Governor Sanders Announces $66.5 Million in Arkansas Water Funding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced an additional $66.5 million in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects for eight entities. The projects serve more than 60,594 Arkansans in eight counties. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on January 15, 2025.

“Today’s announcement continues my administration’s commitment to making sure every Arkansas community has access to safe drinking water,” said Governor Sanders. “Thank you to the agency staff and local officials who are working in close partnership to develop sustainable solutions to water infrastructure in all four corners of our state.” 

“Reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is vital to both the quality of life for every Arkansan and the strength of our communities,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Governor Sanders’ continued leadership on water issues ensures that Arkansas is well-positioned for future success.”

Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, the State of Arkansas has administered more than $2.8 billion for water development projects in all 75 counties using state and federal funds.

The recipients are listed below:

• Bentonville in Benton County is receiving a $55,000,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 54,164. These funds will be used for water resource recovery facility improvements.

•  Eureka Springs in Carroll County is receiving two loans: a $6,180,000 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund and a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. The projects serve a current customer base of 1,945. These funds will be used for wastewater treatment plant improvements. 

• Gravel Ridge Sewer Improvement District 213 in Pulaski County is receiving a $2,512,632 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,489. These funds will be used for a sewer collection rehabilitation.  

• Horsebend Property Owners Association in Washington County is receiving a $154,500 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 51. These funds will be used for a wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation. 

• Mount Ida in Montogomery County is receiving a $586,226 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 600. These funds will be used for a sewer plant rehabilitation.

• North Crossett Utilities in Ashley County is receiving two loans: a $848,916 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund and a $396,288 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The projects serve a current customer base of 1,251. These funds will be used for meter upgrades and a sewer lift station. 

• Ola in Yell County is receiving a $343,477 loan from the Water Development Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 571. These funds will be used for a water main replacement and pump station upgrade. 

• Yellville in Marion County is receiving a $384,190 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 523. These funds will be used for wastewater collection and treatment improvements.

A-State Chancellor asked about higher ed changes under legislative consideration

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

During her state of the state address earlier this week, Gov. Sarah Sanders said she wanted to streamline the college application process and wanted to create a process to terminate college professors for “woke indoctrination.” Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields was asked about these ideas Wednesday (Jan. 15) during the meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Jonesboro.

Shields said he thinks the first part of Sanders’ proposed “Access Arkansas” higher education reforms could be a good tool for incoming college students. It would streamline the application process for colleges and universities to one universal form.

It would allow prospective college students to compare and contrast things like education and boarding costs, cost of living in certain college towns and cities, and other factors that might impact a student’s choice, he said.

“I’m a fan of that,” said Shields.

A-State Chancellor asked about higher ed changes under legislative consideration

Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields.

Sanders Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Anticipated Severe Winter Weather

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:                          
 
DR 25-01: WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY DECLARATION 
 
WHEREAS: On or about January 5, 2025, severe winter weather is expected to strike Arkansas and cause dangers, hardships, and suffering throughout the state, which in turn, warrants this executive action;
 
WHEREAS: Adverse circumstances could be brought to bear upon citizens and properties throughout the state as a result of such weather; 
 
WHEREAS: The weather-related conditions could create the need for commercial vehicles to haul heavy equipment, oversized loads, transformers, necessary hardware, and other transmission and distribution equipment for the purpose of restoring utility services to the citizens of the State of Arkansas;
 
WHEREAS: The weather-related conditions could result in a backlog of deliveries by commercial vehicles transporting essential items of commerce to customers in Arkansas; and
 
WHEREAS: Pursuant to 49 CFR §390.23, a motor carrier or driver operating a commercial motor vehicle shall be exempt from 49 CFR §§ 395.3 and 395.5 for up to 14 days following the declaration of an emergency by the Governor of a State, so long as the motor carrier or driver is providing direct assistance in response to the declared emergency.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas and pursuant to Act 511 of 1973, as amended, do hereby declare:

1. That a state of emergency exists in the State of Arkansas as applied to commercial vehicles hauling heavy equipment, oversized loads, transformers, necessary hardware, and other transmission and distribution equipment for the purpose of restoring service to citizens and properties in Arkansas; 

2. To commercial carriers transporting essential items of commerce to customers in Arkansas during this emergency, including but not limited to groceries, pharmacy items, medical equipment, goods, commodities, fuel, poultry, livestock, and feed;

3. That a state of emergency exists in the State of Arkansas as applied to emergency response vehicles, such as, but not limited to, utility vehicles, bucket trucks, and electric utility supply trucks responding to the storms and related damage. These emergency response vehicles are authorized to bypass all Arkansas Department of Transportation weigh station facilities through January 13, 2025. This authorization does not include vehicles that require permits to operate on Arkansas’ roadways. This authorization does not relieve size and weight restrictions. This declaration only applies to weigh stations and to vehicles traveling in convoy; and

4. This emergency shall remain in effect until January 13, 2025, unless otherwise terminated by amendment to this order.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 4th day of January, in the year of our Lord 2025.

