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Governor to Call Special Session in August for Income Tax Reductions

The governor announced that he would call the legislature into special session on August 8 to consider income tax cuts that would save Arkansas families and businesses almost $700 million when they take effect.

School Safety Commission Continues Work to Protect Students and Staff

The Arkansas School Safety Commission is meeting frequently in order to have an initial report ready for the governor and legislators by August 1. The commission has been charged with updating its original report, which was issued in November of 2018.

Children and Family Services Division Working to Reduce Case Loads

When people call the state hotline to report suspected child abuse or neglect, about 80 percent are assigned to the Division of Children and Family Services. The other 20 percent are considered more serious, and are assigned to the State Police, which has a Division of Crimes Against Children. The Division has 428 family services workers. Their average caseload in March was 23.3, which is down from 25.5 last October. The state’s goal is to bring it below 20.

Statement of Senator Jason Rapert regarding Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade

Statement of Senator Jason Rapert regarding Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade

School Safety Commission to Deliver Second Set of Recommendations

The Arkansas School Safety Commission has been set up again to update measures to protect students while they are in school. The governor issued an executive order to reinstate the commission in the wake of the mass murder of 19 children and two adults at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24.

State Provides Relief Funding for Child Care Centers

The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was especially hard for child care centers, so the Arkansas Department of Human Services is administering about $286 million to help them cover expenses and remain in business. So far, about $110 million of the relief funding has been sent to child care providers, according to the department’s Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.

Added Slots For Virtual Statewide Charter Schools Have Been Approved

Two new virtual statewide charter schools have been approved by the  Arkansas Board of Education.

Forestry Division Provides Services in Urban Areas Too

The state Forestry Division is known for managing woodlands, helping control fires and supporting rural fire departments. Not so well known is its work in cities and towns. In mid-May, the division hosted forestry professionals from across the Southeast for a training event designed to improve the skills of Urban Strike Force Teams.

Lockheed Martin and Airbus to Manufacture Air Force Refueling Systems in Arkansas

Lockheed Martin and Airbus executives announced that western Arkansas would be the location of a new plant to manufacture the LMXT strategic tanker boom refueling system for the U.S. Air Force.

Broadband Consultant Presents Road Map to Legislators

Arkansas is making a massive public investment to bring broadband access to every corner of the state. Last year the state hired a consultant firm, Broadband Development Group (BDG), to develop a master plan. The firm’s chief technical officer made a lengthy presentation to the legislative Joint Performance Review Committee.

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500 Woodlane Street
Suite 320 
Little Rock, Arkansas
72201-1090