When Arkansas makes it past the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, restrictions on businesses and social interactions will be loosened carefully, always with the goal in mind to prevent a second wave of the pandemic.
Senate News
Legislature Completes 2020 Fiscal Session
The legislature completed the 2020 fiscal session in record time, approving a balanced budget that funds state government spending of $5.68 billion.
93rd General Assembly President Pro Tempore
Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr. was elected President Pro Tempore of the Arkansas Senate for the 93rd General Assembly in 2021 and 2022.
2020 Fiscal Presents Difficult Challenges for Legislature
The sudden and severe economic downturn caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus means that the 2020 fiscal session will be the most difficult one for legislators since Arkansas voters first voted to establish fiscal sessions 12 years ago.
Legislature Creates COVID-19 Reserve Fund
The legislature convened in special session to address potential revenue shortfalls, resulting from the sudden economic downturn caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus.
State Streamlines Process for Drawing Unemployment Insurance
To cushion the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak on working families, the state has streamlined the process of applying for unemployment insurance.
Pay Raises Proposed for HDC Direct Care Staff
Pay raises have been proposed for direct care employees at the state’s five centers for people with multiple disabilities.
Budget Hearings Begin in Preparation of Fiscal Session
The legislature has begun budget hearings in preparation for the 2020 Fiscal Session, which convenes on April 8 and is scheduled to last a month.
Press Conference on Coronavirus
Senate Information Office: 501-682-5954
LITTLE ROCK – Health Department officials will join members of the legislative Committees on Public Health, Welfare and Labor for a press conference about the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, at 1 p.m. Monday, March 9, in the Old Supreme Court Room of the state Capitol.
Senator Missy Irvin of Mountain View is chair of the Senate Committee on Public Health, and Representative Jack Ladyman of Jonesboro of the House committee will be available, as will Dr. Nathaniel Smith, the state Secretary of Health.
They will outline the steps that state government is taking to keep the public updated and how to find the most recent information. Also, they will outline what protocol businesses should follow when staff need time off from work.
Expansion of Computer Science Classes is an Arkansas Success Story
An Arkansas success story that is attracting national attention is the expansion of computer science classes in public schools over the past five years.