Arkansas ‘Internet for All’ plan approved by feds

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

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the second volume of Arkansas’ initial proposal for the BEAD [Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment] program, according to a release from the Biden Administration and Gov. Sarah Sanders.

The approval enables Arkansas to request more than $1 billion in funding and begin implementation of the state’s BEAD proposal. Volume 2 of the BEAD initial proposal details the state of Arkansas’ plans for operating its broadband infrastructure grant program, requirements for potential applicants, and nondeployment priorities. The Volume 2 document addresses 16 requirements related to the BEAD program, including program objectives, planning processes, local coordination, and workforce readiness.

“Reliable internet coverage is becoming a necessity for Arkansans’ jobs, schools, and businesses and closing the internet service gap is a major priority for my administration, and today’s announcement is a big step forward in our plans to address the issue,” said Gov. Sanders.

Arkansas ‘Internet for All’ plan approved by feds

Arkansas AG certifies education coalition’s 2026 ballot proposal

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Arkansas’ attorney general on Thursday approved for the 2026 ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would require public and private schools that receive state funds to be held to the same standards.

The constitutional amendment is backed by For AR Kids, a ballot question committee that failed to collect enough signatures to qualify an identical measure for the 2024 ballot. Attorney General Tim Griffin in July certified two other measures for the 2026 ballot that target government transparency and eliminating the sales tax for feminine hygiene products. Those proposals also failed to qualify for the 2024 election.

Griffin rejected For AR Kids’ initial 2026 submission in August because it did not include the full text of the measure as required by law. The committee resubmitted the full proposal last week.

Arkansas AG certifies education coalition’s 2026 ballot proposal

John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate

Bill Kopsky, executive director of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, talks about the governor’s proposed education legislation during a rally on Feb. 15, 2023. Groups concerned with public education rallied, on the steps of the State Capitol.

Sanders, Colonel Hagar release statements after illegal immigrant kills Little Rock respiratory therapist

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today joined Arkansas State Police in mourning the death of Little Rock Respiratory Therapist Jennifer Ann Morton, who was killed by illegal immigrant Maynor Yair Sorto-Herrera.
 
Herrera, a Honduras native, was driving drunk in the early morning of September 8th, when he drove his vehicle into Morton, a respiratory therapist in the Infant Toddler Unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He has been charged with Negligent Homicide, Battery, DUI, Violation of the Concealed Weapons Act, Reckless Driving, Driving Without a License, Failure to Stop After Accident with Death, and other traffic violations.
 
Herrera is currently being held for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He was previously deported from the United States in 2018.
 
“I am devastated for the loss of Respiratory Therapist Jennifer Ann Morton. Our state will feel the loss of this woman’s life and sends its prayers and sympathies to her entire family,” said Governor Sanders. “We will use every tool available to prosecute the illegal immigrant who caused this senseless death, but let’s be clear: he never should have been in this country to begin with. President Biden and Vice President Harris opened our borders wide. It’s time for the federal government to step up, close the border, and end the mayhem in our communities.” 
 
“Our hearts are heavy for the Morton family as they are devastated by the loss of Jennifer, who devoted her life to compassionate care of children,” said Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar. “I know our Troopers want to honor her memory by doing their part to make sure this man is held responsible for her death.”
 
Governor Sanders previously deployed Arkansas National Guardsmen to the southern border to assist Texas law enforcement as they dealt with a surge in illegal immigration. She deployed 80 guardsmen in the summer of 2023 and 40 guardsmen in the spring of 2024.

U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman and Governor Sarah Sanders applaud Army-Navy hospital security and fire protection grant

HOT SPRINGS - The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) awarded a federal grant for $2,750,000 to the state of Arkansas for security and fire protection services for the former Army-Navy Hospital property in Hot Springs. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statements applauding the announcement.

Congressman Westerman said, "This grant will provide critical funding for much-needed security and fire prevention services at the former Army-Navy Hospital, a site that holds so much value for Hot Springs and the entire state of Arkansas. With this grant, we are not only ensuring the safety of the buildings and surrounding areas, but we are one step closer to putting this historic site on a clear-cut path to safer and more beneficial use in the future."

Governor Sanders said, "The Army-Navy Hospital has a significant place in our state’s history and deserves proper care to stay viable for future use. I was proud to work with our federal, state, and local partners to help secure this grant and ensure the safety of the building and downtown Hot Springs. Very grateful for our congressional delegation for their leadership and making this happen."

