News

This week, the House Health Services Subcommittee of the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee examined two important health care issues affecting Arkansans: behavioral health services for children and access to specialized women’s health care. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) presented findings on intensive behavioral health services provided primarily in schools to […]

As Arkansas moves past election season, the work of preparing for the next legislative session continues. On Friday morning, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders presented her balanced budget proposal to legislators, outlining her administration’s funding recommendations for the coming fiscal year. The proposal includes additional funding for Medicaid, education, and services for Arkansans with disabilities. Among […]

With the 2027 Regular Session just a few months away, members of the General Assembly spent another busy week at the Capitol reviewing state agency budgets and examining ways to address prison overcrowding. Pre-Session Budget Hearings continued with a closer look at where agencies are requesting additional funding and why. Education was a major focus […]

Budget hearings continued this week at the State Capitol, and early voting is now underway for the November 3 General Election. While voters are deciding who will represent them in the Arkansas House, preparations are already underway for the 96th General Assembly, which begins in January. There’s quite a bit that happens between Election Day […]

Early voting for the 2026 General Election begins Monday, October 19. With Election Day just a few weeks away, now is a good time to make a plan to vote. Whether you prefer to vote early or wait until Election Day, there are several options to make casting your ballot convenient. Most counties offer early […]

Although the 2027 Regular Session is still several months away, much of the work that shapes the state’s budget is already underway. This week, Arkansas lawmakers began Pre-Session Budget Hearings, an important part of preparing for the legislative session that begins January 11. These hearings give legislators an opportunity to examine state agency funding requests, […]

For many Arkansas families, breast cancer is more than a statistic. It is a diagnosis that can bring months of appointments, testing, treatment, and difficult decisions. October, recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is an opportunity to support those facing the disease while also highlighting the importance of early detection and access to quality care. […]

Research into Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has advanced significantly in recent years. We know more about reducing risk, detecting cognitive decline earlier and treating the disease than we did when Arkansas developed its previous state plan. This week, the Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council reviewed the updated 2026 Arkansas Alzheimer’s and Dementia State […]

This week at the State Capitol, lawmakers examined issues ranging from state finances and education to childcare, workforce services and Arkansas’ growing energy needs. The Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed the state’s financial picture. Gross general revenue collections for the fiscal year are approximately $1.34 billion, up $50.6 million from this time last year. ALC also […]

Flashing lights on the side of the highway should immediately tell every driver to do two things: slow down and move over. It is a simple action, but it can save a life. This week, state leaders, law enforcement, highway officials and first responders gathered at the State Capitol to launch the “Just Move Over” […]

Labor Day gives us an opportunity to recognize the men and women whose hard work keeps Arkansas moving forward. From teachers and nurses to construction workers, manufacturers, farmers, small-business owners, and first responders, Arkansas workers strengthen our communities and our economy every day. This weekend, we thank them for the work they do and the […]

When we think about NASA and space exploration, it can be easy to assume that work happens far away from Arkansas. But a recent legislative meeting showed there may be significant opportunities for our state in America’s next chapter of space exploration. This week, the House and Senate Education committees and the Joint Committee on […]