Senate News

Lewisville Youth Services Center to Convert to Drug Treatment Facility

Last 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.

For decades prison overcrowding has sparked a financial tug-of-war between the state and Arkansas counties.

State Police Unveil New Phone Number for Non-Emergencies

Arkansas motorists who wish to contact the State Police for non-emergency reasons can now call *ASP on their cell phones. Dialing *ASP is the same as dialing *277.

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.