Wikimedia Image - Old Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs, AR

BACKGROUND:

• The nearly 21-acre site of the former Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which sits atop the city's downtown on National Park Service land, is rapidly falling into disrepair. 

• The Army and Navy began use of the Hot Springs Reservation in 1887. The current major buildings, built by the U.S. Government in the 1930s, once served as the first general hospital in the country to serve Army and Navy patients.

• The site was deeded by the Army to the State of Arkansas in 1960 and became a state-run rehabilitation center; later being converted into the Arkansas Career Training Institute (ACTI).

• In 2020, the state ceased all operations at the site, and it has remained vacant since, falling victim to increased vandalism and unauthorized access, leading to serious safety and fire concerns for the surrounding areas.

ABOUT THE GRANT:

• On September 10th, the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) approved a federal grant for $2,750,000 to the State of Arkansas in support of the former Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs.

• The grant allows the state of Arkansas to provide security and fire protection services for the former Army-Navy Hospital property.

Congressman Westerman worked closely with Arkansas Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman and Congressman Steve Womack (AR-03) to secure language (Section 2852) in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to authorize funding for this grant. 

Governor Sanders announces Taber Extrusions expansion in Russellville, Arkansas

FARNBOROUGH, U.K. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Taber Extrusions at the Farnborough Airshow to announce the company is expanding its facility in Russellville, Arkansas, and introducing the largest direct extrusion press in North America. The company is investing over $60 million in the expansion and expects to create 70 new jobs.

Governor Sanders joined company executives and state economic development officials for the announcement of the expansion at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, where the Governor is meeting with aerospace and defense businesses to encourage them to invest in Arkansas. The announcement was made at the Forum Main Stage at the USA Partnership Pavilion.

“Announcements like this don’t happen by accident,” said Governor Sanders. “It took pro-growth policies in Little Rock, a pro-business mentality in Russellville, and a proactive presence at events like the Farnborough Airshow to secure Taber’s investment. I’m grateful to this great Arkansas company for their continued commitment to the Natural State.”

“We are excited for this expansion as it provides the capability and capacity needed in the large shape extrusion market,” said Chuck Stout, President of Taber Extrusions. “This investment highlights our commitment to continue to serve our national defense, aerospace, and large industrial market partners.”

This expansion is designed to meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry and is expected to go live in 2026. Taber Extrusions has been in business in the Russellville area for five decades, though considered several other states for this expansion. Russellville beat out the alternative choices because of its convenient location, strong local workforce, and competitive state incentives.

“It’s an honor to join Taber Extrusions at the Farnborough International Airshow to announce its latest expansion in Russellville Arkansas,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Taber Extrusions has operated in Arkansas since 1976, and we look forward to many more years of business success for them. Congratulations to the City of Russellville on this economic development win, which creates 70 new jobs in the River Valley region.”

“As someone who calls Russellville home, I am proud that Taber Extrusions has chosen our vibrant community for their expansion,” said Dr. Megan Selman, President and CEO of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce. “This decision speaks volumes about the strength of our local economy and the high quality of life in Russellville. Our strategic location and dynamic business environment make it the ideal place for companies to grow and succeed.” 

“Taber Extrusions has been a cornerstone of Russellville for as long as I can remember,” said Russellville Mayor Fred Teague. “The presence of the Taber brand in our community exemplifies how local efforts can have a global impact. Our residents create products that touch lives around the world, and I am thrilled to witness the Taber brand’s local expansion. I look forward to collaborating with everyone involved in this exciting development. I am confident that this expansion will bring new job opportunities, benefiting both Russellville and many families in our area.”

“Taber Extrusions has been a steadfast partner, employer, and manufacturer in our community for half a century,” said Pope County Judge Ben Cross. “As one of the bedrock fabricators of some of the world’s most premier aluminum products, this investment in our county will ensure good quality jobs and local growth in this sector, keeping “Made in America” at the forefront of their commitment to excellence.  I applaud Taber Extrusions, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Russellville Regional Alliance for Economic Development, on their combined efforts to see this day come to fruition.”

