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Women Veterans Day

Women have been part of the American military narrative since the Revolutionary War, initially serving as nurses, spies, and support staff. Today, they are integral to every branch of the armed forces, serving in roles that span from combat pilots to intelligence analysts. One of the pieces of legislation signed into law during the 2023 […]
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Arkansas Farmers Markets

Arkansas Farmers Market Week is just around the corner, running from June 9-15. With over 100 markets across the state, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant offerings of Arkansas agriculture. Direct-to-consumer sales through these markets and other channels support more than 1,500 local farmers. Whether you’re after the freshest produce, a sense […]
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Honor and Remember

Memorial Day signifies more than just the unofficial commencement of summer. It is a day to pause, reflect, and honor the countless individuals who have laid down their lives in defense of our freedoms. Their selflessness and courage epitomize the very essence of patriotism, reminding us of the extraordinary debt we owe to those who […]
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Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and celebrating recovery from mental illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 23% of Arkansans reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders from March to April of this […]
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House Elects Speaker-designate

On Thursday, the House adjourned the 2024 Fiscal Session Sine Die. In this Fiscal Session, the General Assembly passed a $6.3 billion budget with limited spending growth. The largest increases in the budget are directed to education and public safety. The appropriation for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for the next fiscal year did […]
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Week 4 of the 2024 Fiscal Session

This week, the House tackled several key issues including state employee pay, digital asset mining regulations, and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. SB77, which was passed by the House, outlines a temporary pay plan for state employees, including a potential 3% raise and setting the minimum salary at $32,405 per year. Additionally, it […]
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Daily Summary for the 2024 Fiscal Session for Thursday, May 2, 2024

On Thursday, the House passed SB80. This bill amends the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) by outlining state spending for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year. It is identical to HB1097 which the House passed on Wednesday. The RSA increases funding for the Education Freedom Accounts by $65.7 million. The public school fund will increase by $38.2 million […]
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Daily Summary for the 2024 Fiscal Session for Wednesday, May 1, 2024

On Wednesday, the House passed HB1097. This bill amends the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) by outlining state spending for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year. The RSA includes a 1.76% increase in state spending. The largest increases can be found in Educational Freedom Accounts, the Public School Fund, and Arkansas State Police.  The House also passed SB77 […]
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Daily Summary for the 2024 Fiscal Session for Tuesday, April 30, 2024

On Tuesday, the House City, County, and Local Affairs Committee advanced two bills addressing regulations for digital asset mining. SB78 requires that digital asset mining businesses apply specified noise-reduction techniques. It states that a prohibited foreign party shall not purchase or acquire any interest in a digital mining business in the state. SB79 states that […]
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Week 3 of the 2024 Fiscal Session

During the third week of the 2024 Fiscal Session, members received the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) for the 2025 Fiscal Year. The RSA, which categorizes and prioritizes state spending, includes a 1.76% increase in spending, with the largest increases allocated to Educational Freedom Accounts, the Public School Fund, and Arkansas State Police. Specifically, the […]
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Daily Summary for the 2024 Fiscal Session for Thursday, April 25

Members are now reviewing the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act for the 2025 Fiscal Year. The Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) categorizes and prioritizes state spending. It is typically one of the last items passed every session. The proposed RSA outlines a 1.76% increase in state spending. The largest increases can be found in Educational Freedom Accounts, […]