This week, the House and Senate Education Committees approved a proposed recommendation for educational adequacy. The plan to increase state funding to $8,162 per-pupil for the 2026 school year and $8,371 per-pupil for the 2027 school year reflects a commitment to investing in the future of Arkansas students. The current funding amount is $7,771 per-pupil. [...]
The state budget profoundly influences our daily lives, affecting everything from education to healthcare. As the legislative session approaches, the General Assembly takes the time to assess the state's current fiscal situation and evaluate budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year. This year's budget hearings are scheduled to commence on October 8 and will run [...]
As we enter the month of October, Arkansas gears up to celebrate Arkansas Farm to School Month – a time dedicated to connecting schools, early childhood education sites, and various organizations with local farms to provide children with access to fresh, healthy food. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to foster a deeper [...]
As we welcome September, it’s a time to recognize the vital role that rice plays in Arkansas and to celebrate National Rice Month. Our state stands proud as the number one producer of rice in the United States, contributing significantly to both our economy and our communities. Every year, Arkansas harvests an impressive 200 million [...]
Our neighborhoods are more than just places where we live. They are the very essence of our communities, reflecting our values, aspirations, and pride. Arkansas is the Natural State. We pride ourselves on the beauty of our lakes, rivers, woods, and trails. We should also take that same pride in our sidewalks, parking lots, and [...]
This week, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee reviewed a vital report from the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regarding family preservation services. The data presented painted a hopeful picture of progress in our efforts to support Arkansas families and protect our children. At the close of 2023, [...]
As we approach Labor Day, it’s crucial to highlight a significant initiative aimed at making our roads safer. From August 16 through September 2, including the Labor Day holiday weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will partner with Arkansas law enforcement for the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" [...]
Recently, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) issued a reminder for parents to remain vigilant in recognizing and preventing online predators from targeting children. This summer alone, ASP has issued several Missing/Endangered Advisories for missing children and teens, including five Amber Alerts since May. Disturbingly, multiple Arkansas teens have been lured away by predators they encountered [...]
This week, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee received updates on the ongoing efforts by state agencies to enhance accessibility in their facilities for individuals with disabilities. In 2022, Arkansas State Parks initiated a collaboration with the non-profit organization Accessibility Across Arkansas to enhance access to state parks for individuals [...]
Highway 141 scheduled to close near Stanford GREENE COUNTY | July 5, 2024 Highway 141 is scheduled to close at the intersections of Highways 412/141 and Highways 34/141 beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, July 8. Weather permitting, crews will conduct bridge deck replacement work for approximately four weeks. Highway 141 will be open to local [...]
