LITTLE ROCK, AR (KATV) — Pete Buttigieg, the former U.S. secretary of transportation and former mayor of South Bend, announced today that he is endorsing Dr. Chris Jones to represent Arkansas’s Second Congressional District in Congress.

Buttigieg is scheduled to travel to Little Rock on Friday, June 19, to campaign alongside Jones.

“I’m honored to have Pete Buttigieg’s endorsement and excited to welcome him to Little Rock,” Jones said.

Chris Jones kicks off 2nd Congressional district campaign with town hall & block party

“Pete is one of the strongest messengers in the country because he keeps the focus where it belongs: on the kitchen table issues shaping people’s lives, from the price of gas and groceries to the cost of housing and health care. Those are the same issues I hear about every day from families across Arkansas’s Second Congressional District. Pete understands what is at stake in this race for Arkansas families who deserve better representation and for the direction of our country. I’m proud to have him standing with us.”

Buttigieg said Jones is the kind of candidate he wants to support.

“Chris Jones is a leader rooted in his community, with a vision for building prosperity in Arkansas brick by brick,” Buttigieg said.

“At a time when politics can feel like it’s punching you in the face, Chris is focused on a better future where entrepreneurs thrive, young people can find good-paying jobs, and politicians are held accountable. A scientist, an ordained minister, and someone who knows how to bridge divides, Chris would make an excellent representative in Congress – and I’m proud to join him on the campaign trail.”

While serving as U.S. secretary of transportation, Buttigieg highlighted investments made in airfield safety during the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Investing in America Tour.”

Transportation Sec. Buttigieg highlights investment in airfield safety at Little Rock

A rally is planned in Little Rock in support of Jones’ campaign for Congress. Organizers said the event will take place in Little Rock, Arkansas, with the location and details to be sent 24 hours before the event.

Jones’ campaign notes that he grew up in Pine Bluff, built a career in science and technology, and has spent his life building bridges between rural towns and urban centers.

Now, he’s running for Congress with a spirited desire to make sure every Arkansan has a seat at the table.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) – Certain Arkansas state employees will soon see a bump in their paychecks.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Friday merit pay increases for employees who met or exceeded expectations over the past year.

Employees who received a 3 on their most recent performance evaluation will receive a 1 percent pay increase, while those who scored a 4 or higher will receive a 3 percent pay increase.

The raises only apply to state employees who have worked in the executive branch for at least a year, and have worked in their current executive department since Jan. 1.

“Rewarding good work goes hand-in-hand with delivering better results for the people of Arkansas,” the governor said. “Over the past year, you have helped my administration deliver truly transformational change for the people of Arkansas, improving services while saving money. I am grateful for your hard work.”

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