Senate News

The legislature has begun budget hearings, in preparation for the regular session that begins in January.

In this year’s election, Arkansas voters will determine the outcome of three proposed amendments to the state Constitution.

Arkansas legislators approved using $165 million in federal relief funds to shore up the state unemployment insurance trust fund.

Arkansas cities and counties that have been hit hard by the economic impact of the coronavirus can apply for help, after legislators approved the use of $150 million for relief grants.

Census workers across Arkansas will be knocking on doors until the end of September in a last-ditch effort to make sure that as many people as possible get counted in the 2020 U.S. Census.

Before this year, the legislature had already laid the groundwork for expansions of broadband capability in education and health care. In response to the changing needs of schools and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, legislators have accelerated the pace of projects that expand broadband access in rural Arkansas and in small towns.

County clerks are preparing for a sharp increase in the number of absentee ballots that they expect to be turned in for the November 3 general election.

Arkansas legislators approved a plan to add $300 a week to unemployment benefits, to extend the extra benefits available during the coronavirus pandemic.

Arkansas teachers and students are beginning the most challenging school year in living memory.