News

As the federal government shutdown continues, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is working to manage its far-reaching effects on programs that support families across the state. During a joint meeting of the House and Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committees, DHS officials provided updates on how the agency is adapting to reduced […]

As Arkansas families feel the effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown, state leaders are stepping in to make sure no one goes hungry. This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council chairs approved an emergency request from Governor Sanders to direct $500,000 in Restricted Reserve funds to food banks starting Monday, November 3rd. The funds will […]

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and recommit to improving access to lifesaving care. In Arkansas, breast cancer affects thousands each year. Nearly 2,400 women are diagnosed annually, and more than 400 lose their lives. Our state’s breast cancer mortality rate remains higher than the national average, […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 20, 2025   Speaker Evans Joins Regional Leaders in Supporting Forestry Industry Relief Efforts Arkansas House Speaker Brian S. Evans has joined fellow Speakers of the House from across the Southeastern United States in signing a letter urging federal leaders to take immediate action to support the forestry industry, which faces growing challenges […]

The Arkansas Legislative Council this week adopted a resolution urging federal leaders to take swift action to support Arkansas farmers amid mounting economic challenges. The resolution recognizes agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy and a vital part of America’s food security, noting that many producers are struggling with high interest rates, unpredictable weather, […]

The Arkansas Legislative Council this week adopted a resolution urging federal leaders to take swift action to support Arkansas farmers amid mounting economic challenges. The resolution recognizes agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy and a vital part of America’s food security, noting that many producers are struggling with high interest rates, unpredictable weather, […]

The House and Senate Education Committees met this week to review the Arkansas Department of Education’s (ADE) comprehensive plan to strengthen the state’s teacher workforce through recruitment, retention, and recognition initiatives. ADE outlined how these three areas work together to address teacher shortages and improve educator support across Arkansas. Recruitment efforts focus on removing barriers […]

Arkansas lawmakers held a series of committee meetings this week, covering issues ranging from childcare to criminal justice, energy development, and transportation infrastructure.  On Tuesday, the House Early Childhood Permanent Subcommittee on Education examined forthcoming changes to the state’s childcare reimbursement system. Officials from the Department of Education, the Arkansas Early Childhood Association, and several […]

Lawmakers in Little Rock tackled a wide range of issues this week, from public safety investments to energy policy and the economic strain facing Arkansas farmers.  The Arkansas Legislative Council approved the transfer of $131.9 million from restricted reserve funds to help finance the construction of a new State Crime Laboratory in North Little Rock. […]

On Monday, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met to release its 2025 findings, fulfilling the requirements set forth by Act 391 of 2021. The report serves as both an update on where Arkansas stands in addressing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and a call to action for where the state must go next. The […]

On Monday, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met at the Capitol to continue its important work under Act 391 of 2021. The council is tasked with examining the needs of Arkansans living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the services available to them and their caregivers, and how our healthcare system can meet both […]

This week, several legislative interim committees continued their work examining key issues facing our state. On Tuesday, the Joint Performance Review Committee met to discuss citizen concerns regarding the proposed Franklin County Prison. On Wednesday and Thursday, the House and Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committees held joint meetings in Texarkana. Lawmakers received updates […]