Little Rock, Ark. – May 19, 2025 – Former Arkansas legislator Eddie Armstrong “soft-launched” the first episode of his new live podcast series on Monday, interviewing Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, the state’s longest-serving chair of the Joint Budget Committee in the Arkansas Legislature.

The first “Stronger with Armstrong Podcast Live” was held and recorded in front of a live studio audience at the Red & Blue Events Venue, located across the street from the Arkansas State Capitol. Armstrong kicked off the podcast series featuring conversations with members of the Arkansas General Assembly discussing the most pressing legislative issues impacting everyday Arkansans.

“This series will be shared with the public to showcase powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and change, highlighting what makes Arkansas strong — its people,” said Armstrong, CEO of Armstrong & Associates, a local public affairs and government relations firm.

Before starting his lobbying firm, Armstrong served in the Arkansas House as a Democratic representative for District 37 of North Little Rock from 2013 to 2017. He held the position of House Minority Leader from 2015 to 2017, before leaving the legislature to form a consulting firm specializing in the medical cannabis industry.

During the live podcast with Rep. Jean, Armstrong interviewed the eight-term Republican about his role as the chief architect of the state’s $6.5 billion budget for fiscal 2026 and views on the political process in Arkansas.

Jean also shared stories from his over 35 years in public service, beginning as a justice of the peace for the Columbia County Quorum Court before being elected as the mayor of Magnolia from 1995 to 2010. The Magnolia native was elected to District 4 in the Arkansas House in 2010 and has represented District 2 since 2022 after the 2010 Census.

After the new state House and Senate district maps from the 2020 Census took effect at the end of 2021, Lane was re-elected to District 99 in both 2022 and 2024. His current term is set to end in 2027. He told the live studio audience that his most important attribute as a state legislator was authenticity.

“Be yourself, be unique, and be authentic,” he said. “Regardless of whether you are Democrat or Republican, you’ve got to build relationships and reach across the aisle to get things done.

That will be the death of us if we don’t,” said Lane, adding that “Washington-style” politics is leading to the downfall of bipartisanship and colloquial governance. “The art of communication, we’ve lost it, and I believe we have to get it back.”

During the 30-minute podcast, Lane also shared details of Arkansas’ unique budget appropriations process, calling the Revenue Stabilization Act one of the most distinctive and critical legislative achievements by the Arkansas General Assembly.

As co-chair of the bicameral Joint Budget Committee, he explained that the Arkansas general revenue budget consists of appropriations for all state agencies and programs, allocating a stated amount of money. Under the Revenue Stabilization Law, first passed in 1973, if revenue estimates fall, the sitting governor reduces spending across the board for state agencies and programs.

In the most recent 95^th General Assembly, which concluded sine die on May 5, the legislature proposed a $6.49 billion budget and an additional $299.5 million in surplus funds. The RSA, which prioritizes the distribution of state general revenue and maintains a balanced budget, was advanced from Jean’s Joint Budget Committee. The budget provides funding for general and higher education, human services, corrections, and other state agencies. The spending outlined is roughly $182 million above last year’s total.

In addition to his role as the state’s foremost budget hawk, the longtime legislator has also worked in the timber, real estate, and cattle farming industries. He stated that he is excited by the potential growth opportunities coming to South Arkansas through the lithium and bromine industries.

“This is going to bring new jobs and economic development to south Arkansas and the entire state,” he said.

Armstrong’s first podcast also included interviews with Reps. Tracy Steele, DeAnn Vaught, Aaron Pilkington and Sen. Jamie Scott. To learn about future Strong with Armstrong Podcast events, contact BK Simmons at bk@simmons.company.