Arkansas Legislature OKs $50,000 for Sarah Huckabee Sanders transition

A legislative committee on Thursday approved a $50,000 allocation to fund Gov.-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ transition expenses.

In a brief meeting with little discussion, the Governor’s Emergency Fund Review Committee signed off on the transfer from the Governor’s Emergency Fund, leaving $450,000 in the account.

State Budget Director Robert Brech said that Gov. Asa Hutchinson also received $50,000 in 2014 during the transition from Gov. Mike Beebe’s administration.

In a proclamation, Hutchinson said the funds were necessary for a smooth transfer of power.

“The gubernatorial transition will require necessary resources to provide the State of Arkansas with an efficient and effective transition and to ensure that the citizens are effectively served during this period,” he wrote.

Sanders, who defeated Democrat Chris Jones and Libertarian Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. on Nov. 8, will take office Jan. 10. It is the first transition between two Republican governors in Arkansas since Reconstruction.

Her inauguration festivities will also include a “Freedom Fest,” worship service, “Bourbon & Cigars” with Sanders’ husband Bryan and an inaugural ball.