Cotton to Biden: Continued support for the UNRWA funds terrorist sctivities and prolongs war

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Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today wrote a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to impose terrorism sanctions on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The Biden-Harris administration’s support for the UNRWA threatens American national security and enables continued violence while American hostages remain in Gaza. 

In part, Senator Cotton wrote:

“Congress blocked funding to UNRWA earlier this year because of its ties to Hamas. Yet your administration continues to ignore both legislative intent and plain common sense. Your administration’s inadequate oversight has almost certainly enabled U.S. funds to flow to UNRWA affiliates. You even lectured Israel about its proposal to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization. Your administration has become UNRWA’s most prominent apologist and best advocate. ”

Full text of the letter may be found here and below.

October 23, 2024

President Joseph R. Biden
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500                               

I write to protest the Biden-Harris administration’s continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and to urge you to impose terrorism sanctions on the agency. Your advocacy for the Hamas-affiliated UNRWA as “indispensable” to humanitarian aid in Gaza undercuts America’s national-security interests by prolonging the Israel-Hamas war, enabling continued violence, and sustaining enemies actively holding American hostages in Gaza.

Congress blocked funding to UNRWA earlier this year because of its ties to Hamas. Yet your administration continues to ignore both legislative intent and plain common sense. Your administration’s inadequate oversight has almost certainly enabled U.S. funds to flow to UNRWA affiliates. You even lectured Israel about its proposal to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization. Your administration has become UNRWA’s most prominent apologist and best advocate. 

The evidence for UNRWA’s complicity in Hamas’s terrorist activity is overwhelming. UNRWA itself admitted that many of its members participated in the October 7 attacks. Hamas terrorists have fired against Israel from UNRWA clinics. Israel has found weapons stashes in UNRWA facilities as well as tunnel shafts around and under those facilities. An Israeli hostage revealed he had been held in a UNRWA employee’s house. And Israel reportedly found a passport belonging to a UNRWA teacher on Yahya Sinwar’s body this week as well as UNRWA food bags in his bunker.

You must end your support for those who abet terrorism. I call on you to use your authority under Executive Order 13224 to designate UNRWA as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity, allowing the U.S. to impose sanctions and block UNRWA assets.

Sincerely,                           

Tom Cotton
United States Senator                     

Future of Eureka Springs tourism agency, funding on the November ballot

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

Eureka Springs, one of Arkansas’ tourism hot spots, faces the possibility of losing more than $2 million a year in hospitality tax revenue that is used to promote the city, manage city tourism assets and support tourism events.

In 2023, the tax generated $2.05 million, down 1.4% compared with 2022 revenue.

A group of citizens unhappy with the Eureka Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission (CAPC) have managed to place an item on the November general election ballot to remove the city’s 3% hospitality tax on prepared food and on lodging. It only took 148 signatures in a town of around 2,500 to get the item on the ballot.

Mike Maloney, tourism director of the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission, understands why some would like to see the tax and the commission go away. He readily admits that the commission has a troubled past, including a revolving door of leadership, a lack of transparency and questionable actions related to event promotion.

Future of Eureka Springs tourism agency, funding on the November ballot

Eureka Springs Tourism - Talk Business and Politics

Governor Sanders Joins AEDC’s Rural Services Division to Award $334K to 33 Arkansas Communities

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.– Governor Sanders, along with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services, awarded $344,728.69 in grants to 33 Arkansas cities and counties. 

Albert Stoynov Image

“These grants go a long way toward making sure that every corner of Arkansas – not just a few big cities – is taken care of,” said Governor Sanders.“These 33 recipients come from across our state, from Yellville to Mulberry. Each one of these grants provides their communities with the tools they need to make Arkansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Rural communities play a major role in the economic success of our state,” said Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Clint O’Neal.“The grants awarded by AEDC’s Division of Rural Services will help rural communities throughout the state improve their infrastructure and quality of life amenities to benefit Arkansans.”

