The Arkansas tourism industry is recovering from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on collections of the state two percent tourism tax, the industry now exceeds pre-pandemic levels of economic activity. However, other gauges of tourism indicate that fewer people are working at Arkansas hotels than in 2019.
Weekly UpdatesThe state Education Department has partnered with a non-profit organization called Forward Arkansas to address a growing teacher shortage in Arkansas.
Weekly UpdatesThe legislature completed the 2022 fiscal session in 23 days, approving a budget for state government that calls for spending about $6 billion in general revenue next year.
Weekly UpdatesCertified law enforcement officers will get a $5,000 salary stipend this year, thanks to a Senate bill approved by the Arkansas legislature.
Weekly UpdatesThe legislature approved a package of bills that allow greater oversight of two major health insurance plans that cover public school teachers and state employees.
Weekly UpdatesLast week it was reported that another former detention center, at Lewisville, will be converted into a substance abuse treatment facility for teenagers. Judges who hear juvenile cases said that a treatment center was needed, and were glad to have an option besides locking up troubled youths.
Weekly UpdatesFor decades prison overcrowding has sparked a financial tug-of-war between the state and Arkansas counties.
Weekly Updates