Arkansas awarded $17 million grant to support maternal health initiatives

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas has been awarded a $17 million grant, the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Human Services announced Monday (Jan. 6).

Applying for the TMaH grant was among the recommendations made by the Strategic Committee for Maternal Health established by Gov. Sarah Sanders’ executive order last year. The funds will support efforts to improve the health of pregnant women, new mothers, and babies, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) said.

The grant will provide the funding over 10 years to several state Medicaid agencies, including Arkansas, with a goal of reducing disparities in access and treatment.

Arkansas awarded $17 million grant to support maternal health initiatives

Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Maternal health will likely be a key focus of the 2025 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly as lawmakers work to address an ongoing challenge in our state. 

Addressing maternal health will not only save lives but will also strengthen Arkansas families and communities. Currently, Arkansas faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation. More than 60% of Arkansas counties have limited maternity care, and many counties have none at all. Limited access to quality health care before, during, and after pregnancy creates serious risks for families. 

In March 2024, Governor Sanders signed an Executive Order to Support Moms, Protect Babies, and Improve Maternal Health. The order established the Arkansas Strategic Committee for Maternal Health, which brought together over 100 stakeholders representing organizations from across the state. 

The committee's comprehensive report offers several recommendations to address the maternal health crisis, including:

• Creating Medicaid pathways for doulas and community health workers as provider types with reimbursable services.

• Expanding prenatal care services at local health units where care is currently limited or unavailable.

• Establishing a Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellowship and exploring the creation of obstetrics and gynecology residencies and a school of midwifery in Arkansas.

• Considering the establishment of maternal health homes and expanding the Life360 Maternity Care Homes program.

The proposals represent solutions to combat the maternal health disparities affecting our communities and ensure that every Arkansan has access to the support and care they need during one of life’s most critical moments. The Governor’s budget proposal also includes $13 million in new Medicaid funding for recommendations made by the committee. 

The General Assembly will convene on January 13, 2025. All meetings of the House of Representatives will be streamed live and available for replay at arkansashouse.org.

Governor Sanders, AEDC award $10M to 13 Arkansas communities for industrial site development

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.– Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today joined the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to award 13 communities with $10 million through the Arkansas Site Development Program. This funding will be used to enhance industrial sites across Arkansas, increasing their readiness for job-creating economic development projects.

The communities receiving funds include Arkadelphia, Berryville, Hope, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Malvern, Monticello, Morrilton, Newport, Prescott, Searcy, Stuttgart, and Texarkana. 

“The sky is the limit for Arkansas’ economy when our government and private sector work together to grow investment and jobs,” said Governor Sanders. “The Arkansas Site Development Program tells companies worldwide that Arkansas is open for business and will help each of the recipient communities attract new businesses.”

Under Governor Sanders’ leadership and in partnership with the Arkansas State Legislature, AEDC developed and announced the Arkansas Site Development Program in June 2024. Eligible recipient locations are industrial sites of at least 30 contiguous acres of land, listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Database, and owned or optioned by the applicant.

“Ensuring that our communities have company-ready sites is critical for Arkansas’ economic success,” said Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “The Arkansas Site Development Program has been a model of collaboration between Governor Sanders, the Arkansas General Assembly, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and local stakeholders to build a program that will set a course for future success across our state.”

AEDC received a total of 28 applications for the Arkansas Site Development Program, totaling $44,646,370.37 in requested funding.

“Strong communities with competitive industrial sites are essential for winning economic development projects, and the Arkansas Site Development Program will play a major role in equipping our state’s communities to win,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Arkansas Site Development Program is the first program of its kind in our state, and it is an important step that will help us continue to secure economic development projects in the years to come. This program would not have been possible without the support of Governor Sanders, the Arkansas General Assembly, and the local communities that applied for funding – we appreciate their support and look forward to continued success.”

The funds can be used for a range of site development projects, including the extension and improvement of public infrastructure to the site; right of way acquisition; easement acquisition; soil borings and analysis; construction costs for site improvements, including drainage improvements, easement, dozer or dirt work, grading, site mitigation, and site rehabilitation; due diligence study costs; and other site development-related activities deemed necessary by AEDC to improve a site’s competitiveness.

