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In Arkansas, 41% of the population live in rural counties. In contrast, only 14% of the United States population as a whole live in nonmetropolitan counties. Our state is a very rural one, so when we work to expand our economy we must always recognize the challenges that our rural communities face.That is why many […]

Unless otherwise stated in the legislation, all acts passed in the 2019 Regular Session without emergency clauses will become effective on July 24, 2019 (exception: Act 1092 will become effective July 30. Act 1092 passed when the Senate convened for Sine Die adjournment)

For students just beginning an education or going back to school, the lottery scholarship offers opportunities to pursue dream careers and secure financial futures. That’s why you should mark July 1 on your calendar. That day is the deadline to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, which has provided hundreds of millions of dollars […]

The month of May is designated as Military Appreciation Month.Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 10 and Armed Forces day on May 18.We have more than 3,000 active military members residing […]

Many of the bills passed in the recent session could have a direct impact on your daily commute.  The Public Transportation Committee heard testimony on proposals from how fast you can drive to requirements to get your license. Below are just some of the bills that have been signed into law impacting Arkansas drivers:Act 869 […]

When we pass legislation to grow our economy, it does not stop at tax incentives and workforce training.In Arkansas, we know our economy can also grow by bringing in people from out of state to appreciate our natural resources, our talents, and our history.The hospitality industry is the second largest industry in the state. It […]

More than 900 bills have been signed into law this session. This General Assembly has reduced taxes, addressed infrastructure needs, increased funding to education, and transformed state government.One of the last bills we passed was the amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Act.This outlines the $5.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2020. It includes a 2.2% […]

The vast majority of work for the 2019 Regular Session is now complete.  We will meet one final time later this month to address any unfinished business and official adjourn. On Wednesday, the House passed SB490. This bill expands the eligibility requirements for the Succeed Scholarship Program. This bill will allow students who have been […]

On Tuesday, the House passed HB1876, the bill to amend the Revenue Stabilization Law. The bill outlines the $5.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2020. It includes a 2.2% increase in spending from the current fiscal year. The increases include additional funding for education, Medicaid, correctional officers, parole officers, and state troopers. The House also […]

The Joint Budget Committee advanced HB1876, the bill to amend the Revenue Stabilization Law. The bill outlines the $5.7 billion budget for the Fiscal Year 2020. It includes a 2.2% increase in spending from the current fiscal year. The increases are for education, Medicaid, more correctional officers, and more state troopers. We have posted the […]

The state budget is guided by the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) which is typically one of the last items passed every session.   Members will be reviewing RSA in the Joint Budget Committee Monday morning.  We have posted details of the proposed budget on our website. We expect to vote on the budget next week […]

Members have now been provided with the proposal for next year’s budget. You can read the proposal here. FY20 RSA Schedule.pdf The state budget is guided by the Revenue Stabilization Act which is typically one of the last items passed every session. To craft the Revenue Stabilization Act, the legislature with consultation with the Governor: • […]