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The Value of Higher Education in Arkansas

On average, an Arkansan with a bachelor’s degree will earn $700,000 more in a 30 year career than those who drop out of college.  The gap climbs to $1.5 million for those with a doctorate.This information is included in the 2018 Economic Security Report which was presented this week to the Arkansas Legislative Council Higher […]
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Statement Concerning Vote on HR1079

Today’s vote to expel Rep. Gates sends a clear message. It tells Arkansans that their elected leaders are held to a high standard and must exemplify integrity at all times.  Although unfortunate it came to this action, the resolution and debate was necessary to safeguard the trust placed in us by the public. I thank […]
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Bullying Prevention in Arkansas

A 2017 study titled “Indicators of School Crime and Safety,” published by the United States Department of Justice and the United States Department of Education, reported that 20% of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied at school during the previous school year.The same study also reported that about 33% of students who reported being bullied […]
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Flu Vaccines Available

Last flu season, 113 influenza-related deaths were reported in Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), 71% of the adults who died were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccine history.ADH also reported that 28 schools closed briefly due to the flu last season.While only moderate in severity, the 2018-2019 season was record-breaking in […]
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Breast Cancer Awareness

In 2016 in Arkansas, a total of 2,226 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and 400 women died from the disease. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.  October is breast cancer awareness month. This is an opportunity to remind Arkansans of the importance of mammograms for […]
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Ending Domestic Violence in Arkansas

In Arkansas, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will be the victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime. In 2018, 44 Arkansas died as a result of domestic violence. Domestic violence occurs among all types of families, regardless of income, profession, region, ethnicity, educational level or race. This week, a rally was […]
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Counting Our Population

By April 1, 2020, each of you will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census.  Responding to the census this time will be easier than ever, as this will be the first time you can respond online.The Constitution mandates that the country conduct a count of its population once every 10 years. The […]
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Preventing Suicide in Arkansas

In the U.S. someone dies by suicide every 11.1 minutes. In Arkansas, someone dies by suicide every 14 hours.Suicide is not inevitable for anyone.  By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.The second week of September has been declared Suicide Prevention Awareness […]
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Labor Day 2019

The State of Arkansas will observe Labor Day as an official state holiday on Monday, September 2, 2019.   State Capitol Offices and all State Buildings will be closed. The State Capitol Building will, however, be open to visitors that day from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. To download a PDF of the official bulletin […]
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Arkansas Labor Market

Arkansas recently set a new record low for unemployment. The unemployment rate for July was 3.4 %, breaking the previous record of 3.5% last month. There are 19,200 more jobs in our state than this time last year. But the story of our work force does not end there.  As we approach Labor Day, it’s […]