Governor Sanders, Sen. Cotton speak to RNC on Tuesday

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

On a night dedicated to law and order and toughness on crime, Republican convention-goers heard from a plethora of 2020 and 2024 Presidential candidates and two high-profile Arkansas politicians mentioned as future candidates for higher office.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, former United Nations Ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former U.S. Housing Secretary Ben Carson, and Vivek Ramaswamy all took the stage to unite behind the Republican Presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump.

Carson was one of the few speakers to reference Trump’s recent convictions in New York on a case under appeal involving hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Carson also noted the dismissal of a Florida special counsel case involving Trump’s handling of classified documents.

Governor Sanders, Sen. Cotton speak to RNC on Tuesday

Governor Sanders signs an executive order to provide additional relief in regards to tax filing and payment deadlines in response to the May 24th storms in Arkansas

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS: 

E.O. 24-11: EXECUTIVE ORDER TO AMEND E.O. 24-09 AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RELIEF IN REGARD TO TAX FILING AND PAYMENT DEADLINES IN RESPONSE TO SEVERE STORMS ON OR ABOUT MAY 24, 2024. 

Wikimedia Image

WHEREAS: On or about May 24, 2024, and continuing, severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes began in Arkansas, causing danger, hardship, and suffering which now warrants this executive action; 

WHEREAS: On May 26, 2024, by Executive Order 24-07, a regional emergency was declared in the state as a result of the severe weather outbreak, pursuant to the Emergency Services Act, codified at Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et. seq; 

WHEREAS: Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505 authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to grant a reasonable extension of time to file any return required under any state tax law upon written request for good cause shown. Good cause includes when any taxpayer is affected by a disaster emergency declared by the Governor; 

WHEREAS: Ark. Code Ann. § 12-75-114(e)(1) authorizes the Governor to suspend any regulatory statutes if compliance with those statutes would delay action in coping with the declared emergency; 

WHEREAS: On May 30, 2024, by Executive Order 24-09, relief was extended to affected citizens in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, Sevier, and Sharp counties by extending certain tax payment deadlines; and 

WHEREAS: There is good cause for additional relief to be extended to Arkansans residing in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, Sevier, and Sharp counties as a result of the ongoing emergency. 

NOW THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas and pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et seq., issue this Executive Order pursuant to the regional emergency as declared in Executive Order 24-07, and order the following: 

1. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is hereby ordered to extend the 2023 income tax filing date and income tax payment date and 2023 pass-through entity tax filing date and pass-through entity tax payment date for returns that are due between May 24, 2024, and October 31, 2024, to November 1, 2024, for those citizens and businesses residing in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, Sevier, and Sharp counties. This extension includes 2023 returns of Individuals, Subchapter S Corporations, Subchapter C Corporations, Pass-Through Entities, Fiduciaries and Estates, Partnerships, and Composite returns; 

2. Individuals and entities in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, Sevier, and Sharp counties will have until November 1, 2024, to file income tax and pass-through entity returns and pay income and pass through entity taxes that were originally due between May 24, 2024, and October 31, 2024; 

3. This relief includes return and extension payments due between May 24, 2024, and October 31, 2024; 

4. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is hereby ordered to extend the deadline under Ark. Code Ann. § 26-51-913(a)(2) to make a quarterly estimated income tax payment from between May 24, 2024, and October 31, 2024, for those citizens and businesses located in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, Sevier, and Sharp counties to November 1, 2024; 

5. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505(a)(1) requiring a written request for an extension to file an individual income tax return are hereby waived through November 1, 2024, for citizens who reside or whose businesses are located in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, Sevier, and Sharp counties; 

6. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505(a)(3) limiting an extension for filing an individual income tax return to no more than 180 days is hereby waived through November 1, 2024, for citizens who reside or whose businesses are located in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, Sevier, and Sharp counties; and 

7. The provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 26-18-505(a)(4) requiring the promulgation of rules to waive the requirement for a written request for an extension are hereby waived through November 1, 2024. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed on this 15th day of July, in the year of our Lord 2024.

Sanders, ADPHT, ADH Announce Outdoor Recreation Grant Awards

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –On Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Secretary Shea Lewis, Secretary Renee Mallory and Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Katherine Andrews to present $500,000 in Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects in seven counties across the state. The Sanders Administration revived Great Strides after the program went dormant in 2017, fulfilling one of the recommendations of the Natural State Initiative. The funding for this grant program comes from Arkansas’ Tobacco Settlement Fund. 