“We are committed to working with and supporting rural communities in Arkansas to help them succeed,” said Director of the Division of Rural Services Becca Caldwell. “With the latest Rural Community Grant Program awards, thirty-three Arkansas cities and counties have additional resources and funding for important projects that will increase quality of life in their communities.”

The Rural Community Grant Program is one of the Division of Rural Services’ programs, which is used to fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, walking trails, and baseball fields. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds under the program.

The grants are part of the Division of Rural Services’ second cycle of Fiscal Year 2024 grants. AEDC previously awarded $806,125 in grants to 29 Arkansas cities and counties during the 2024 Rural Development Conference in May. 

These are the Arkansas communities receiving grants:

• Center Hill Fire Department, $15,000

• City of Foreman, $15,000

• City of Lakeview, $1,946.78

• City of McNeil, $6,160.36

• City of Mulberry, $3,847.84

• City of Strong, $15,000

• City of Sulphur Springs, $8,588.60

• City of Winthrop, $15,000

• City of Yellville, $6,098.75

• Cord Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000

• Cotter-Gassville Rural Fire Protection District, $14,433.08

• Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, $14,801.93

• Etowah Volunteer Fire Department, $3,002

• Grayson Fire Department, $15,000

• Highfill Volunteer Fire Department, $14,915.92

• Highway 250 Volunteer Fire Department, $5,718.31

• Huntsville Fire Department, $6,562.50

• Keo Fire Department, $13,244

• Lake City Fire Department, $7,169.97

• Leslie Volunteer Fire Department, $13,724.85

• Lincoln Fire Department, $15,000

• Lutherville-Holman Community, $11,162

• Luton-Pelsor Volunteer Fire Department, $9,750

• Norfork Fire Department, $14,406.04

• Oakland Promise Land Fire Protection District, $15,000

• Pangburn Volunteer Fire Department, $7,124.25

• Pike County, $4,041.52

• Prim Fire Department, $14,630

• Stone County, $15,000

• Town of Franklin, $8,347.80

• Tyronza Volunteer Fire Department, $3,832.20

• Waldron Rural Fire Protection District, $1,250

• Washington Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000

Rapert continues failed attempts to withhold funds from some libraries

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Former Republican state Sen. Jason Rapert continued his efforts to withhold funds from libraries at a meeting of the Arkansas State Library Board Friday.

Rapert began his tenure on the board this year. At every meeting since then, Rapert has unsuccessfully tried to remove funding from Arkansas libraries over specific books in their collections. None of his motions at Friday's meeting received a second, meaning the group was not able to vote on them.

Rapert was especially upset about two memoirs with LGBTQ+ themes found in some Arkansas libraries: "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson and "Genderqueer" by Maia Kobabe. He said he had learned about the books on a website called Take Back the Classroom. The organization is funded by the conservative Capitol Resource Institute, a group working to end sex education in schools.

Rapert continues failed attempts to withhold funds from some libraries

20 Arkansas airports to receive $14 million in federal grants

Arkansas airports were awarded $14.83 million in federal grant money on Friday (Aug. 9), according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill will receive $3.88 million to support a project to build a new control tower.

The money comes from the newest round of 2024 Airport Improvement Program grants awarded by the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grants pay for various projects to improve runways, airfields and airport facilities. On Friday, the FAA awarded $636.05 million to airports in 46 states and the American Samoa.