See the Arkansas Site Development Program awards below:

• AR-TX Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) – Texarkana, $2,000,000

• Berryville Business Park – Berryville, $400,000

• City of Prescott – Prescott, $698,845

• Conway County Economic Development Corporation- Morrilton, $109,800

• Economic Development Corporation of Clark County – Arkadelphia, $1,013,710

• Forward Searcy Inc. – Searcy, $314,165

• Hempstead County Economic Development Commission – Hope, $4,602

• Hot Spring County – Malvern, $133,250

• Jonesboro Unlimited – Jonesboro, $2,000,000

• Little Rock Port Authority – Little Rock, $2,000,000

• Newport Economic Development Commission – Newport, $335,700

• Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facility Authority – Monticello, $166,520

• Stuttgart Industrial Development Corporation – Stuttgart, $823,408

Federal judge puts Arkansas foreign ownership restrictions on hold

By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A federal judge in Arkansas has halted enforcement of the state’s foreign ownership restrictions for plaintiffs owning a crypto-mining business.

Jones Eagle LLC, which operates near DeWitt, Arkansas, and mines digital assets like cryptocurrency, came under investigation by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and Arkansas Attorney General following the state enacting Act 636 and 174 during the 2023 legislative session. Both acts involve restriction of foreign ownership of U.S. land, and Act 174 specifically prohibits foreign-owned entities from acquiring or holding any interest in a digital mining business in the state. Qimin “Jimmy” Chen, who was born in China and is a naturalized American citizen, exercises control over Jones Eagle as sole owner of Eagle Asset Holding, Inc.

Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, testifies to the Senate Ag Committee on Sept. 27, 2023. The committee held a hearing on foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. (Image courtesy U.S. Senate)

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a press release in December 2023 stating that Jones Eagle was under investigation for potentially violating state foreign ownership restrictions, as the entity “may have significant ties to China.”

Jones Eagle filed a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas in November 2024, claiming the investigation was unconstitutional and requesting a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. Judge Kristine Baker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas issued a temporary restraining order for 14 days on Nov. 25, and on Dec. 9 issued a preliminary injunction. The decision renders Acts 636 and 174 unenforceable against Jones Eagle until further notice from the court.

The preliminary injunction order is sealed — which means it is not accessible to the public — to protect Jones Eagle’s confidential business details. However, the Notice of Preliminary Injunction Order can be viewed online.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in national interest and activity regarding the topic of foreign ownership of U.S. land, and particularly agricultural land,” said Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center. “It’s an extremely active issue at both state and federal levels, although there are currently no federal laws restricting foreign persons, entities, or governments from acquiring or holding private U.S. agricultural land.”

Almost half of all U.S. states have some kind of law limiting foreign ownership. In 2023, Arkansas became the first state to enforce a foreign ownership law when it ordered a subsidiary of Syngenta Seeds, another Chinese-owned company, to divest itself of farmland in Arkansas.

What’s next?

“The injunction is limited to Jones Eagle and does not apply to others who may be subject to Acts 636 and 174,” Pittman said. “Arkansas can continue to enforce foreign ownership restrictions under these acts.”

A redacted version of the preliminary injunction is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

More details regarding the case are available online on the NALC website.

For the latest in agricultural law and policy developments, including foreign ownership, subscribe at no cost to The Feed, a twice-monthly newsletter from the NALC. The NALC is also on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Residents voice opposition to planned Charleston prison

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Most people in the Franklin County city of Charleston learned a prison was coming to town the same way: they heard it on the radio.

In an interview with KDYN radio host Marc Dietz, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she's fed up with the current state of prisons. There are too many inmates, and not enough space to hold them. Arkansas needs a new prison, and to hear the governor tell it, the land in Charleston is the best the state could ask for.

“So instead of letting people free, we can put them in this facility and make sure our state and our communities are infinitely safer,” she said.

This prison will have 3,000 beds in a town with less than 3,000 people.

Residents voice opposition to planned Charleston prison

Josie Lenora/Little Rock Public Radio

A gate sits at the entrance to the 815-acre site in Charleston where Arkansas officials are planning to build a new, 3,000-bed prison.

Board of Corrections votes to accept land for planned prison

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Board of Corrections (BOC) on Friday (Nov. 8) voted to accept the land for a planned 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County. The move comes after considerable protest from county residents and Arkansas legislators who represent the area.

Six of the seven-member BOC voted to accept the land, with one member abstaining.

Gov. Sarah Sanders, Arkansas Department of Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace, Arkansas Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness, and other state and local officials announced Oct. 31 that the state has purchased land north of Charleston in Franklin County to build the prison. The cost for the 815 acres was $2.9 million.