“Great Strides is back and better than ever. I know that when deciding which applications to accept, the grant writing committee had a special focus: smaller Arkansas communities without robust access to outdoor recreation. What these projects lack in size they make up for in impact. This program goes a long way toward making sure that every corner of Arkansas – not just a few big cities – is a great place to live and raise a family,” said Governor Sanders. 

“The funds we are handing out today undoubtedly will enrich the quality of life for Arkansans statewide, fostering greater access to outdoor recreation,” Shea Lewis, Secretary of ADPHT, said. “Working with the Department of Health is an opportunity for a great partnership where we can leverage each other’s specialized knowledge and skills to promote a healthier, more active lifestyle for our residents and visitors.”

“The Arkansas Department of Health is thrilled to once again partner with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism to grant awards in communities around our state and enable accessibility for outdoor activities. Designated outdoor trails and walking paths lead to healthier communities. Outdoor trails can improve our physical, mental, and social health and wellness. This well-being allows us to keep improving and making choices for a healthier lifestyle for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Our goal is for these grant awards to continue to positively impact the health of Arkansas communities,” Renee Mallory, Secretary of ADH, said.

“Today is a celebration of the partnership between the Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Health with the goal of providing access to outdoor recreation at the local level and improving the overall quality of Arkansas’s outdoor recreation resources,” Katherine Andrews, Director of OOR, said. 

The 2024 Great Strides grant recipients are:

• Emerson, $93,735, Purple Hull Pea Park

• Humnoke, $43,942, City of Humnoke Park Trail

• Brinkley, $66,340, Brinkley City Park

• Alexander, $96,990, Alexander City Park

• Lewisville, $99,857, Lewisville City Park

• Sevier County, $8330.08, DeQueen Lake Trail

• Tyronza, $78,424, Tyronza Park

Recipient communities will use these grant funds to establish health and fitness trails that encourage physical activity and provide health benefits through safe and easily-accessible facilities.

The Office of Outdoor Recreation received twenty-one grant applications from fifteen counties across the state totaling $1,611,270.28 in requested funds for fiscal year 2024, with funding to be disbursed totaling $500,000. On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, seven projects were chosen for funding equaling $491,118.08.

Governor Sanders supports USDA disaster assistance for Arkansas agriculture

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today submitted a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in support of the request by the Arkansas USDA Farm Service Agency for a Secretarial Disaster Declaration and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).  The letter is linked here.

“My dad was fond of saying that if a country can’t feed itself, fuel itself, or fight for itself, then it cannot survive. Agriculture is Arkansas’ largest industry, contributing more than $20 billion to our economy each year and employing one in seven Arkansans. It is also an integral part of our way of life,” said Governor Sanders. “I am in full support of the recent request by the Arkansas USDA Farm Service Agency for a Secretarial Disaster Declaration and approval of the Emergency Forest Restoration Program.”

The letter is in response to several strong storms that passed through Arkansas in April and May of this year that negatively impacted Arkansas agricultural producers and forest landowners.  Multiple tornadoes from severe storms on May 25-26 caused significant forest damage in northern Arkansas.  The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division estimates that the storms impacted over 24,000 acres of forestland with an estimated loss of $18.4 million.  

Recent storms also caused negative impacts to the livestock and poultry industry through damage to pastureland, fences, and damaged or destroyed poultry houses.  Row crop and specialty crop producers in multiple counties have also experienced significant damage and loss to various crops including apples, grapes, berries, corn, soybeans, cotton, rice, and some grasses.  

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has worked in coordination with the Governor’s office to help the agriculture industry following the damaging storms, including providing more than 40 forestry personnel in cleanup efforts and storm evaluations in affected areas. This assistance has included debris removal and access to roadways and utilities, community assistance with planning for debris removal and tree replanting, and clearing trails and other damage at Hobbs State Park. 

Forest landowners seeking assistance with forest management decisions, individual damage assessments, and value of downed timber should contact a consulting forester.  The Arkansas Department of Agriculture may also be able to provide general education and direction to those impacted by the storms.  Additional information about the Arkansas Department of Agriculture can be found at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture website. 

A compilation of available assistance can be found at helparkansas.com.  

Additional information about USDA Disaster Assistance Programs can be found at the  USDA website.  Further, under A.C.A. 26-51-314, payments from an agricultural disaster program to a cattle farmer or rancher are exempt from state income tax.

