The state Division of Children and Family Services intends to try out a new method of intervention, by assigning cases to a team of workers instead of to an individual.
Senate News
Legislative Budget Hearings Prepare Lawmakers for 2022 Fiscal Session
The legislature has begun budget hearings in preparation for the 2022 fiscal session, which begins on February 14. Legislators will consider the governor’s proposed balanced budget of about $6 billion for Fiscal Year 2023, which officially begins on July 1.
Education Committee Begins Adequacy Study
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Arkansas Supreme Court’s landmark decision in the Lake View school funding case.
Arkansas Medicaid Expansion to Become ARHOME, With New Rules
When the new year begins, the Arkansas Works program will have a new name and will operate under new rules.
ARHOME is the new Medicaid program.
Legislature Addresses Backlog in Medicaid Applications
In large part because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the state Human Services Department has a backlog of applications for Medicaid.
Legislature Approves Record Income Tax Cuts During Special Session
The legislature completed a three-day special session in which it passed reductions in state income taxes that will save Arkansas families and businesses almost $500 million a year when they take effect.
Legislature Convenes in Special Session to Lower Income Taxes
The legislature convened in special session on December 7 to consider reductions in individual and corporate income taxes.
State Agencies Raise Salaries of Entry-Level Employees
State agencies have experienced the same problems as many companies with difficulty hiring entry-level employees. Several agencies have contacted the state Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to report a difficulties attracting applicants for available positions. OPM put together a proposal that allows for higher entry-level salaries for all state agencies and presented it to legislators in June.
Christmas in the Capitol will be December 6
Legislators and other elected officials are gathering gifts for children in state custody, which they will present during a “Christmas in the Capitol” celebration at noon on December 6 in the Old Supreme Court Room of the State Capitol.
Legislature Continues Investment in Broadband Expansion
In the past couple of years Arkansas has made a massive financial commitment to expanding broadband access to all parts of state.
So far $275 million has been approved, and the Legislative Council is set to increase that investment to $400 million when it considers an additional $125 million in broadband proposals at its November meeting.