A legislative committee voted to add $25.2 million to a revolving loan fund for safe drinking water projects.
Senate News
Legislators Hold Budget Hearings Before Fiscal Session
Legislators held budget hearings to scrutinize every spending category in state government, in preparation for the fiscal session that begins April 10.
Letter from Senator Blake Johnson
Letter from Senator Blake Johnson to Mr. Alonza Jiles
Legislators Looking at Solutions to School Property Insurance Spikes
The legislature has been working on a long-term, sustainable solution to the spike in property insurance costs of Arkansas schools.
Legislators Approve Additional $30 Million For Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatment
Arkansas legislators approved a $30 million expenditure to improve mental health services and treatment of substance abuse.
Number of Children in Foster Care Going Down, But Challenges Remain
The state Division of Children and Family Services has intensified preventative services in troubled families, and managed to lower the number of children in foster homes.
Legislators Approve Emergency Rules for Literacy Tutoring Grants
The families of about 20,000 elementary students will soon be notified that they are eligible for a $500 grant to pay for tutors to help their children learn to read at grade level.
David Wallace - Press Release
Arkansas State Senator David Wallace (R-19th Dist.) today announced a new legal opportunity for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Arkansas to seek civil justice and accountability against their perpetrators – a second two-year revival window beginning February 1, 2024 during which claims can be brought.
Medical Group Recommends Ways to Improve Maternal Care in Arkansas
A group of physicians and nurses conducted an in-depth study of the deaths of pregnant women in Arkansas and submitted their recommendations to the Legislative Council.
They recommend that maternity care providers should increase their understanding of the need to screen for chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, which can worsen during pregnancy and which is a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths.
Arkansas Broadband Office Gathering Input on State Plan
The freezing weather may have prevented citizens from appearing in person at three public hearings held by the Arkansas Broadband Office to gather input about plans to expand and improve Internet access in the state. However, there is still time to submit comments. Arkansans have until January 25 to submit their comments online at broadband.arkansas.gov. That is the web address of ARConnect, the state Broadband Office.