Senate News

  • Teacher Salaries

    Download DOC Arkansas teacher salaries went up 3.2 percent last year, to an average of $54,309. That ranked Arkansas 45th in the country. However, when the cost of living is factored in, salaries in Arkansas ranked 33rd in the country. It costs more to live in California, New York and other states with higher teacher […]

    12 Jun 2025 Weekly Updates
  • New Laws Make Arkansas Leader in Election Integrity

    DOWNLOAD DOC LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas ranks first in the nation in election integrity, according to the most recent study by the Heritage Foundation. Last year Arkansas ranked number eight. At a press conference at the Capitol, the Governor, the Secretary of State and members of the legislature announced the newest ranking. They attributed the […]

    11 Jun 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Public Health Officials work to Fill gaps in Coverage for Vulnerable Groups

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – The state Department of Human Services has contracted with experts at the University of Arkansas to update the current health care system, in order to fill the gaps in coverage for people who face the gravest health risks. The Department has identified three groups who face higher risks for poor […]

    04 Jun 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Arkansas Attempting to Remove Soda, Snacks from Food Stamp Options

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas legislature and the governor agreed earlier this year that food stamps should not be used to buy candy, soft drinks and junk food. Now it appears that the federal government also agrees. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently approved a waiver that allows Nebraska to impose the first […]

    28 May 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Legislature Approves Package of Economic Development Bills

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – Officials who recruit industry to Arkansas are saying that the 2025 legislative may turn out to be the most significant of the past 25 years. The legislature approved a package of laws designed to boost energy production, simplify regulations and create well paid jobs. Act 373, also known as the […]

    27 May 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Legislature Officially Adjourns 2025 Regular Session

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – The legislature officially adjourned the 2025 regular session on May 5, and is not scheduled to convene again until the 2026 fiscal session. The legislature will consider spending bills during next year’s fiscal session, which begins at noon on the second Wednesday in April. The legislature changed the starting date […]

    14 May 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Legislature Renews ARHOME program

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Medicaid expansion program known as ARHOME must be renewed every five years, and earlier this year the Department of Human Services submitted a renewal application to federal authorities that includes a revised work requirement for recipients. Also this year the legislature approved Act 774 to achieve more than […]

    07 May 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Legislature Places Three Proposed Amendments on 2026 Ballots

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – The legislature agreed on three proposed amendments to the state Constitution. One measure would expand the economic development authority of local governments. Another proposal would protect the right to keep firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories and components. The third proposed amendment would prohibit people who are not citizens of the United […]

    30 Apr 2025 Weekly Updates
  • 2025 Legislative Session Ends

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – The legislature completed the 2025 regular session after approving a balanced budget, increasing public school funding, making higher education more accessible and improving maternal health care. State government spending will be about $6.5 billion next fiscal year. That is a 2.89 percent increase over this year. The increase reflects economic […]

    23 Apr 2025 Weekly Updates
  • Legislature Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers from Operating Retail Drug Stores

    Download DOC LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas is at the center of a national battle between local pharmacies on the one hand, and on the other hand a giant industry known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). It is a battle of economic life and death. Local pharmacies accuse PBMs of anti-competitive practices and multiple violations of […]

    16 Apr 2025 Weekly Updates