News

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 […]

Election Day may still seem a long way off, but now is the time for Arkansans to make sure they are prepared for the November General Election. On Tuesday, November 3, voters will choose who represents them at the local, state, and federal levels. Depending on where you live, your ballot may also include local […]

Across Arkansas, school buses are back on the roads, classrooms are filling up, and students are settling into the routines of a new school year. We want to welcome Arkansas students, teachers, administrators, and school staff back and wish them a successful year ahead. They begin this year with encouraging signs of academic progress across […]

This week, several legislative committees met at the State Capitol to continue studying issues that could shape policy during the 2027 Regular Session. The House and Senate Education Committees continued their ongoing adequacy study, with much of the discussion focused on the health insurance program for public school employees. Consultants told lawmakers that while the […]

As another school year begins, hundreds of thousands of Arkansas students will once again be riding school buses each day. In fact, more than 350,000 children rely on school buses to get safely to and from school, with buses making thousands of stops in communities across our state. That makes it more important than ever […]

Back-to-school shopping is expected to reach record levels this year, with families of students in elementary through high school planning to spend an average of $864. Nationwide, total back-to-school spending is projected to reach $43.3 billion, making it one of the largest annual shopping seasons for American families. Fortunately, Arkansas families have an opportunity to […]