Following are the 19 other airports to receive the money.
• Carroll County in Berryville: $418,435 to expand apron.
• Z M Jack Stell Field in Crossett: $1.05 million to construct taxiway.
• J Lynn Helms Sevier County in De Queen: $388,656 to construct a taxi lane.
• Billy Free Municipal in Dumas: $155,655 to reseal apron and taxiway pavement.
• Drake Field in Fayetteville: $240,210 to extend and expand taxiway.
• Memorial Field in Hot Springs: $558,485 to rehabilitate runway and its lighting and markings.
• Jonesboro Municipal in Jonesboro: $141,300 to extend and expand runway.
• Ralph C Weiser Field in Magnolia: $218,044 to reconstruct taxiway lighting.
• Manila Municipal in Manila: $299,444 to reconstruct taxiway lighting and rehabilitate runway lighting.
• Monticello Municipal/Ellis Field in Monticello: $316,566 to reseal apron and taxiway pavement
• Morrilton Municipal in Morrilton: $318,277 to construct an airport lighting vault, install taxiway lighting, and reconstruct runway and taxiway lighting.
• Bearce in Mount Ida: $924,474 to rehabilitate runway and reseal taxiway pavement.
• Baxter County in Mountain Home: $100,043 to reconstruct runway visual guidance system.
• Osceola Municipal in Osceola: $525,079 to construct terminal access road.
• Pine Bluff Regional/Grider Field in Pine Bluff: $2.08 million to rehabilitate runway.
• Russellville Regional in Russellville: $165,007 to reconstruct apron.
• Sheridan-Grant County Regional in Sheridan: $246,082 to reseal and resurface runway pavement.
• Springdale Municipal in Springdale: $606,559 to reseal and resurface runway pavement.
• Texarkana Regional-Webb Field in Texarkana: $2.18 million to construct apron.

20 Arkansas airports to receive $14 million in federal grants

House Passes First FY25 Bill, Robustly Funding Veterans’ Care and Military Construction

Washington, DC—June 5, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. This bill exceeds the Department of Defense’s military construction budget request, fully funds veterans’ care, and secures key defense priorities, including additional funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base projects and robust investments in the Pacific region.

Image by Manny Becerra

Congressman Womack said, “This bill enhances our defense capabilities nationwide and in Fort Smith by securing $70 million for Ebbing Air National Guard Base Academic Training Center construction. Importantly, it displays our commitment to those who’ve dutifully served our country by investing in the quality of life for our military families and fully funding veterans’ care. I’m pleased it received the stamp of approval from the House. I look forward to working with our Senate counterparts to advance this legislation on the path to becoming law.”

Bill breakdown:

• Supports veterans by:

• Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.

• Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.

• Bolsters national security by:

• Providing robust funding for the Indo-Pacific region, fully funding projects in Guam, and increasing resources for INDOPACOM to improve the Department of Defense posture in the region.

• Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.

• Focuses the Executive Branch on its core responsibilities by:

• Reaffirming the political limits outlined in the Hatch Act, particularly those of lobbying Congress and using official resources for political purposes.

• Prohibiting the use of funds to promote or advance critical race theory.

• Prohibiting the implementation, administration, or enforcement of the Biden Administration’s executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Supports American values and principles by:

• Prohibiting taxpayer dollars from being used for abortion, using Hyde Amendment language which includes exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.

• Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans by preventing VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.

• Prohibiting VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.

A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.

Womack secures funding for Fort Smith’s Ebbing Air National Guard Base

Washington, DC—May 23, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill that passed out of the House Appropriations Committee today. This bill exceeds the Department of Defense’s military construction budget request, fully funds veterans’ care, and secures key defense priorities, including additional funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base projects and robust investments in the Pacific region.

Congressman Womack said, “Taking care of the patriotic Americans who have served and currently serve our country while bolstering our defense capabilities remains the focus for the FY25 bill. It secures $70 million for Ebbing Air National Guard Base Academic Training Center construction along with additional funding for planning and design of future Ebbing projects to further support the critical Foreign Military Sales mission in Fort Smith. I’m proud to see this legislation take an important step forward in becoming law today.”

A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.

Hope Enterprise receives $93.67 million for solar programs in Arkansas

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

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Tuesday (April 23) that the Hope Enterprise Corporation will receive $93.67 million from the Solar for All grant program to fund residential solar that benefits low-income and disadvantaged communities in Arkansas.

