Expanding Access and Opportunity

This month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation signed into law on July 26, 1990. For more than three decades, the ADA has helped remove barriers and expand opportunities for Americans with disabilities. Its anniversary is also an opportunity to consider how we can continue improving accessibility, independence, and participation […]

Celebrating 250 Years

There is something special about the Fourth of July in Arkansas. It’s neighbors gathering for backyard cookouts, veterans leading hometown parades, kids chasing sparklers, and families proudly flying the American flag. These traditions remind us that Independence Day is about more than celebrating our nation’s birthday. It’s about celebrating the freedoms we share as Americans. […]

Celebrating 250 Years

There is something special about the Fourth of July in Arkansas. It’s neighbors gathering for backyard cookouts, veterans leading hometown parades, kids chasing sparklers, and families proudly flying the American flag. These traditions remind us that Independence Day is about more than celebrating our nation’s birthday. It’s about celebrating the freedoms we share as Americans. […]

Improving the Arkansas State Crime Lab

When a crime is committed, every minute matters. Families deserve answers, victims deserve justice, and law enforcement officers need timely, reliable evidence to identify those responsible. That is why the work of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory is so important—and why the General Assembly has made significant investments to strengthen its capabilities. Members of the […]

Improving the Arkansas State Crime Lab

When a crime is committed, every minute matters. Families deserve answers, victims deserve justice, and law enforcement officers need timely, reliable evidence to identify those responsible. That is why the work of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory is so important—and why the General Assembly has made significant investments to strengthen its capabilities. Members of the […]

Arkansas Legislative Council Meets

The Arkansas Legislative Council met this week to review a wide range of issues affecting education, state finances, energy policy, healthcare, and government operations. Members began by reviewing the state’s latest revenue report. Gross General Revenue collections for the fiscal year-to-date totaled approximately $7.76 billion, an increase of $323.6 million, or 4.4%, compared to the […]

Internet Safety Month

June is National Internet Safety Month, a reminder that protecting children today means protecting them not only in our communities and schools, but also in the digital spaces they visit every day. The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning, communication, and creativity. But it also presents real risks. According to the Arkansas State Police Internet […]

Keeping Families Together

June is National Family Reunification Month, a time to recognize the importance of keeping families together whenever it can be done safely and in the best interest of a child. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the work being done across Arkansas to support families before a crisis leads to foster care placement. […]

The Next Generation at the Capitol

This week, the Arkansas State Capitol belonged to the next generation. Students from across our state gathered in Little Rock for Arkansas Boys State, Arkansas Girls State, and the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. For a few days, committee rooms, hallways, and the House floor were filled with young Arkansans learning firsthand how government works and, […]

Rural Development in Arkansas

Arkansas is proudly known as The Natural State, but it is also a deeply rural state. From agriculture and forestry to small businesses and local infrastructure, many of the issues that shape Arkansas begin in rural communities. That is why legislators from across the state gathered this week in Jonesboro for the Arkansas Rural Development […]

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health and to continue encouraging conversations that reduce stigma and connect people with support. Across Arkansas, families, schools, healthcare providers, veterans, first responders, and community organizations see firsthand how mental health challenges can affect people of […]

Tax Cuts Passed in Special Session

The Arkansas House convened in special session this week to consider legislation related to income tax reductions. Members returned to the Capitol on Monday and adjourned on Wednesday after passing identical measures, House Bill 1001 and Senate Bill 1, outlining changes to the state’s income tax rates. The legislation lowers the top individual income tax […]