News

Our state budget has a direct impact on everything from classrooms to health care. The importance of the budget is why the General Assembly begins reviewing budget needs weeks before the legislative session begins.Budget hearings began this week and will continue through November 10.During the hearings, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) sits with the Arkansas […]

There is an important deadline approaching for Arkansans planning to vote in the November election.If you have not already registered to vote, you have until October 11 to file your voter registration application with your county clerk. If you submit your application close to an election registration deadline, you are strongly advised to follow up […]

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women will develop breast cancer. It is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among women. While no one wants to hear they have breast cancer, the good news is more women are living longer and healthier lives […]

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, suicide is the leading cause of violent death in Arkansas. In 2020, 583 Arkansans died by suicide.That same year, close to 46,000 individuals died by suicide nationwide. That is one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In […]

Every community feels the impact when adults lack a high school diploma or the skills to compete in the 21st-century workforce.Not only is it devastating for the adults who may dream of a better life for their families, but it may impact education for future generations. Studies show that children of adults with low literacy […]

It is estimated that more than 20 percent of Arkansas households are food insecure. The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance also estimates that 1 in 3 children in the state are facing food insecurity. Food insecurity describes a household’s inability to provide enough food for every person to live an active, healthy life. September is Hunger […]

Labor Day is a time to reflect on the social and economic achievements of American workers. The labor force in Arkansas and its forecasted potential is worth celebrating.The most recent report from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) shows unemployment in our state at 3.2 percent. The jobless rate nationwide stands at 3.5 percent.According […]

The State Capitol Offices and all State Buildings will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, to observe Labor Day. A legal holiday by authority of Act 304 of 2001 and amended by Act 561 of 2017.

September is National Recovery Month. It is a national observance held every year to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.In 2021, more than 200 Arkansans died from opioid-related causes. And 37% of inmates admitted to the Division of Correction had a drug offense.Medical researchers now consider dependence on alcohol or drugs to […]

As Arkansas students head back to school, we want to take this week to remind drivers to be mindful of student safety when approaching school buses.It is estimated that close to 350,000 students in our state ride a bus to school. Those buses make stops in every community.It is illegal to pass a stopped school […]

After passing legislation to accelerate tax cuts and provide funding for school safety, the 93rd General Assembly adjourned from a special session on Thursday.In December of 2021, the General Assembly passed legislation outlining the largest tax cut in state history. That legislation lowered the state income tax from what was then 5.9% to 4.9% incrementally […]

Legislation to accelerate tax cuts and legislation to fund school safety measures have now been signed into law. On Thursday morning, the House passed SB2with a vote of 94-0.  This legislation sets aside $50 million from the revenue surplus for the purpose of funding a school safety grant program. The grants will help districts fund […]