While we prepare to enter a new year and begin the 2021 Regular Session, we want to take a moment to review what has been taking place at the State Capitol in 2020. Some of the work accomplished in 2020 lays the foundation for future legislation. In April, the House convened for an Extraordinary Session [...]
Arkansas’ legislature is considered a part-time citizen legislature. Most House members have a full-time career in addition to their legislative obligations. Members typically come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and the 93rd General Assembly is no exception. The state’s largest industry is well represented as 7 members will bring an agricultural background to [...]
Arkansans may see an increase in the amount of their paychecks next year. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) announced this week that the income tax withholding tables will change effective January 1, 2021. DFA says this change is not a tax increase or cut, but with the law change that reduces the [...]
One of the many legislative issues that will be before us in the 2021 Regular Session is redistricting. Redistricting is an important part of our democracy. It is required by law once every ten years after the Federal Census. There are two separate processes for redistricting in Arkansas. One process is redrawing legislative boundaries for [...]
This week, members elected to the 93rd General Assembly convened in the House chamber. The purpose of the organizational meeting was to determine seniority, select seats in the chamber, and select committees. The vast majority of bills introduced during the session are assigned to a standing committee. We have posted the tentative standing committee assignments [...]
The dedication of our doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals is nothing short of heroic. They are saving lives, easing pain, and creating a better future for Arkansas. These individuals continue to come into work every day, despite the risks they face. During this season of thanksgiving, we want to send a special thank you to [...]
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase across the state, the Arkansas Department of Health reminds Arkansans that the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people who live with you. While the number of people around your table may be smaller this year, we want to take [...]
The 2021 Regular Session begins in less than two months. We want to take this week to update you on the ongoing budget hearings in preparation for the session. Pre-session budget hearings have been extended. They began last month and will continue from now to November 19. This week, members were presented with the General [...]
Business Interruption Grant for small businesses. Below you will find three items related to the grant. APPLICATION The application will open on Monday, November 16th at 8:00 a.m. Go to www.arkansasready.com to access the application and documents related to the grant, including Frequently Asked Questions WEBINAR Webinar- Friday, November 13th at 10:00 a.m. -Join a webinar that [...]
The Department of Health reported 385 positive PCR tests and 114 positive antigen tests on Wednesday. There have been 11 deaths in the last 24 hours. Hospitalizations have increased by 2. The Governor announced a new partnership with the Department of Health (ADH) and Baptist Health to increase testing. A new machine purchased as a [...]
