The legislature completed the first week of the 2022 fiscal session, approving budgets for numerous state agencies and advancing reforms of public health insurance systems.
Senate News
Prison Overcrowding
For decades prison overcrowding has sparked a financial tug-of-war between the state and Arkansas counties.
State Police Unveil New Phone Number for Non-Emergencies
Arkansas motorists who wish to contact the State Police for non-emergency reasons can now call *ASP on their cell phones. Dialing *ASP is the same as dialing *277.
Rental Assistance Program Has Benefited Thousands of Arkansas Tenants
Last year Arkansas joined a rental assistance program to help people who have lost jobs or businesses from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
So far the state Department of Human Services (DHS) made 31,373 payments, totalling $64.6 million. The money helps people with rent and utility bills, so they do not have to move out of their home or have their lights turned off.