Beebe said Monday that his speech to the House and Senate this week will focus on the top issues facing the 89th General Assembly such as Medicaid, tax cuts and his $4.9 billion budget proposal. Beebe is scheduled to deliver his "state of the state" address to the Legislature on Tuesday.

Beebe told reporters he'll talk to lawmakers about working together during this year's session. Beebe said the state faces a "multiplicity" of issues about Medicaid, including a projected shortfall and his push to expand its eligibility under the federal health law.

Beebe is a Democrat. Republicans control the Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction.