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Statement from Speaker Shepherd Concerning Rep. Murdock

April 1, 2020
Rep. Murdock informed me this morning that he tested positive for COVID-19. Rep. Murdock was present at the Extraordinary Session on Thursday and Friday of last week. After conferring with the Arkansas Department of Health (“ADH”), it is our understanding that since we followed all precautions including medical screenings and moving to a larger venue […]
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Covid-19 Response Update for April 1, 2020

April 1, 2020
There are now 584 confirmed cases of COVID-19.The Governor announced a partnership with Walmart and Quest Laboratories for drive-through testing in Bentonville for healthcare workers and first responders.Arkansas State Parks announced it the agency is eliminating all overnight use of state parks. The agency has also closed Cedar Falls Trail at Petit Jean and the […]
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Covid-19 Response Update for March 31, 2020

March 31, 2020
Of the 523 confirmed cases in Arkansas, 79 are health care workers. There are 47 confirmed cases in nursing homes. One patient died today bringing the total of deaths to 8. Previously released modeling showed Arkansas with 3,500 cases by mid-April. The Governor said current numbers are below what was projected for this time. He […]
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Covid-19 Response Update for March 30, 2020

March 30, 2020
•Of the 473 cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas, 73 are health care workers.•There are 62 people currently hospitalized and 21 on ventilators.•There are now 5 nursing homes in the state with confirmed COVID-19 cases.•House and Senate leadership voted to approve $45 million from the recently created COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund for additional purchases of personal […]
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Covid-19 Response Update for March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020
With a vote of 100-0, the House approved HB1001 which creates the COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund. Models for the spread of COVID-19 show there could be 3,500 cases in Arkansas by mid-April. The Governor has authorized members of the National Guard to begin working with the Army Corps of Engineers on expanding capacity for hospitals. […]
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COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund

March 27, 2020
This week, the House convened for an Extraordinary Session to address the urgent funding needs in our state created by the COVID-19 crisis.In only the second time in recent history, we convened outside of the Capitol. The Jack Stephens Center at the University of Arkansas Little Rock provided additional space for members to adhere to […]
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Covid-19 Response Update for March 26, 2020

March 26, 2020
The House convened today for an Extraordinary Session in the Jack Stephens Center at the University of Arkansas Little Rock.  The venue provided additional space for members to adhere to social distancing guidelines.Members then met as a Committee of the Whole to approve HB1001. This bill creates the COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund through a transfer […]
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Covid-19 Response Update for March 25, 2020

March 25, 2020
The Governor has called for a special session to begin at 1 pm tomorrow. The General Assembly will address budgetary adjustments to respond to the impact of this health emergency. In an effort to provide a safe distance for members and the press, the House will meet at the Jack Stephens Center at UALR. Live […]
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2020 First Extraordinary Call to Special Session

March 25, 2020
The House will convene for an Extraordinary Session on Thursday at 1 pm. In an effort to provide a safe distance for members and the press, the House will meet at the Jack Stephens Center at UALR.  Live streaming will be provided by Arkansas PBS.  WATCH LIVE AGENDA.pdf 2020 First Extraordinary Call to Special Session.pdf
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Covid-19 Response Update for March 24, 2020

March 24, 2020
•Sadly, the first COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in Arkansas. Since yesterday, two people have lost their lives as a result of the virus. •There are now a total of 218 cases in the state. Of those cases, 14 patients are in the hospital and 6 are on a ventilator. Positive cases include 11 […]
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Covid-19 Response Update for March 23, 2020

March 23, 2020
A total of 174 cases has now been confirmed in Arkansas. This is an increase of 9 from Sunday.The Governor announced the state has ordered 2 million personal protective equipment (PPE) units. We expect to see a portion of that ordered delivered later this week.The individual taxpayer deadline has been extended from April 15 to […]