LITTLE ROCK— Senator Shane Broadway of Bryant formally announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor Wednesday. Serving in the Arkansas General Assembly, Broadway has worked closely with Governor Mike Beebe and his colleagues to create opportunities for economic development, to improve our educational system, and to provide tax cuts to Arkansans. As Lieutenant Governor, Broadway said he would continue focusing on jobs, education, and tax relief.[more]
“Public service is a high honor,” Broadway said. “While in the legislature, I have had the privilege of serving the people of my district, and many others throughout the state. I’m excited about the opportunity to work for all Arkansans as Lieutenant Governor. Together we can keep moving Arkansas forward.
“Without a doubt, we have the workforce, infrastructure, and natural resources that business and industry need. As Lieutenant Governor, I will continue working closely with Governor Beebe and his team to keep jobs here—and to bring new ones to Arkansas. At the same time, I want to work with small businesses and those who seek to promote our state’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and innovation to keep Arkansas moving forward.
“Arkansas must continue striving to provide a solid educational foundation that prepares students for a competitive job market,” said Broadway. “My focus in the legislature has been to ensure that all of Arkansas’s children, no matter where they live, receive a quality education."
Broadway serves on the Joint Budget, Senate Education and Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committees. In addition, he is Vice-Chairman of the Joint Energy Committee and serves on the Legislative Council. He previously served for six years as Co-Chairman of the Academic Facilities Oversight Committee.
A lifelong resident of Arkansas, Broadway was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996 and ran unopposed in 1998 and 2000. His colleagues in the House elected him to serve as Speaker of the House during the 83rd regular session of the legislature, holding the distinction of being the youngest Speaker of the House in Arkansas history. Having presided over the House as Speaker helped prepare Broadway for the constitutionally-required duties of the Lieutenant Governor.
In 2002, he was elected to the State Senate and was re-elected in 2006.
Broadway said he is gratified to have developed close working relationships with his fellow legislators, regardless of political party.
“As Arkansans, there is more that binds us than divides us,” Broadway said. “People on both sides of the aisle have much to offer and share a common goal of doing what’s best for the entire state. That goal has always been front and center in my mind and will continue to be as Lieutenant Governor. That’s what people want, need and deserve.”
Senator Broadway is a past Chairman of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC)—comprising members from 15 southern legislatures—which fosters intergovernmental cooperation among member states. In addition, he has served as chairman of the SLC's Education Committee. Governor Beebe appointed Broadway to the Southern Regional Education Advisory Board in 2007.
Broadway serves as Director of Client Development for InSight Communications of Bryant and is also employed by the Saline County Development Corporation. He is a member of the Bryant and Benton Chambers of Commerce and the Saline County Farm Bureau. Broadway and his wife Debbie are active members and supporters of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of America.
Senator Broadway is a graduate of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro where he earned a political science degree. He was awarded the R.E. Lee Wilson Award, ASU’s highest honor for a graduating senior. Broadway also was awarded an honorary degree from Pulaski Technical College.
Broadway serves on the Board of the Central Arkansas Development Council, the Christian Community Care Clinic, the Bryant Boys and Girls Club, Lion’s World Services for the Blind Board, the CARTI Foundation Board and the Quality Teaching and Learning Centers. Formerly, he was Vice President for Government for the Economics Arkansas Board and served on the University of Arkansas’s 2010 Commission.
Broadway is married to the former Debbie Tableriou, a North Little Rock native. They live in Bryant where they attend First Baptist Church.
