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Creating a more inclusive Arkansas

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 4 of adults in the United States have some type of disability. In Arkansas, that number climbs to 1 in 3.In the most recent legislative session, there were a number of acts passed to help better ensure that everybody has the same opportunities to participate […]
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State Resources for Flood Victims

Whether it is rebuilding a family home or planning for a loss of crops, our state will be recovering from these historic floods for months to come. FEMA just recently announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to Arkansas to supplement state and local response efforts. While our emergency management teams across the […]
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Summer Meals for Arkansas Children

It is estimated that less than 15 percent of children who qualify for free or reduced-priced school lunches in Arkansas are getting the same high-quality meals in the summer. Children shouldn’t go hungry just because school is out. That is why the Department of Human Services and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance partner with schools, […]
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Rural Development in Arkansas

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 […]
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Did You Know?

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)
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Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

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 […]
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Military Appreciation in Arkansas

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 […]
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New Transportation Laws

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 […]
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Growing our Tourism Industry

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 […]
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Final Week of the 2019 Regular Session

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% […]
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Daily Summary for April 10, 2019

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 […]
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Daily Summary for April 9, 2019

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 […]