Hope is a group of development organizations that help communities in the Delta and other economically distressed parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

The EPA award announced Tuesday is part of a $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created under the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law by President Joe Biden. Only 60 applicants nationwide were selected to participate in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The Hope Enterprise Corporation’s grant is among 49 state-level awards totaling $5.5 billion, along with six awards to serve Tribes totaling over $500 million, and five multistate awards totaling $1 billion.

Hope Enterprise receives $93.67 million for solar programs in Arkansas

Image by Bill Mead

Arkansas commission members clash over abortion monument funding

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

A state commission continues its work to develop a “Monument to The Unborn” on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol. Recently, confusion has sprung up over how to keep the monument funded and maintained.

In a meeting Tuesday, artist Lakey Goff, was determined to work out the logistical problems with the monument, while architect and Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission member Tony Leraris says the problems are bigger than she realizes.

Last year, the state legislature passed a law to put a memorial for aborted fetuses on the Capitol grounds. The memorial is supposed to celebrate the effective end of legal abortion in Arkansas after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Per the law, the monument is required to be funded through private donations, but says the Secretary of State can use other money from “maintenance and repair of monuments” if no other funds exist. It’s unclear how this would work since the state doesn't have a set fund for monument maintenance.

Arkansas commission members clash over abortion monument funding

Courtesy Photo/Capitol Arts And Grounds Commission

Artist Lakey Goff feels funding for the concave wall of plants will come, while members of the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission were skeptical.

Boozman Secures Funding for Fort Smith Future Pilot Training Center & Arkansas Priorities

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate approved a legislative package with language authored by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee, that delivers $83 million to the future pilot training center in Fort Smith as well as critical funds for infrastructure projects across Arkansas. The legislation was signed into law Saturday. 

“I’m proud to champion Arkansas priorities and support investment to enhance growth and development in communities across the state. This bill helps ensure Ebbing Air National Guard Base will become the premier pilot training center in the U.S. and reinforces our commitments to allies participating in the future pilot training mission in Fort Smith. Providing the necessary infrastructure and resources now will elevate the installation into a vital national security asset that enhances America’s deterrence posture well into the future. The repeated delays in advancing this critical funding across the finish line were unfortunate, but I appreciate the persistence of my colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to find common ground and deliver certainty for several federal agencies in allocating taxpayer dollars more wisely and efficiently,” Boozman said. 

Senator John Boozman

The Boozman-led MilCon-VA bill raises quality of life standards for servicemembers and their families in addition to providing funding for veterans’ health care, benefits and modernization of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic health records system.

Boozman, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured inclusion of the following Arkansas priorities: 

Military Infrastructure and Veterans Programs

• $54 million for the construction of a three-bay hanger supporting F-35 pilot training at Ebbing.

• $22 million for the construction of a Special Access Program Facility and Aircrew Flight Equipment Facility supporting F-35 pilot training at Ebbing.

• $7 million for the planning and design of an academic training facility to support future missions at Ebbing.

• $5 million to complete work on a new Arkansas National Guard Readiness Center at Fort Chaffee.

• Funding to advance VA Medical Centers and university cancer centers partnerships.

• Protection of rural veterans’ access to life-saving emergency medical transportation, an issue Arkansas ambulance providers urged action on to maintain viability. 

• Increased funding for veterans’ health care and benefits including telehealth services, homelessness programs, specialty care for women veterans, and rural health initiatives. 

• Support for improvements to base housing for servicemembers and their families. 

Transportation Infrastructure  

• $67 million for the construction of I-49 near Fort Smith.

• $11.5 million to increase freight rail capacity at the Port of Little Rock.

• $5 million for improvements to the Highway 82 corridor.

• $6 million for the construction of a portion of Future I-57.

• $8 million for improvements on the Highway 412 corridor.

• $4 million to construct a covered canopy at Clinton National Airport in Little Rock.