More than 1,800 area residents attended a town hall Thursday to ask questions about the prison and push back against it being built in Franklin County.

Board of Corrections votes to accept land for planned prison

Sanders Signs an Executive Order Concerning Food Insecurity in Arkansas

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS: 

E.O. 24-18: EXECUTIVE ORDER CONCERNING FOOD INSECURITY IN ARKANSAS
 
WHEREAS: According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Arkansas has the highest level of food insecurity in the nation. In Arkansas, 567,110 people are facing hunger, and of that number, 168,430 are children. According to Feeding America, that is 1 in 5 Arkansans and 1 in 4 Arkansas children. It’s clear that our state is in critical need of comprehensive solutions to address these sobering statistics and ensure that all Arkansans have access to sufficient and nutritious food.
 
WHEREAS: It is the policy of my administration to increase the efficiency of state government to better serve the citizens of Arkansas. The State of Arkansas can help meet the current needs of Arkansans by identifying regulatory burdens that may hinder state agencies from contributing to the fight against hunger.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby order the following:

1. All department secretaries are directed to conduct a thorough review of the regulations, policies, and procedures of their agencies to identify any items that may be contributing to or exacerbating food insecurity in Arkansas. This includes, but is not limited to, regulations related to food distribution, eligibility criteria for food assistance programs, and interagency coordination.

2. Department secretaries shall submit a report to the Governor’s Office within 60 days of the issuance of this Executive Order. The report should detail any identified unnecessary regulatory burdens, their impacts on food insecurity, and recommendations for repeal or amendment.

3. Based on the reports submitted, the Governor’s Office will direct departments to develop a plan for repealing or amending regulations that impede efforts to reduce food insecurity.

4. The Governor’s Office will facilitate collaboration among the departments to ensure that regulatory changes are effectively implemented and that departments are aligned in their efforts to combat food insecurity.

5. This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until the completion of the actions ordered herein.  

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 29th day of October, in the year of our Lord 2024.

Sanders Appoints Gary Arnold to the Arkansas State Board of Education

Gary Arnold - LinkedIn Image

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that she has appointed Gary Arnold to serve on the Arkansas State Board of Education. This is Governor Sanders’ third appointment to the Board of Education. Arnold, whose term will expire on June 30, 2027, is replacing Steve Sutton.

“Gary is a longtime education leader and was one of our key allies in the LEARNS implementation process as part of the Rules and Regulations Taskforce,” said Governor Sanders. “With the help of Gary’s careful stewardship, the first school year with Arkansas LEARNS was a huge success, and the second year is shaping up to be even better. Now parents will have Gary on the Board of Education, fighting for a better Arkansas.”

“The best part of being an educator is learning something new every day. If we’re honest, we’re all students for life. Always learning. Always growing. Always getting better. That drives ADE’s vision for Arkansas to be a national leader in student-centered education,” said Gary Arnold. “I’m honored to now be on this team and I look forward to helping champion Governor Sanders’ bold reforms. Together, we’re taking Arkansas to the top.”

Gary Arnold Bio:
Gary Arnold currently serves as the Director of Head of School Certification at The Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) and as the Founder and Partner at NextEd, LLC. Before this role, Gary spent 16 years leading an independent school in Central Arkansas. During the LEARNS implementation process, Gary served on the Rules and Regulations Taskforce.

Gary began his career in education serving as the Head of School at the Trinity School of Cape Cod. Since then, he has served in numerous school leadership positions in Massachusetts, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arkansas. In addition to his professional life, Gary has been a longtime advocate for school choice. For over 20 years, he has served on The Council on American Private Education (CAPE), in Washington, D.C where he now serves on the Executive Committee. Gary has had numerous articles published on leadership and the education landscape. 

Gary is a Wheaton College graduate and holds a doctorate in education from National Louis University in Evanston, Illinois. He is married to his wife Karen and is a father and grandfather.

New Arkansas Education Freedom Account numbers released

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

An annual report accounting for state school voucher money shows that most of the dollars go to students already in a private school, though at slightly lower numbers than the last school year. This is in keeping with the same report data from 2023-2024.

“Education Freedom Account” money is a pile of tax money allocated to private, religious and homeschool students. It is the result of a massive education law known as Arkansas LEARNS, signed into law by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders last year.

A main criticism of the LEARNS EFA program is that funds typically go to children already enrolled in private schools. For the 2023 school year, 95% of the money went to kids already in a private school. For the 2024 school year, that number fell slightly, but 82% of kids were not enrolled in a public school before they received the money. The report says, 90% of the students who received the money last year kept with the program for this school year.

New Arkansas Education Freedom Account numbers released

Sanders, DHS Announce $5 Million to Support Youth Substance Abuse Residential Treatment and Supportive Housing Units for Adults

LITTLE ROCK – Today, Governor Sanders along with the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), announced a combined $5 million in grants to a pair of providers for infrastructure improvements that support youth and adults struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or intellectual disabilities. 

“This announcement builds on my administration’s work to support some of our most vulnerable communities,” said Governor Sanders.“ These grants meet Arkansans in need where they are and puts them on a path to a better life – we will continue working to ensure all our citizens have every opportunity to reach their full potential.”

“The projects supported by these grants will fill gaps in coverage and help deliver better services to youth seeking to transition out of addiction and adults with behavioral health or intellectual disabilities who are reintegrating into their communities,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam. “We are grateful for the support of the Legislature, the Governor’s Office, our partners in the community, and everyone who helped make these grants a reality, and we look forward to seeing these projects take root and begin serving at-risk Arkansans.”

“We are excited to move forward with these investments that support kids and adults struggling with mental health challenges or substance abuse problems,” said DHS Director of Specialty Populations Melissa Weatherton. “The providers that receive these funds will help us complete the continuum of care and allow us to better deliver services to Arkansans in need.”

A $2 million grant for Youth Substance Abuse Residential Treatment Facilities will allow Unity Health in Searcy to expand treatment programs for children and teens struggling with substance abuse disorders. A second grant for Supported Housing Units for Adults will provide $3 million to Independence Care of Arkansas to purchase, renovate, and construct tiny homes as part of a development in Camden for adults transitioning from secure therapeutic settings into the community. 

The youth substance abuse residential treatment facilities grant will result in additional beds for youth residential services at the Unity Health Specialty Campus at 1200 South Main St., which will help fill a need for services for adolescents struggling with both significant acute psychiatric and substance misuse issues. It will represent the first substance use disorder residential treatment unit specifically for adolescents in Arkansas.

The supportive housing units for adults grant will fund the purchase and construction of accessible tiny homes tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, or substance abuse problems. Independence Care of Arkansas will partner with local health care providers, mental health professionals, and community organizations to deliver services to residents as part of a supportive living community at the Millcreek Mobile Home & RV Park at 101 Ouachita Road 471 in Camden.

Work on both projects must be completed by September 2026, and both grant recipients are required to continue operations of the newly renovated programs for at least five years after completion.

DHS previously awarded $15 million in additional grants tied to this same program. Those grants support infrastructure improvements and expansions for programs tied to community reintegration for children, adult substance abuse residential treatment facilities, supportive housing units for young adults, therapeutic communities for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Governor Sarah Sanders announces Arkansas Farm Tour

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced she will conduct a farm tour on October 14th and 15th, visiting farms and industries that directly support the state’s number one industry—agriculture—in the River Valley and the Delta. On the second day of the tour, the Governor will be joined by U.S. Senator John Boozman, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

“Arkansas’ farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters are on the front lines of ensuring our country can feed itself, fuel itself, and fight for itself, making it our state’s leading industry, but the challenges they face from rising costs, overregulation, and foreign adversaries are making it difficult. I want to hear directly from the agricultural community about how we can best support this vital industry,” said Governor Sanders.

“As the lead Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to ensuring the next farm bill is shaped by Arkansas farmers and ranchers so they can continue to deliver a safe and abundant supply of food to the U.S. and beyond,” said Senator Boozman.

Media Advisory:

Members of the media wishing to attend must RSVP toyael.even@governor.arkansas.gov.

B-roll will be available after the event concludes at this link.

USDA Image

Monday, October 14th
Event: Sanders to visit Tyson River Valley Hatchery
When: 9:00 a.m.
Press: Closed
 
Event: Sanders to visit River Valley Tractor
When: 11:15 a.m. (Media should arrive by 11:00 a.m.)
Where: 702 Weir Rd, Russellville, AR 72802  
Press: Open

Event: Sanders to tour Flying C Ranch
When: 1:15 p.m. (Media should arrive by 1:00 p.m.)
Where: 730 Rocky Point Rd, Conway, AR 72032 
Press: Open

Tuesday, October 15th
Event: Sanders and Senator Boozman to visit Bayou Meto Irrigation Project
When: 9:00 a.m. (Media should arrive by 8:45 a.m.)
Where: 7990 Colonel Maynard Rd. Scott, AR 72142 
Press: Open

Event: Sanders and Senator Boozman to visit Grand Prairie Irrigation Project 
When: 11:00 a.m.
Press: Closed

Event: Sanders and Senator Boozman to tour Isbell Farms
When: 12:30 p.m. (Media should arrive by 12:15 p.m.)
Where: 732 Isbell Rd.  England, AR 72046 
Press: Open

Event: Sanders and Senator Boozman to hold a roundtable at Matt Miles’ farm shop
When: 3:30 p.m.
Press: Closed

Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward to lead national group

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward has been elected president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) during the organization’s annual meeting. Ward is the first Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture to hold this position.

