AFP-Arkansas to Anchor National State of the Union Town Hall Event

State Director Teresa Oelke available for interviews in response to president’s address

LITTLE ROCK– The Arkansas chapter of Americans for Prosperity will host free State of the Union town halls around the state in Fort Smith, Rogers, and Hot Springs on the evening of Wednesday, January 27, 2010.

Teresa Oelke, Director of AFP-Arkansas, said, “We expect the administration to propose more government spending and growth as the solution to our economic problems. Unfortunately this is a continuation of the wrong prescription for our economy. Arkansans will not be fooled. They know that real economic recovery, growth, and job creation begin when government steps out of the way.”

The town halls will kick off at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, and Arkansas is proud to announce that Hot Springs has been selected as the anchor event for similar events across the nation. A live post-debate response will be given from the Embassy Suites Hotel in Hot Springs with special guests including Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips, Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Teresa Oelke, and Garland County Tea Party Chairman Glenn Gallas.

“Arkansas has one of the best balanced budget amendments in the United States,” continued Oelke. “When Arkansas revenues fell, Governor Mike Beebe reined in government spending. In contrast, this administration continues its reckless path to higher deficits, government takeover of our health care, and more government growth as the answer to our stagnant economy. Prosperity and jobs begin with freedom, not government.”

Teresa Crossland-Oelke: Bio

Teresa Crossland-Oelke is State Director of Americans for Prosperity, Arkansas Chapter. Oelke is a member of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, a graduate of the Arkansas Chamber Leadership III Class, a member of the Northwest Arkansas Association of Latino Professionals and serves on the advisory board of the Arkansas Association of Builders and Contractors.

Previously, Teresa served as Speaker Tim Shallenburger’s chief of staff in the Kansas House of Representatives, campaign manager for the successful Shallenburger for State Treasurer Campaign, Director of Administration in the Kansas Treasurer’s Office in 1998, and in 2002 worked as fundraising events coordinator on the Shallenburger for Governor Campaign.

Teresa has been married for 16 years to Tim Oelke, who works as a vice president at Crossland Construction. They have three sons, Nicholas (13), Jacob (10), and Samuel (8). They reside in Rogers, Arkansas where they are active in Fellowship Bible Church and Rogers’ youth sports league. In their free time they ride dirt bikes as a family.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

AFP State of the Union Town Halls begin at 7:00 p.m. Central Time and are free to
the public

National Anchor Event
Embassy Suites Hotel

400 Convention Boulevard

Hot Springs, AR

Additional locations will be as follows:

Arkansas Progressive Group Headquarters
Greenpoint Shopping Center
4300 Rogers Avenue, #57

Fort Smith, AR

Crossland Construction Company
1800 South 52nd Street, Suite 300

Rogers, AR

People wishing to participate may follow this link, http://afpsotu.eventbrite.com/, to register for the event.

Venues and times are subject to change. For more information please contact Elizabeth Aymond at (501) 773-1830 or EAymond@afphq.org