• $2.5 million for upgraded traffic infrastructure to improve security access at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

• Delivers funding for research and development of improved transportation methods at U.S. Department of Transportation University Transportation Centers. The Mack-Blackwell Transportation Center at the University of Arkansas earned this designation in 1992. 

• Funds Department of Transportation discretionary grant programs such as the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, Airport Improvement Program, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program and the Port Infrastructure Development program that has helped support Arkansas infrastructure projects.

• Maintains existing air service to rural community through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. Harrison, Hot Springs, El Dorado and Jonesboro participate in EAS.

• Bolsters the aviation industry and advances research and innovation in air travel, safety and workforce. 

Water Infrastructure, Management and Conservation

• Funds multiple Arkansas projects including addressing the depletion and resiliency of the Alluvial and Sparta aquifers of the Bayou Meto and Grand Prairie water supply and providing a comprehensive water resource management strategy for the White River Basin.

• $12 million for Fort Smith water transmission.

• $11.8 million for water management improvements of water control structures, alternations and repairs of the levee structures at the Shirey Bay Rainey Brake Wildlife Management Area in Lawrence County.

• $7.7 million for upgrades to the Bono wastewater treatment facility.

• $5.5 million for improvements to wastewaters systems in Camden.

• $4.8 million for water and sewer infrastructure improvements to support economic development in a growing area of North Little Rock.

• $3.5 million for enhancements to Wilson’s wastewater infrastructure. 

• $1 million for Mountain Home water improvements. 

• Delivers funds for critical conservation programs such as the North American Wetlands Conservation Act that has resulted in the restoration of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat in Arkansas.

• Promotes the importance of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) inland waterway deepening and invests in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led Arkansas priorities.

• Strengthens controls to prevent invasive carp in the Mississippi River and its sub-basins including the Arkansas-Red-White River sub-basin. 

Natural State-Based Research 

• $77.5 million for the Food and Drug Administration’s research promoting and protecting public health conducted at the National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson County.

• Supports agricultural research programs funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including increases for Cooperative Extension and university research. 

• Secures funding for human nutrition research that will support healthy child development, including the valuable work conducted at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

• Funds the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program to reduce adverse ecological and economic impacts caused by feral swine across Arkansas and the nation.

• $10 million to support the Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing at Arkansas State University to bolster research in advancing materials and steel manufacturing.

• $5 million to support the University of Arkansas Center for Design and Materials Innovation to expand the use of Arkansas-sourced timber and wood through cutting-edge research and development.  

• $5 million for the University of Arkansas Center for Large-Scale Testing of Seismic Systems construction to provide advanced testing capabilities and innovative solutions to infrastructural challenges posed by seismic activity.

Rural Development and Public Safety

• $1.5 million for a Fire and Public Safety Center in Wilson.

• $1 million for the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Arkansas (UAMS) Digital Interventions for Care and Education telemedicine mental health program. 

• $1 million for UAMS Police Department equipment and technology upgrades.

• $1 million each to implement a rapid DNA system pilot program for investigations for the Faulkner County Sherriff’s Office and Saline County Sheriff’s Office to reduce violent crime.

• $500,000 for equipment upgrades for the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training to improve the training of Arkansas police officers.  

• Invests in rural utilities, electricity and connectivity.

• Funds the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program to support Arkansas law enforcement agencies and provide tools to keep communities and officers safe.

• Supports the Regional Information Sharing System which provides valuable criminal and intelligence information to Arkansas law enforcement agencies.

Physician Payment 

• Increases the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Conversion Factor by 1.68 percent, partially mitigating the 3.37 percent cut included in the Calendar Year 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. Boozman led a letter to Senate leadership last month requesting an increase of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Conversion Factor.

Compacts of Free Association (COFA) 

• Strengthens national security by approving the negotiated COFA agreement with the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific and block the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to expand its corrupting influence in the region. 

