Senate News

Education Committee Begins Adequacy Study

This year marks the 20^th 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.

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.

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.

Pandemic Relied Funds Allocated for Rental Assistance

The state is helping people who have trouble paying their rent because of the coronavirus pandemic.

State, cities and counties to share settlement of opioids lawsuit

In a settlement of a major lawsuit, pharmaceutical manufacturers who make and market opioids will pay $216 million to Arkansas cities, counties and state government.