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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 18, 2024
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues during October, it is important to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight against breast cancer in Arkansas. The Breast Cancer Act of 1997 was a crucial step in providing women with access to life-saving screenings through the BreastCare program. Since then, over 141,850 women […]
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Early Voting to Begin October 21

October 17, 2024
It is almost time to make your voice heard in the upcoming General Election. Early voting starts next week on Oct. 21, 2024. Election Day is November 5. This is your chance to vote for local, state, and federal offices, as well as participate in annual school board elections for districts that vote in the […]
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Education Committee Proposes Funding Increase

October 11, 2024
This week, the House and Senate Education Committees approved a proposed recommendation for educational adequacy. The plan to increase state funding to $8,162 per pupil for the 2026 school year and $8,371 per pupil for the 2027 school year reflects a commitment to investing in the future of Arkansas students.  The current funding amount is […]
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Budget Hearings to Begin October 8

October 3, 2024
The state budget profoundly influences our daily lives, affecting everything from education to healthcare. As the legislative session approaches, the General Assembly takes the time to assess the state’s current fiscal situation and evaluate budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year. This year’s budget hearings are scheduled to commence on October 8 and will run […]
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Farm to School Month

September 27, 2024
As we enter the month of October, Arkansas gears up to celebrate Arkansas Farm to School Month – a time dedicated to connecting schools, early childhood education sites, and various organizations with local farms to provide children with access to fresh, healthy food. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to foster a deeper […]
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Voter Registration Deadline Approaching

September 20, 2024
The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is fast approaching.  If you are not already registered, you have until Monday, October 7 to turn in your registration form. The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on November 5. Early voting begins on October 21. Polls for early voting […]
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Celebrating Arkansas Rice Farmers

September 12, 2024
As we welcome September, it’s a time to recognize the vital role that rice plays in Arkansas and to celebrate National Rice Month. Our state stands proud as the number one producer of rice in the United States, contributing significantly to both our economy and our communities. Every year, Arkansas harvests an impressive 200 million […]
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The Great Arkansas Cleanup

September 6, 2024
Our neighborhoods are more than just places where we live. They are the very essence of our communities, reflecting our values, aspirations, and pride. Arkansas is ‘The Natural State.’ We pride ourselves on the beauty of our lakes, rivers, woods, and trails. We should also take that same pride in our sidewalks, parking lots, and […]
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2024 Labor Day

August 30, 2024
The State of Arkansas will observe Labor Day as an official state holiday on Monday, September 2, 2024. The State Capitol Offices and all state buildings will be closed. Official Holiday Bulletin
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Committee Reviews Progress in Family Preservation Services

August 29, 2024
This week, the House Committee for Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs reviewed a vital report from the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regarding family preservation services. The data presented painted a hopeful picture of progress in our efforts to support Arkansas families and protect our children. At the close of […]
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Education Committee Continues Adequacy Study

August 23, 2024
This week, the House and Senate Education Committee convened to continue important work on the Educational Adequacy Study, a crucial study aimed at ensuring that every student in Arkansas has access to a high-quality education. One area of focus has been teacher recruitment and retention—an essential component in providing a stable and effective learning environment […]
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Speaker Shepherd Honored at 2024 CSG Southern Legislative Conference

August 16, 2024
News Release Arkansas House Speaker Matthew J. Shepherd was recently named the recipient of the 2024 Thomas B. Murphy Legacy Award from the Council of State Governments Southern Office during their annual Southern Legislative Conference. The Thomas B. Murphy Legacy Award, formally known as the Longevity of Service Award, is presented to a Southern state […]