The level of state government spending determines how much of a surplus is left at the end of the fiscal year. One of the legislature’s most important decisions is how much of a surplus to accumulate, and what to do with it.
Senate News
Lottery Scholarships Benefit More Than 30,000 Arkansas Students
Lottery Scholarships Benefit More Than 30,000 Arkansas Students
Lewisville Youth Services Center to Convert to Drug Treatment Facility
Last week it was reported that another former detention center, at Lewisville, will be converted into a substance abuse treatment facility for teenagers. Judges who hear juvenile cases said that a treatment center was needed, and were glad to have an option besides locking up troubled youths.
Governor Presents Balanced Budget Plan to Legislators
The governor presented a balanced budget proposal to the legislature for next fiscal year. It would authorize about $5.8 billion next year in spending from the state’s general revenue fund, about three percent more than this year.
Pandemic Relied Funds Allocated for Rental Assistance
The state is helping people who have trouble paying their rent because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Legislature Helping Child Facilities Cope with Coronavirus Closings
At the beginning of this year, there were more than 2,000 licensed child care programs in Arkansas. They had slots for 194,000 children.
By mid-April, about half the facilities had closed. Although most have been able to re-open, as of early October at least 20 had closed permanently
Senators Request CARES Act Funding for Senior Citizens Centers
A bipartisan group of 14 senators have requested that the CARES Act Steering Committee allocate $20 million in federal relief funding for senior citizens centers across Arkansas.
Legislators Approve $48.5 Million in Grants For Tourism Industry
The Legislative Council approved spending $48.5 million in federal relief money to fund a grant program that will help tourism-related businesses adversely affected by the pandemic. The grants will be available to small businesses that hire up to 250 full-time employees.
Budget Hearings Prepare Legislators for 2021 Regular Session
The legislature has begun budget hearings, in preparation for the regular session that begins in January.
Three Proposed Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot This Year
In this year’s election, Arkansas voters will determine the outcome of three proposed amendments to the state Constitution.