Hutchinson sworn in for 2nd term, promises 'growth agenda'

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson was sworn in for a second term Tuesday and took the opportunity to portray his re-election victory as a mandate for a "growth agenda" that includes an income tax cut, a teacher pay raise and a plan to reorganize state agencies.

Hutchinson, who is the state's 46th governor, took the oath of office in front of a joint session of the House and Senate before he was formally inaugurated on the state Capitol steps. The former congressman and federal Homeland Security official was first elected in 2014 and easily won re-election in November , defeating Democratic challenger Jared Henderson.