• Restores access to federal benefits, championed by Boozman, for COFA citizens legally present in the U.S. The largest population of Marshallese in the continental U.S. resides in Springdale.

• Expands VA health care to veterans living in the freely associated states.

Over $217 million allocated for Arkansas water and wastewater projects

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

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission on Wednesday (Sept. 20) approved $217,767,302 in financial assistance for 16 water and wastewater projects serving more than 622,472 Arkansans.

Three of the projects include:

• The City of Arkadelphia, Clark County, received a $4,250,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund to complete all work required to bring the city into compliance with federal requirements. The current customer base for this project is 10,380.

• The City of Ashdown, Little River County, received a $12,510,650 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund for water distribution improvements. The current customer base for this project is 4,261.

• The City of Texarkana, Miller County, received three loans totaling $8,324,000 from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund for three separate projects. The city received a $3,551,000 loan to replace failing mainline pipe, a $1,533,000 loan to replace water mains along East Street, and a $3,240,000 loan to construct and install an elevated storage tank. The current customer base for these projects is 29,387.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/09/over-217-million-allocated-for-arkansas-water-and-wastewater-projects/

Johnelle Hunt Gives UAMS $250,000 To Support Northwest Regional Campus

By Andrew Vogler

Johnelle Hunt, co-founder of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., pledged $250,000 to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to establish the Hunt Family Fund for Excellence.

The fund will support activities of the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, including funding a feasibility study for the development of operations on 48 acres of land in Rogers, Arkansas, near Interstate 49, which was acquired by UAMS in 2021.

“I am pleased with the impact that UAMS has had in Northwest Arkansas and am honored to help continue to support its mission here,” said Hunt. “Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, which means it needs a robust health care system to keep up with the demand for quality clinical care that is supported by excellent health care education and research. I believe UAMS’ presence in the area is integral in fulfilling the area’s need for first-class health care.”

https://news.uams.edu/2023/08/03/johnelle-hunt-gives-uams-250000-to-support-northwest-regional-campus/

Johnelle Hunt, co-founder of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., pledged $250,000 to UAMS to establish the Hunt Family Fund for Excellence.

U.S. Treasury expands small business support program in Arkansas

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

The U.S. Treasury Department announced Thursday (Feb. 23) approval of five additional state and territory plans for up to $339 million in funding under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a part of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

Arkansas was approved for up to $81.6 million under the plan. Guam, Rhode Island, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Wisconsin were the other states and territories with approved plans. In total, the U.S. Treasury has approved $6.6 billion under the program. The funds will reportedly be targeted at minority and women business owners.

“This is an historic investment in entrepreneurship, small business growth, and innovation through the American Rescue Plan that will help reduce barriers to capital access for traditionally underserved communities,” said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. “These SSBCI funds will promote equitable economic growth across the country.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/02/u-s-treasury-expands-small-business-support-program-in-arkansas/

Arkansas to receive $771 million for road, bridge projects in 2023

KUAR | By Jeff Della Rosa/ Talk Business & Politics

The federal highway department announced Tuesday (Oct. 11) it has released $771.3 million in fiscal 2023 funding to Arkansas for infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges and tunnels. The money will come from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sent $59.9 billion in fiscal 2023 funding to states, an increase of $15.4 billion compared to fiscal 2021, which was the last fiscal year before the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was to be implemented, according to a news release. Fiscal 2023 started Oct. 1.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-10-12/arkansas-to-receive-771-million-for-road-bridge-projects-in-2023

Governor Asa Hutchinson Issues Statement in Response to Legislative Council

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement in regards to the Arkansas Legislative Council's decision on the use of money from the American Rescue Plan.

"While I am pleased the Arkansas Legislative Council supports funding bonus pay for teachers, their action to rescind $500 million in spending authority for the Arkansas Department of Education is contrary to the Council’s statutory authority and contrary to the principles of separation of powers underlying the Arkansas Revenue Stabilization Act.

