News

Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Improving access to high-quality childcare programs helps to provide structured environments where children can explore, play, and interact, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and cooperation. This week, we would like to share a recent announcement regarding increased access to affordable childcare. The Arkansas Department of Education announced […]

This week, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee received updates on the ongoing efforts by state agencies to enhance accessibility in their facilities for individuals with disabilities. In 2022, Arkansas State Parks initiated a collaboration with the non-profit organization Accessibility Across Arkansas to enhance access to state parks for individuals […]

The State Capitol Offices and all State Buildings will be Closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, to observe Independence Day. Official Holiday Bulletin

As July rolls around, so does National Parks and Recreation Month, a time to recognize the importance of parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining the well-being of communities. We invite you to celebrate this month by visiting one of Arkansas’s 52 state parks. The parks include about 55,000 acres with 1,800 campsites, 208 cabins, […]

This week, the Joint Performance Review Committee received testimony from state and county election officials about the use of paper ballots and voting machines. The 94th General Assembly has been diligently working to pass legislation that ensures the security of our elections. During the 2023 Regular Session, we enacted several important laws to safeguard our […]

This week, the General Assembly convened for an Extraordinary Session, during which the legislature passed significant tax legislation. The new laws reduce the top individual income tax rate to 3.9%, the lowest since the tax was first enacted in the state in 1923. Among Southern states with an individual income tax, Arkansas now has the […]

The General Assembly has concluded the Second Extraordinary Session, during which the Governor signed significant tax cut legislation into law. The new laws reduce the top individual income tax rate from 4.4% to 3.9% and the corporate income tax rate from 4.8% to 4.3%, both effective January 1, 2024. Additionally, the legislation directs the transfer […]

On Tuesday, the House passed HB1001 and HB1002. HB1001 lowers the top individual income tax rate from 4.4% to 3.9%, and the corporate income tax rate from 4.8% to 4.3%. These tax cuts are set to take effect on January 1, 2024. Additionally, the bill mandates the transfer of $290 million in surplus funds to […]

On the first day of the Second Extraordinary Session, the House Revenue and Taxation Committee advanced two bills. HB1001 would reduce the top individual income tax rate from 4.4% to 3.9%. The bill would also reduce the corporate income tax rate from 4.8% to 4.3%. The tax cuts would be effective January 1, 2024. In […]

The Arkansas General Assembly is set to convene for a special session on Monday, June 17. Governor Sanders issued the call earlier this week, highlighting several key agenda items. Among the priorities are significant tax cuts, including reductions in both individual income and corporate income taxes. The proposed plan aims to lower the top individual […]

Women have been part of the American military narrative since the Revolutionary War, initially serving as nurses, spies, and support staff. Today, they are integral to every branch of the armed forces, serving in roles that span from combat pilots to intelligence analysts. One of the pieces of legislation signed into law during the 2023 […]

Arkansas Farmers Market Week is just around the corner, running from June 9-15. With over 100 markets across the state, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant offerings of Arkansas agriculture. Direct-to-consumer sales through these markets and other channels support more than 1,500 local farmers. Whether you’re after the freshest produce, a sense […]