Arkansas lawmakers are expected to give final approval on Saturday (Oct. 19) to proposals aimed at reducing health insurance rate increases for thousands of teachers across the state next year and laying groundwork to overhaul the insurance program.
The House and Senate each passed legislation on Friday evening that calls for using state surplus money this year and redirecting state funds in future years to lower teachers' insurance premiums.
Lawmakers were expected to approve to those measures shortly after midnight Saturday at the end of a marathon special legislative session that began Thursday afternoon to address the teacher insurance issues.
The AP says Gov. Mike Beebe will likely sign the bills into law on Monday.
*THE (AP) CONTRIBUTED TO THIS STORY*