News

Arkansas is home to more than 222,000 veterans.  That equals close to 10% of our adult population. Whether they served in times of war or peace, our veterans all share an unwavering belief in the cause of freedom.As we approach Veterans Day, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to those who despite the risk […]

Did you know that out of the over 400,000 children and teens in foster care in the United States, over 100,000 of them are waiting to be adopted? Right now, there are 292 children in Arkansas whose parents’ parental rights have been terminated and are currently seeking a forever family. November is National Adoption Month. […]

It is estimated that 225 people die every day from a drug overdose in America. In 2020, 547 people died from a drug overdose in Arkansas.The current opioid epidemic is one of the deadliest drug epidemics in our history. October 26 has been proclaimed as Opioid Awareness Day in Arkansas. It is a time for […]

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 […]