“If a country can’t feed itself, fuel itself, or fight for itself, then it can’t survive,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “I am thrilled we will serve in this capacity throughout the upcoming year and extend my invitation to the 2025 NASDA Conference, right here in Arkansas. Arkansas farms aren’t just a part of our economy – they’re part of the Arkansas way of life.”

Ward’s term as NASDA president will last through September of next year. He has held several leadership roles within NASDA, including chairman of the Natural Resources and Environmental Committee and former president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward to lead national group

Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders delivers remarks at the unveiling of the Johnny Cash statue in Emancipation Hall

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivered remarks at the unveiling of the Johnny Cash Statue in Emancipation Hall on Tuesday, September 24th.

The Governor’s remarks as prepared are below:

Johnny Cash - GoodFon Image

It is an honor to be back in our nation’s Capitol to represent Arkansas and honor one of our state’s best-known icons, Johnny Cash. Thank you to Arkansas’ congressional delegation and our congressional leaders for being here.
 
I look out in the crowd and see plenty of friendly faces. Many of you were here last spring when we unveiled Daisy Bates’ statue. I’m glad we’re here again to tell Arkansas’ story.
 
Many of you know that I grew up in politics. But what you may not know is that I also grew up in a musical family.
 
To us – and to just about every other musical family in the South – after God and country came Johnny Cash. Even more than his songs, it’s the image of the man that I remember: the slicked-back hair of his early albums, the seasoned look of his later years. 
 
Perhaps the most iconic: the pictures of Cash at San Quentin and Folsom prisons.
 
Not long ago, my husband and I hosted another Arkansas musician, Zach Williams, at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. Zach shares some biographical notes with Cash: he too was raised in the Arkansas Delta. He too got his start in rock music before falling into drugs and alcohol.
 
He too found Jesus, quit using, and started writing Christian music. He too now performs in prisons.
 
Zach shared his experience performing with us: looking out in the crowd, seeing inmates with tattoos on their faces and necks. His thought wasn’t, “how am I different from them.” It was, “I could be sitting right there.”
 
Obviously, there are some differences between Zach and Johnny Cash. When Cash visited Folsom Prison, his most famous line was all Man in Black bravado: “I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.”
 
But Johnny Cash also used to say that he was two people: “Johnny is the nice one. Cash causes all the trouble.” It’s not hard to imagine that he too looked out into that prison crowd and saw a version of himself staring back.
 
Johnny Cash was open about both the struggles and triumphs in his life. He was a hymn-singing Christian. But there were also times when he wrote that he felt like a “walking vision of death.” 
 
That didn’t contradict his image: it was his image. Cash’s first big hit was called “I Walk the Line.” In an era when most musicians’ images were carefully curated, he was open about straddling the border between clean-cut Johnny and cast-down Cash.
 
When so much in today’s world is fake, Johnny Cash was real.
 
Not long ago, I toured Cash’s childhood home in Dyess, Arkansas. I saw the cramped rooms where his parents raised their seven kids. I saw the fields where Johnny and his family worked, picking cotton and singing church music.
 
It was an unspectacular childhood, the same as thousands of other kids in thousands of other little farmhouses in the Delta.
 
But it’s what makes Johnny Cash special. Millions of Americans could look at him, look at his career, look at his success, and still say, “he’s one of us.”
 
Johnny Cash walked the line. It wasn’t a straight line. It was like the Arkansas River: jagged, but always moving forward.
 
We’re a nation of second chances, of constant reinvention, of continuous redemption. Where a singer can start in the cotton fields and eventually perform to stadiums. Where a Christian baptized in the Tyronza River can headline a Billy Graham Crusade.
 
Where a man can defeat his own demons and become a vessel for the Holy Spirit.
 
Johnny Cash was an ordinary man and a superstar, all in one. It’s a story that could only happen in America. And it’s a story that Arkansas – the land of pioneers and patriots – is proud to tell.
 
Thank you to everyone who made this statue and this story possible.
 
May God bless Johnny Cash, and may God bless the great State of Arkansas.

Sanders Announces Sam Dubke as Communications Director

Sam Dubke (courtesy of Sam Dubke)

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that Sam Dubke will serve as her new Communications Director. Dubke previously served as Sanders’ Deputy Communications Director and Speechwriter.
 