$60 million in federal funds available for Arkansas water projects

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

About $60 million will be spent on statewide water and infrastructure needs. The funds are part of the American Rescue Plan that was passed by Congress in 2021.

Gov. Sarah Sanders said $55 million will be used on water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects and $5 million for the Arkansas Rural Water Association to assist water and wastewater systems across the state. The legislature approved the funds in Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) late last month.

“My administration has worked with our federal partners to appropriately put money into Arkansas’ water infrastructure development, and this announcement adds to that commitment, Every Arkansan deserves safe and accessible drinking water, and with this funding, we will move closer to that goal,” she said.

$60 million in federal funds available for Arkansas water projects

Image from the City of Fort Smith

Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders announces appointments

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

Arkansas 250 Commission 

Christina Berner, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas 250 Commission. Term to expire July 5, 2026. New position. 

Cathy Boozman, Rogers, to the Arkansas 250 Commission. Term to expire July 5, 2026. New position. 

Debbie Haak, Texarkana, to the Arkansas 250 Commission. Term to expire July 5, 2026. New position. 

Sharri Jones, Pine Bluff, to the Arkansas 250 Commission. Term to expire July 5, 2026. New position. 

Valorie Lawson, Bentonville, to the Arkansas 250 Commission. Term to expire July 5, 2026. New position. 

Ebony Mitchell, Little Rock, to the Arkansas 250 Commission. Term to expire July 5, 2026. New Position. 

Jan Zimmerman, Little Rock, to the Arkansas 250 Commission. Term to expire July 5, 2026. New position. 

Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training 

James Montgomery, Hot Springs National Park, to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Term to expire January 14, 2029. Replaces James Golden. 

Arkansas Economic Development Commission 

Thomas Dickinson, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2028. Replaces Steve Lux. 

Molly Shepherd, El Dorado, to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2025. Previously vacant position. 

Arkansas Forestry Commission 

Ken Bragg, Sheridan, to the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2029. Replaces Steven Anthony. 

Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission 

Scott Simon, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2028. Replaces Neill Sloan. 

Jody Pagan, Searcy, to the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2030. Previously vacant position. 

Arkansas Natural Resources Commission 

Michael McDermott, Weiner, to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2029. Previously vacant position. 

Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board 

Dr. Steven Webber, Little Rock, to chair the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, by virtue of his position as Dean of the College of Medicine of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

Arkansas State Claims Commission 

Don Curdie, Little Rock, as Special Commissioner, to hear Claim Number 241833, Nelda Coleman v. UAMS and Arkansas State Claims Commission. 

Milton Fine, Little Rock, as Special Commissioner, to hear Claim Number 241833, Nelda Coleman v. UAMS and Arkansas State Claims Commission. 

Olan Reeves, Little Rock, as Special Commissioner, to hear Claim Number 241833, Nelda Coleman v. UAMS and Arkansas State Claims Commission. 

Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council 

Jennifer Carlin, Sherwood, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Term to expire February 1, 2027. Previously vacant position. 

Frank Hellmer, Benton, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Term to expire February 2, 2027. Replaces James Grover. 

Courtney Leach, Conway, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Term to expire February 1, 2026. Replaces James Green. 

Bradley Ledgerwood, Cash, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Term to expire February 1, 2026. Replaces Alex Scott. 

Arkansas Wine Producers Council 

Denis Wiederkehr, Wiederkehr Village, to the Arkansas Wine Producers Council. Term to expire March 1, 2026. Reappointment. 

Board of Directors of the Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission 

Vernon Hasten, Alexander, to the Board of Directors of the Division of Science and Technology of the Economic Development Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2025. Replaces Jeff Standridge.

Osteopathic Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board 

Phillip Gilmore, Crossett, to the Osteopathic Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board. Term to expire July 1, 2027. New position. 

Dr. Shannon Jimenez, Fort Smith, to the Osteopathic Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board. Term to expire July 1, 2027. New position. 

Tim Knight, Arkadelphia, to the Osteopathic Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board. Term to expire July 1, 2027. New position. 

Dr. James Zini, Mountain View, to the Osteopathic Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board. Term to expire July 1, 2027. New position. 