"I am disappointed by the Legislative Council’s vote to rescind its approval to give the Arkansas Department of Education authority to spend $500 million in American Rescue Plan’s Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund. Just as the General Assembly could not recall a bill from my desk that had already been signed into law, ALC may not undo the lawful appropriations under Act 199 through a parliamentary maneuver. 

"Under the appropriation passed last month the schools could use the funds for teacher bonuses and incentives. The big change now is that the schools must submit plans which must go back to the legislature for additional review.

"In other words, the local school district priorities may not be approved. I am concerned that teachers in some districts will get a bonus, but others may not. The creative approach by the committee today, while well-intentioned, is not the best approach to helping our teachers."

Governor plans to decline $89 million in federal rental help funds

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Friday (April 22) that he will seek to decline roughly $89 million in federal rental assistance funds.

In other business, he said the Department of Finance and Administration has officially determined the state will have a $1 billion surplus by June 30. That’s up from the previous estimate of $600 million.

Instead, Arkansas is requesting 39% of that amount, or about $57 million.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/04/governor-plans-to-decline-89-million-in-federal-rental-help-funds/

Arkansas airports to receive $23 million in first round of funding from new infrastructure law

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday (Dec. 16) it will award $2.89 billion in fiscal 2022 to 3,075 U.S. airports as a result of the new infrastructure law. In Arkansas, $23.35 million will go to 65 commercial, county and municipal airports.

The law provides $15 billion over five years for airport-related projects under the existing Airport Improvement Grant and Passenger Facility Charge programs. The money can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability, terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.

In Arkansas, the largest amounts awarded in the first round of airport funding from the law will go to the three largest commercial airports in the state:

• Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, $4.89 million

• Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Highfill, $4.46 million

• Fort Smith Regional Airport, $1.27 million.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/arkansas-airports-to-receive-23-million-in-first-round-of-funding-from-new-infrastructure-law/

UA report maps out funding options for startups and small businesses

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

A new report released by the University of Arkansas examines a broad cross-section of the funding options available to startups and small businesses in Arkansas.

A team of collaborators across the Sam M. Walton College of Business and the Division of Economic Development at the UA produced the Arkansas Capital Scan. According to a news release, it’s modeled after a similar report published each year by the University of Oregon, the Oregon Capital Scan.

The 86-page report, intended to be an annual publication, is intended to assist policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders in identifying gaps and opportunities in support of small businesses.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/11/ua-report-maps-out-funding-options-for-startups-and-small-businesses/

With Walton Financial Support, Statewide Fund Started for Arkansas LGBTQ Community

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

A new statewide fund will support organizations working to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ Arkansans.

According to a news release Thursday (June 10), the $1 million fund is launching with philanthropic support from the Alice L. Walton Foundation and from Tom Walton and his wife Olivia through the Walton Family Foundation.

Organizations offering legal, health, education and advocacy services, along with other high-demand needs will be eligible for grants.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/06/with-walton-financial-support-statewide-fund-started-for-arkansas-lgbtq-community/

Rep. French Hill On Supporting Commission To Probe Insurrection, Bill To Fund Black Colleges

By MICHAEL HIBBLEN

A bill in Congress which would create an independent commission to investigate the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in January is now in the hands of the Senate. A week ago, the House passed the bill with 35 Republicans joining Democrats to support the proposal.

But the future of the bill is unclear with Democrats needing the support of 10 Republicans to avoid a possible filibuster. GOP leadership is opposing an investigation.

One Republican House member who did vote to create the commission was Rep. French Hill of Arkansas’ 2nd district. He spoke with KUAR News on Wednesday afternoon during All Things Considered.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/rep-french-hill-supporting-commission-probe-insurrection-bill-fund-black-colleges

U.S. Rep. French Hill of Arkansas' 2nd congressional district, seen here in 2018, was one of 35 Republicans to join Democrats in voting to support creation of an independent commission to probe the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS