Dale Bumpers was elected governor of Arkansas in 1970 and served in that capacity from 1971-1975, He was successful in passing a number of several legislative reforms that were started under his predecessor Republican Governor Winthrop Rockefeller (1967-1971). However, as a Democrat, Bumpers had the benefit of working with a large Democratic majority in the Arkansas State Legislature.
During his first term in office he proposed a plan to reorganized state government to reduce the number of state agencies that reported to the governor. He also proposed an increase in income taxes to provide funds to raise teachers' salaries. Both of these proposals were passed by the legislature.
Bumpers also sponsored legislation that dealt with the creation of a consumer protection division in the Attorney General's office, repeal of the "fair trade" liquor laws and improvement in social services for elderly, disabled, and developmentally challenged citizens.
In his second term, Bumpers sponsored legislation that included the creation of a state-supported kindergarten, free textbooks for high school students, construction programs at the state's colleges and the foundation of the state's community college system. This is just a brief glimpse at the legislative successes Dale Bumpers had as governor.
In 1974, during his fourth year as a governor, Bumpers decided it was time for a new set of challenges. He ran for, and as successfully elected as United States Senator for Arkansas.