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2023 Independence Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 […]
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Memorial Day 2023

The State Capitol Offices and all State Buildings will be Closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, to observe Memorial Day. A legal holiday by authority of Act 304 of 2001 and amended by Act 561 of 2017. Memorial Day BulletinMemorial Day Bulletin Grayscale
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Remember and Honor

Our state has a deep-rooted history of patriotism and sacrifice. In World War II, nearly 10% of our population at the time served our country in the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.More than 3,500 were killed as a result of combat.Arkansans continued to answer the call to serve.  461 Arkansans lost their lives […]
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2023 Economic Development Legislation

Employment in Arkansas has increased for seven consecutive months. The latest report from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services shows the unemployment rate at 2.8%.  By comparison, the national unemployment rate is 3.4%.Compared to this time last year, there are 12,869 additional employed Arkansans.While low unemployment rates and indicative of a healthy and growing economy, […]