Senate News

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.

Even in Pandemic, AEDC Incentives Attract Job Creating Industries

Business activity was severely affected by the pandemic last year across most areas of the economic spectrum, from the largest corporations to small businesses and individual wage earners. In spite of the challenges created by the pandemic, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission signed incentive agreements for 48 projects that will create or preserve 2,917 jobs in the state. The average wage of those jobs is $22.10 an hour.

Statement from Senator Missy Irvin, Senate Education Committee Chair

Statement from Senator Missy Irvin, chair of the Senate Education Committee:

“I am so pleased to learn that all the parties have come to an agreement that will allow Mr. Nick Smith, Jr. the eligibility to play basketball during his senior year of high school, and I commend his parents for being strong advocates for their son.”

Revenue Forecast Revised Upward

State government will collect more in tax revenue this year than previously estimated, according to a revised forecast by the Department of Finance and Administration.

Legislative Action Holds Down Workers’ Comp Rates

The market for workers’ compensation insurance remains competitive in Arkansas, thanks to efforts by the legislature to hold down rates.

Legislature Draws New Congressional District Boundaries

In an extension of this year’s regular session the legislature drew new boundaries for the four Congressional districts in Arkansas, and approved exemptions for workers at companies that require staff to be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus.

Legislature Convenes to Draw New Boundaries For Congressional Districts

The legislature reconvened to draw new boundaries for the four Congressional districts in Arkansas, and to consider responses to federal vaccination mandates.

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