The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was especially hard for child care centers, so the Arkansas Department of Human Services is administering about $286 million to help them cover expenses and remain in business. So far, about $110 million of the relief funding has been sent to child care providers, according to the department’s Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.
Weekly UpdatesStatement by Senator Jason Rapert regarding ruling by Judge Kristine Baker,
News ReleasesThe Arkansas Senate Democratic Caucus is calling for the state to take stronger actions to protect all Arkansans from Covid-19, save lives, and limit the economic fallout due to the pandemic.
Weekly UpdatesArkansas is making a massive public investment to bring broadband access to every corner of the state. Last year the state hired a consultant firm, Broadband Development Group (BDG), to develop a master plan. The firm’s chief technical officer made a lengthy presentation to the legislative Joint Performance Review Committee.
Weekly UpdatesLast year the legislature enacted a series of new election laws, and four of them were challenged in court by plaintiffs who argued that they restricted voting rights.
Weekly UpdatesThe level of state government spending determines how much of a surplus is left at the end of the fiscal year. One of the legislature’s most important decisions is how much of a surplus to accumulate, and what to do with it.
Weekly UpdatesA six-month survey of Internet access in Arkansas has been completed, and state officials now have a more accurate roadmap of which regions need more investment in broadband technologies.
Weekly UpdatesAt their first meeting scheduled after Easter, lawmakers heard an update on new rules and new funding that will eliminate a waiting list for services for people with developmental disabilities.
Weekly UpdatesThe recidivism rate for Arkansas prison inmates is 46.1 percent, a rate which the head of state prisons called unacceptable.
Weekly UpdatesThe 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 Updates