·        This morning, the House passed the remaining appropriation bills and the Senate version of the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA). The Senate version is identical to the RSA we passed in the House yesterday prioritizing $5.9 billion in spending for the next fiscal year. This concludes the vast majority of our business for the 2020 Fiscal Session. The House will reconvene no later than May 22 for Sine Die adjournment.

·        The Department of Commerce says it has processed 150,000 unemployment claims. In addition,14,803 businesses were approved for Payroll Protection Program before the SBA program reached the funding limit.

·        The department also announced it has launched a new website to process unemployment claims.  You can file online at www.arunemployment.com.  A chat box has also been added to the website.

·        Hours are now being extended for the hotline. Arkansans can now call Monday-Saturday between the hours of 6 am-4 pm. Staff will be processing claims from 4 pm-6 pm.

·        The Governor said he will be on a call with the White House this afternoon and he will speak to his medical advisory board tomorrow to receive guidance on how to re-engage business after the number of COVID-19 cases peak in Arkansas.  Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith said while it is way too early to do a victory lap, we should begin to plan ahead.

2020 Covid-19_infographic_2020-04-16.pdf