State Board of Optometry 

Dr. James Hertzog, Cabot, to the State Board of Optometry. Term to expire April 26, 2029. Replaces Bryant Ashley. 

Cleburne County Quorum Court 

Rachel Douglass, Quitman, to serve as Justice of the Peach for District 11, for Cleburne County. Term expires December 31, 2024. Fulfills the remaining term of Sampson Wildmon. 

Lafayette County Quorum Court 

Dale Tatom, Lewisville, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 1, for Lafayette County. Term expires December 31, 2024. Fulfills the remaining term of Jimmy Neal Bickerstaff. 

Yell County Quorum Court 

Thomas Leroy Randall, Dardanelle, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 9, for Yell County. Term expires December 31, 2024. Fulfills the remaining term of Ryan Millsaps.

Governor, legislators visit Fordyce one week after deadly shooting

KUAR | By Maggie Ryan

Nine days after a shooting killed four people and injured at least 11 others in Fordyce, Gov. Sarah Sanders met with emergency responders, community members, and laid flowers at a memorial honoring the victims.

Sanders began her visit on Sunday with a trip to Beech Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she told reporters she spoke with family members of the victims. Speaking afterwards at a press conference outside the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, Sanders said she was reminded in that moment that “we have a God that makes us whole and brings us back together.”

Sanders said Fordyce is an example of a community coming together to heal.

Governor, legislators visit Fordyce one week after deadly shooting

Maggie Ryan/Little Rock Public Radio

A memorial to the four people killed in a shooting at the Mad Butcher Grocery store in Fordyce, Ark.

Sanders orders flags to half-staff to mourn the lives lost in the Fordyce shooting

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS: 

WHEREAS:    On the morning of Friday, June 21, 2024, a lone gunman opened fire at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, injuring eight civilians and two law enforcement officers, and killing four;

WHEREAS:    The deceased Arkansans range in age between 23 and 81. They were loved by their families and by the Fordyce community. Their loss is a tragedy for the entire State of Arkansas;

WHEREAS:    The injured victims range in age between 20 and 65. Many of those at the grocery store hid in the store’s freezer to escape the gunman. Arkansans at the Mad Butcher risked their lives to help others during the shooting, showing the courage and compassion of our people. They assisted each other during the shooting and after, helping those who had sustained injuries get aid;  

WHEREAS:     Law enforcement responded to the scene of the crime within minutes and distracted the shooter, putting their own lives in harm’s way and preventing further tragedy before apprehending him. Two officers were injured;

WHEREAS:    This tragedy has hit the small, close-knit town of Fordyce hard. Neighbors, friends, and family have come together to comfort each other in the wake of this event and offer prayer and a helping hand to anyone in need, and;

WHEREAS:    Arkansans are praying for the town of Fordyce, the families of the victims, and all impacted by this senseless tragedy, and the State will continue to provide aid and resources to the community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby order that the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff throughout the State from sunrise to sunset on Friday, June 28, 2024, one week after the tragedy, in memory of the lives lost. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 24th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2024.

Gov. Sanders signs tax cut bills into law

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

Gov. Sarah Sanders signed into law Wednesday (June 19) a series of significant tax cuts that will result in personal and corporate taxes falling by a half-percent at the top income rates.

The highest personal income tax rate has been dropped from 4.4% to 3.9% and the top corporate tax rate from 4.8% to 4.3%. The financial impact of the tax cuts are $256.1 million annually for the personal income tax reduction and $66.2 million annually for the corporate tax reduction. Over 1.1 million Arkansans will benefit from the tax rate reduction.

Also, about $290 million of the state’s $708.1 million estimated budget surplus in the current fiscal year that ends June 30th will be placed in the Arkansas Reserve Fund Set-Aside fund.

Gov. Sanders signs tax cut bills into law

Arkansas lawmakers gather on first day of special session

KUAR | By Josie Lenora, Daniel Breen

The Arkansas Legislature advanced new tax cuts and funding for the Game and Fish Commission on Monday, the first day of a special legislative session. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the session last week, saying “additional tax reductions can be enacted to provide further tax relief during this period of heightened inflation under ‘Bidenomics.’” This comes after the legislature adjourned a fiscal session in May without funding the commission.

Game & Fish Commission Budget

The Arkansas Legislature passed a Game and Fish budget bill through committee after a round of committee hearings on Monday amid ongoing controversy over the director’s salary.

