Darrin Williams in the News

Williams named Legislator of the Year

April 22, 2009

Rep. Darrin Williams has been named “Representative of the Year” by the Little Rock Landlords Association. Williams is in his first term representing District 36, a portion of downtown and central Little Rock.

Williams was noted, in particular, for the passage of House Bill 1479 (now Act 390), which strengthens previous law regarding the theft of copper and other metals sold later to scrap dealers.

“Rep. Williams took some good laws from the past two sessions and made them even better,” said Jason Bolden, president of the Little Rock Landlords Association. “Landlords – and all homeowners -- have needed this help for a long time.”

Williams’ Act 390 creates a data base to help police track down metal thieves. The electronic logbook received $150,000 in general improvement funds. The bill requires scrap metal dealers in the state to collect fingerprints, photo identification and license plate numbers from those selling metal.

Thieves have ripped copper wiring from new homes and copper awnings from historic ones and stolen central air-condition units from anywhere, including churches. The thieves get a relatively small amount of money but cause many times that amount in damage.

“I appreciate the landlord association’s vote, and I’m honored by it,” Williams said. “The greatest honor, though, will be when our data base is in full operation and having an effect on the dealings of these thieves.”

Arkansans Against Abusive Payday Lending and the Arkansas Asset Coalition honor Rep. Williams

May 14, 2009

Arkansans Against Abusive Payday Lending (AAAPL) and the Arkansas Asset Coalition honored Sen. Joyce Elliot (D-Little Rock), Sen. Johnny Key (R-Mountain Home and Rep. Darrin Williams (D-Little Rock) for their sponsorship of legislation supported by these organizations during the 87th General Assembly.

Michael Rowett, Research and Communications manager at the Southern Good Faith Fund and current president of AAAPL presented Rep. Williams with his award for his work in passing the House Bill 2203 (now Act 1490) – Refund Anticipation Loan Act. Mr. Rowett pointed out that Rep. Williams sought out his organizations help even before he was elected looking for ways to help low income Arkansans build their assets.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from AAAPL and the Arkansas Asset Coalition, said Rep. Williams. However, we should all applaud the effort of these two organizations for all the good work they do, particularly their work to help low income Arkansans gain the financial skills and tools to pull themselves from poverty. It was the AAAPL who led the fight to rid Arkansas from payday lenders who prey upon those least able to pay the outrageous interest rates associated with their loans. Because of AAAPL’s efforts, Arkansas has gone from 275 payday lenders to 27 as of February of this year, and given their track record, I know they will not stop until Arkansas is free of all payday lenders.”

Rep. Darrin Williams presented with AARP Award

May 13, 2009

At their annual legislative recognition event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, May 13th, the Arkansas AARP honored eight legislators who they deemed “AARP Champions” for successfully sponsoring bills supported by the organization. Judith Urich, AARP member presented Rep. Darrin Williams with his award for sponsoring Act 1402 – Refund Anticipation Loan Act.

This Act will require greater disclosure for persons receiving a refund anticipation loan or refund anticipation check. These disclosures are required to be given to a consumer in writing and orally. In an effort to ensure that seniors are able to read the disclosures, Rep. Williams, at the suggestion of AARP officials, insisted that certain written disclosures be in 14 point type face on colored paper. “AARP not only helped me with positive suggestions to the bill, but they also helped me lobby my fellow colleagues to ensure that they voted for this important legislation. I cannot thank the members of AARP and their legislative team for all of their help with Act 1402,” said Rep. Darrin Williams.

Rep. Darrin Williams among 15 legislators honored
by the Kids Count Coalition

Exerpt from Arkansas Kids Count release:

Kids Count Coalition Honors Champions in Legislature

Keeping Attention in the Right Place

Rep. Darrin Williams succeeded in requiring greater disclosure on refund anticipation loans, so potential borrowers are fully aware of their options before borrowing and paying interest against a refund that, with proper information and guidance, could get to them within days.