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Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis

July 14, 2023
In 2022, the Arkansas State Crime Lab reported 457 drug overdose deaths. Fentanyl was a contributing factor in 251 of those deaths. And from January to March of this year, the crime lab reported 87 drug overdose deaths. Once again, fentanyl was a contributing factor in more than half of those cases. Fentanyl is a […]
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2023 Revenue Report Shows Growing Economy

July 7, 2023
This week we received the Fiscal Year 2023 Revenue Summary. It shows we ended the fiscal year with the second largest surplus in state history. Results from collections and distributions for FY 2023 reached $7.185 billion. That is $1.161 billion in excess of full funding level for the Revenue Stabilization Act representing a surplus. The […]
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2023 Independence Day

July 3, 2023
The State Capitol Offices and all State Buildings will be Closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, to observe Independence Day. A legal holiday by authority of Act 304 of 2001 and amended by Act 561 of 2017.
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Exploring Arkansas State Parks

June 30, 2023
From battlefield tours in Prairie Grove to sunset boat cruises in DeGray Lake, Arkansas State Parks hosts more than 42,000 educational programs, activities, and special events. There are 52 state parks in 48 counties covering 54,643 acres. If you haven’t visited one of our state parks this summer, now is a perfect time to start […]
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Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

June 23, 2023
In Arkansas, an estimated 58,000 Arkansans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s in 2020. This number is expected to climb to 67,000 by 2025. Nationwide, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia and that number is expected to grow to as many as 14 million by the year 2050. June […]
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Statement from Speaker Shepherd Regarding the Passing of Justice Wynne

June 22, 2023
Speaker Matthew J. Shepherd released the following statement Thursday, June 22: “I’m saddened to hear about the loss of fellow South Arkansan and Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Robin Wynne. He began his career of public service with the House nearly 38 years ago and continued serving his community and state with passion and integrity for […]
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Speaker Shepherd Names John Vines House Parliamentarian

June 16, 2023
Little Rock, Arkansas (June 16, 2023) – Arkansas House Speaker Matthew J. Shepherd announced today that he has appointed House Chief Legal Counsel John T. Vines as the House Parliamentarian and Coordinator of Legislative Services beginning July 1, 2023, upon the retirement of current House Parliamentarian Finos “Buddy” Johnson. In addition to his new role, […]
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Scholarship Deadline Approaching

June 16, 2023
If you or someone you know is heading to college this fall, we want to remind you of an important deadline. July 1 is the last day to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. Since 2009, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has raised more than $1.2 billion in proceeds for scholarships. Those proceeds have funded 720,000 […]
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June 12th is Women Veterans Day

June 8, 2023
One of the pieces of legislation signed into law this year creates Women Veterans Day as a state memorial day to be celebrated on June 12 each year.Act 115 states Women Veterans Day is acknowledged as an effort to honor the work of women in the United States Armed Forces and recognizes the unique challenges […]
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2023 Agriculture Legislation

June 2, 2023
Agriculture has long been the backbone of our state’s economy.Currently, the industry contributes more than $19 billion annually to our economy.The ripple effect of agriculture reaches far beyond the farm. It stimulates rural economies and supports local businesses. The industry supports more than 240,000 jobs statewide.Every legislative session, the General Assembly introduces several bills aimed […]
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Statement from House Speaker Matthew J. Shepherd Regarding Temporary Order

May 26, 2023
Arkansas House Speaker Matthew J. Shepherd released the following statement on Friday: “While I disagree with this temporary ruling, I am pleased that the Attorney General has already appealed to the Arkansas Supreme Court. The LEARNS Act is an important and transformative law for Arkansas that as I have said before was handled consistent with […]