial and its enhancement of the beauty of the Natural State. I thank the many State park rangers and related staff for all of their contributions to conservation, recreation, and enjoyment in the Natural State. Commending National Guard Enlistment in the Second District of Arkansas

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding patriotism of Arkansas' Second Congressional District, which was the highest-producing district for Arkansas National Guard enlistments in fiscal year 2025.

Our district led the State in Army National Guard recruitment, contributing 314 new soldiers, and accounted for 47 percent of all Air National Guard recruits statewide. In total, the Second District produced 351 enlistments in 2025, surpassing any other congressional district in the State.

These young men and women have chosen a path of duty, sacrifice, and leadership. Their decision to serve reflects on the strong values of central Arkansas and the deep respect our communities all hold for our Nation, its defense, and the men and women who wear the uniform. Honoring Dr. Linda Jackson

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Linda Jackson.

Last year, Dr. Jackson was honored with the Outstanding Alumna of 2025 Award from the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

This incredible woman overcame life's toughest challenges and hardships, experiencing extreme poverty at a young age. She was forced to drop out of school in the eighth grade to take care of her disabled brother.

Despite this, Mr. Speaker, she earned her associate of science and associate of arts degrees at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton in 2014 at age 33. She continued her education, earning seven more degrees after leaving UACCM, balancing her time between her studies and raising her 10 children. In 2025, she passed the State board exam for the credential of family nurse practitioner.

Dr. Jackson's story is a story of hard work, perseverance, determination, and triumph. Celebrating Doug Zollner's Retirement

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend Doug Zollner, dedicated advocate for the Natural State.

After three decades of being a mentor, leader, and giant in the world of conservation, Doug has decided to retire from the Nature Conservancy offices in Arkansas.

Doug's efforts and expertise in conservation have enriched our State. Doug's leadership helped drive more than $30 million in public funding to Arkansas for forest management.

He also cofounded the Fire Learning Networks, a national collaboration of fire practitioners helping 14 countries around the world. Just last year, he visited Tanzania to share fire and forest management strategies and tour Katavi National Park.

Congratulations to Doug for his dedication to conservation, to the Nature Conservancy, and to forest management practices. I wish him the very best in retirement.

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