Posts tagged “News Release”

Back-to-school shopping is expected to reach record levels this year, with families of students in elementary through high school planning to spend an average of $864. Nationwide, total back-to-school spending is projected to reach $43.3 billion, making it one of the largest annual shopping seasons for American families. Fortunately, Arkansas families have an opportunity to […]

Whether they’re hiking our trails, floating our rivers, exploring historic downtowns, or dining at local restaurants, visitors are making a big impact on Arkansas. New figures released by the Governor this week show tourism reached another record-breaking year in 2025. According to a new report prepared by Tourism Economics, Arkansas welcomed a record 54.3 million […]

This month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation signed into law on July 26, 1990. For more than three decades, the ADA has helped remove barriers and expand opportunities for Americans with disabilities. Its anniversary is also an opportunity to consider how we can continue improving accessibility, independence, and participation […]

There is something special about the Fourth of July in Arkansas. It’s neighbors gathering for backyard cookouts, veterans leading hometown parades, kids chasing sparklers, and families proudly flying the American flag. These traditions remind us that Independence Day is about more than celebrating our nation’s birthday. It’s about celebrating the freedoms we share as Americans. […]

When a crime is committed, every minute matters. Families deserve answers, victims deserve justice, and law enforcement officers need timely, reliable evidence to identify those responsible. That is why the work of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory is so important—and why the General Assembly has made significant investments to strengthen its capabilities. Members of the […]

The Arkansas Legislative Council met this week to review a wide range of issues affecting education, state finances, energy policy, healthcare, and government operations. Members began by reviewing the state’s latest revenue report. Gross General Revenue collections for the fiscal year-to-date totaled approximately $7.76 billion, an increase of $323.6 million, or 4.4%, compared to the […]

June is National Internet Safety Month, a reminder that protecting children today means protecting them not only in our communities and schools, but also in the digital spaces they visit every day. The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning, communication, and creativity. But it also presents real risks. According to the Arkansas State Police Internet […]

June is National Family Reunification Month, a time to recognize the importance of keeping families together whenever it can be done safely and in the best interest of a child. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the work being done across Arkansas to support families before a crisis leads to foster care placement. […]

This week, the Arkansas State Capitol belonged to the next generation. Students from across our state gathered in Little Rock for Arkansas Boys State, Arkansas Girls State, and the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. For a few days, committee rooms, hallways, and the House floor were filled with young Arkansans learning firsthand how government works and, […]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health and to continue encouraging conversations that reduce stigma and connect people with support. Across Arkansas, families, schools, healthcare providers, veterans, first responders, and community organizations see firsthand how mental health challenges can affect people of […]

The Arkansas House convened in special session this week to consider legislation related to income tax reductions. Members returned to the Capitol on Monday and adjourned on Wednesday after passing identical measures, House Bill 1001 and Senate Bill 1, outlining changes to the state’s income tax rates. The legislation lowers the top individual income tax […]

The House concluded the special session by passing SB1, the Senate version of the tax relief measure, and the Governor has since signed both HB1001 and SB1 into law. The legislation lowers the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% beginning January 1, 2026, and reduces the top corporate income tax rate to 4.1% starting […]