Senate News

Rental Assistance Program Has Benefited Thousands of Arkansas Tenants

Last year Arkansas joined a rental assistance program to help people who have lost jobs or businesses from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

So far the state Department of Human Services (DHS) made 31,373 payments, totalling $64.6 million. The money helps people with rent and utility bills, so they do not have to move out of their home or have their lights turned off.

Family Case Workers to Try Team Approach

The state Division of Children and Family Services intends to try out a new method of intervention, by assigning cases to a team of workers instead of to an individual.

Legislative Budget Hearings Prepare Lawmakers for 2022 Fiscal Session

The legislature has begun budget hearings in preparation for the 2022 fiscal session, which begins on February 14. Legislators will consider the governor’s proposed balanced budget of about $6 billion for Fiscal Year 2023, which officially begins on July 1.

Education Committee Begins Adequacy Study

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the Arkansas Supreme Court’s landmark decision in the Lake View school funding case.

Arkansas Medicaid Expansion to Become ARHOME, With New Rules

When the new year begins, the Arkansas Works program will have a new name and will operate under new rules.

ARHOME is the new Medicaid program.

Legislature Addresses Backlog in Medicaid Applications

In large part because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the state Human Services Department has a backlog of applications for Medicaid.

Legislature Approves Record Income Tax Cuts During Special Session

The legislature completed a three-day special session in which it passed reductions in state income taxes that will save Arkansas families and businesses almost $500 million a year when they take effect.

Governor Presents Balanced Budget Plan to Legislators

The governor presented a balanced budget proposal to the legislature for next fiscal year. It would authorize about $5.8 billion next year in spending from the state’s general revenue fund, about three percent more than this year.

State Agencies Raise Salaries of Entry-Level Employees

State agencies have experienced the same problems as many companies with difficulty hiring entry-level employees. Several agencies have contacted the state Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to report a difficulties attracting applicants for available positions. OPM put together a proposal that allows for higher entry-level salaries for all state agencies and presented it to legislators in June.

Christmas in the Capitol will be December 6

Legislators and other elected officials are gathering gifts for children in state custody, which they will present during a “Christmas in the Capitol” celebration at noon on December 6 in the Old Supreme Court Room of the State Capitol.