“Sam is an efficient and effective communicator who has been alongside me since I first entered office,” said Governor Sanders. “He brings political and public sector experience and, in his new role, he’ll lead a talented team and continue to help me communicate my bold, conservative agenda to Arkansans across the state.”
 
Sam Dubke Biography:
 
Sam Dubke joined the Governor’s staff as Deputy Communications Director and Speechwriter in February of 2023. Previously, Dubke worked as a speechwriter for Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and on the communications teams for the Youngkin for Governor and Trump 2020 campaigns. Dubke is a Georgetown University graduate.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces appointees

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the following appointments: 

Arkansas Beef Council

Michael McMillan, Hot Springs Village, to the Arkansas Beef Council.  Term to expire March 30, 2026. Replaces Terry Laster.

Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board

Richard Baxter, Cabot, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026.  Reappointment.

Robert Glennon, Lonoke, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Kenneth Francis.  

Bradley Graham, Portland, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Reappointment.

Steven Kueter, Paragould, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Reappointment.

Greg Moyers, Portland, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2025. Reappointment.

Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board

Lendol Falwell, Newport, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Term to expire July 1, 2026.  Reappointment.

William Galloway, Augusta, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Term to expire July 1, 2026. Previously vacant position.

Arkansas Early Childhood Commission

Shelli Henehan, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission. Term to expire June 30, 2025. Replaces Cheri Smith.

Arkansas Forestry Commission

Mary Clapp, El Dorado, to the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2028. Replaces Robert Parkes.
 
Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board

Tim Hill, Springdale, to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Reappointment.

Brad Moore, Marion, to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Replaces Damon Reed.

John Neal, Harrison, to the Arkansas Local Police and Faire Retirement System Board. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Reappointment.

Jared Zeiser, Hot Springs National Park, to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board. Term to expire December 31, 2026. Replaces Andrew Branch.

Arkansas Public Defender Commission

Jason Wales, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas Public Defender Commission. Term to expire July 1, 2029. Replaces John Mikesch.

Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board

Joshua Cureton, Cash, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2025. Reappointment.

Boyce Johnson, Maumelle, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Shannon Davis.

Matthew Roberson, Wynne, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026.  Replaces Russell Smith.

BJ Rogers, Ward, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2025. Previously vacant position.

Matt Smith, Blytheville, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Douglas Hartz.

Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board

Becton Bell, Wilson, to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Joe Christian.

Carl Phillips, Walnut Ridge, to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces John King.

Paul Schwarz, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Roger Pohlner.
 
Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Heidi Jansen, Little Rock, to the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Replaces Colleen Sears.

Child Welfare Agency Review Board

Andrew Baker, Searcy, to the Child Welfare Agency Review Board. Term to expire March 1, 2027. Replaces Andrew Watson.

Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission

Douglas Elms, Rogers, to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission. Term to expire June 30, 2030. Replaces Sam Seamans.

Oil and Gas Commission

Phillip Norvell, Fayetteville, as Special Commissioner, to hear Docket No. 050-2024-09.

Ryan Stacks, Damascus, as Special Commissioner, to hear Docket No. 050-2024-09.

Osteopathic Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board

Dr. Samuel Moore, Little Rock, to the Osteopathic Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, who shall also serve as vice-chair. Term to expire July 1, 2027. New Position.

State Plant Board

Nathan Reed, Marianna, to the State Plant Board. Term to expire October 1, 2028. Reappointment.

Bruce Alford, Lewisville, to the State Plant Board. Term to expire October 1, 2028. Reappointment

Calhoun County Quorum Court

Michael Gardner, Hampton, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 9, for Calhoun County. Term expires December 31, 2024. Fulfills the remaining term of James Scarlett.

Johnson County Quorum Court

Evert Breeden, London, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 10, for Johnson County. Term expires December 31, 2024. Fulfills the remaining term of Jeremy Hatchett.

Pope County Quorum Court

Charles Tripp, Russellville, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 10, for Pope County. Term expires December 31, 2024.  Fulfills the remaining term of Allan George.

Arkansas Governor Sanders, ANRC Announce an Additional $80 Million for Arkansas Water Project

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced an additional $83,443,495 in financial assistance for nine water and wastewater projects. The projects serve more than 271,786 Arkansans. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on September 18, 2024.

“My administration is working hard to improve Arkansas’ water systems, and the additional $80 million in funding we’re announcing today will help communities around the state,” said Governor Sanders. “It is critical Arkansans have access to safe drinking water.”

“While we often take it for granted, adequate water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to the quality of life of every Arkansan and the sustainability of communities and industries throughout the state. Since day one of her administration, water has been a top priority for Governor Sanders and we are thankful for her continued leadership that will ensure that our state maintains our attractive high quality of life and is well positioned in the future,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.

The projects receiving funding are below:

• Arkansas Environmental Training Academy in Camden is receiving a $232,840 grant from the Clean Water Revolving Fund for wastewater operator training.

• Central Arkansas Water in Pulaski County is receiving an $80,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 156,000. This is an increase in funding to the existing Jack H. Wilson Treatment Plant improvement project.  

• Magazine in Logan County is receiving a $2,046,080 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 391. This is an increase in funding for the existing wastewater collection and treatment rehabilitation project.

• Mountain Top Suburban Improvement District No. 66 in Garland County is receiving a $570,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 67. This is an increase in funding for the existing wastewater treatment plant project.

• Newton County on behalf of Compton Water Association is receiving an $83,070 loan from the Water Development Fund to rehabilitate their 100,000-gallon standpipe. The project serves a current customer base of 348.

• Newton County on behalf of Nail-Swain Water Association is receiving two $74,160 loans totaling $148,320 from the Water Development Funds to rehabilitate two water tanks. The project serves a current customer base of 379. 

• Tri-County Regional Water Distribution District in Pope County is receiving a $363,185 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 8,101. This is an increase in funding for the existing project for wastewater collection and treatment rehabilitation.

Two entities received approval for a scope modification to their existing projects without any changes to the funding:

• Helena-West Helena, Phillips County, previously received an $11,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in February 2024. The project serves a current customer base of 5,500. 

• Lonoke White Public Water Authority in Cleburne County previously received a $12,970,441 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in January of 2023. The project serves a current customer base of 101,000. 

In August, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the first phase of the Arkansas Water Plan has been completed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Along with state partners, Governor Sanders has provided over $2.5 billion for water development projects in all 75 counties using state and federal funds.

Governor Sanders Receives Report from Strategic Committee for Maternal Health

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today received the Strategic Committee on Maternal Health’s report outlining recommended policies and programs to improve maternal health outcomes in Arkansas.
 
The Governor established the Committee through executive order on March 6, 2024, and initiated a six-month timeline for stakeholders to meet and discuss potential reforms. In that time, more than 100 stakeholders representing dozens of organizations have met more than 20 times to craft and discuss the recommendations included in this report.
 
“As the first mom to lead Arkansas, maternal health is personal. I’m not interested in headline-grabbing policies or duplicative government programs that don’t actually change maternal health outcomes. Instead, this Committee pursued a comprehensive, coordinated approach that will help healthier moms have healthier babies,” said Governor Sanders. “I’m grateful to all the stakeholders who participated in this discussion and I look forward to continuing our work to turn these ideas into action.”
 
“Collaboration is key to improving the health and wellness of Natural State mothers and infants. That’s why we’ve brought together experts and advocates through roundtables and partnerships to champion solutions to Arkansas’s maternal health crisis. I am grateful for Governor Sanders’ leadership to build on this momentum and take action to better serve the prenatal and postpartum needs in our state,” said Senator John Boozman.
 
“We are incredibly grateful that so many partners came together to consider obstacles to maternal and postpartum care that exist, and to align around this set of meaningful solutions which promise to make a real and positive difference in our state,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam. “We will act on these changes as quickly as possible because we know they have the potential to improve the health of countless women and babies, and to save lives.”
 
“We are proud to present these strategies and recommendations today,” said Renee Mallory, Arkansas Secretary of Health.“This report is the result of many meetings and listening sessions with stakeholders across the state. While we’ve already begun this important work, we look forward to continuing to enact solutions to improve the health and well-being of moms and babies in Arkansas.” 
 
“As someone who has spent her career taking care of Arkansas women, I am inspired by the many conversations this committee started and the actions we will take as a result,” said Dr. Kay Chandler, Arkansas Surgeon General. “It will take efforts from many different groups across the state to move the needle, and I believe we’ve put together a road map to make that happen.”
 
“Medicaid pays for more than half of the pregnancies in our state, so it’s critical that we implement reforms so that care is available and encouraged every step of the way before, during, and after birth,” said Janet Mann, Department of Human Services Deputy Secretary of Programs and State Medicaid Director. “These recommendations and changes will remove barriers, improve care, and deliver better health outcomes.”
 
“I am encouraged to see so many people from different sectors come together to address this issue. As Chair of the Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee, I can attest that the challenges surrounding maternal health are complex,” said Dr. Sam Greenfield, ADH Medical Director for Family Health. “This is a significant step that addresses specific findings and needs in Arkansas. I am supportive of these recommendations and look forward to the role enactment will play in improving health outcomes for mothers in our state.”
 
The report is linked here.