Arkansas lawmakers gather on first day of special session

Josie Lenora/Little Rock Public Radio

The Arkansas House of Representatives gathers on the first day of a special session, Monday.

Tax relief measures, Game & Fish Commission budget advance in special session

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas lawmakers on Monday (June 17) advanced an appropriation bill for the Game & Fish Commission (G&FC) and complimentary tax cut bills to reduce the top personal and corporate income tax rates.

Gov. Sarah Sanders called a special session of the 94th Arkansas General Assembly for purposes of reducing taxes and passing the G&FC appropriation measure.

Senators on the Revenue and Tax Committee advanced SB1 and SB3. SB1, led by Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe, would reduce the top personal income tax rate from 4.4% to 3.9% and the top corporate tax rate from 4.8% to 4.3%.

Tax relief measures, Game & Fish Commission budget advance in special session

AEDC director: Income tax dip below four percent ‘sending a message’

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Clint O’Neal says the push to lower Arkansas’ top personal income tax rate below four percent as well as drop the corporate income tax rate will open the door for more business to come to the state.

Gov. Sarah Sanders is calling the Arkansas General Assembly into session Monday (June 17) to cut personal income tax rates from 4.4% to 3.9%, corporate tax rates from 4.8% to 4.3%, and to expand the homestead tax credit by another $75 to $500 for homeowners.

Appearing on this week’s edition of Talk Business & Politics, O’Neal said the tax cuts expected to be enacted this week in a legislative special session is psychological and tangible.

AEDC director: Income tax dip below four percent ‘sending a message’

State Board of Education approves new accountability system, guidelines

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The Arkansas State Board of Education approved new accountability guidelines for private schools getting tax money on Thursday.

The 2023 LEARNS Act signed into law by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders allowed public money to be used for private schools. The money comes from a pool of funds called the “education freedom account.”

Sanders and Education Secretary Jacob Oliva have promised accountability measures for these schools since the law was passed. Stacy Smith, Deputy Commissioner of the Education Department's Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, presented the new rules at a meeting on Thursday. Students at private schools getting tax dollars will be required to take standardized testing and meet accreditation standards, but there will be a lot of flexibility for them in both categories.

State Board of Education approves new accountability system, guidelines

Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate

Arkansas Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Stacy Smith (right) at a previous meeting of the board. On Thursday she presented testing and accreditation rules for private schools receiving public money.

Gov. Sanders authorizes three percent pay increases for state employees

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

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Friday (June 14) authorized a three percent adjustment for pay increases for state employees, effective June 23, 2024. In a letter to state workers, Sanders also outlined a one percent base salary merit raise for executive branch employees and a three percent base salary merit raise for state workers who have exceeded performance evaluations.

“Arkansas’ state government runs on you, our state employees. As my administration works to provide exceptional services to the people of Arkansas at a lower cost, we are relying on you to deliver. In the past 18 months, you have facilitated bold changes to state government, and I am incredibly appreciative of your work,” Gov. Sanders said. “As recognition for your accomplishments – and as an acknowledgment of our need to recruit and retain talented public servants – I worked with the legislature to make a one-time, 3% increase to all Arkansas executive branch state employee’s pay. I am authorizing that adjustment to go into effect on June 23.”

In noting the merit pay raises, Sanders said they would apply to state workers who have worked in the executive branch for at least a year, and who have worked at their current executive department since January 2, 2024.

Gov. Sanders authorizes three percent pay increases for state employees

Prosecutor: ‘insufficient proof of criminal conduct’ in governor’s lectern controversy

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Pulaski County Prosecutor Will Jones declared Friday (June 7) that he would not prosecute any charges related to a legislative audit of Gov. Sarah Sanders’ purchase of a $19,000 lectern and carry case.

Citing “insufficient proof of criminal conduct,” Jones said his review of the referral from the Arkansas Legislative Audit (ALA) released in April showed no proof of criminal violations of Arkansas law.

“[W]e find that there is insufficient proof of criminal conduct contained in ALA Report SP050123, A Special Report-Arkansas Governor’s Office- Review of Selected Transactions and Procurements or any of the supporting documents. Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct state that a prosecutor in a criminal case shall ‘refrain from prosecuting a charge that the prosecutor knows is not supported by probable cause.’ Therefore, no further action will be taken,” Jones said in a letter released to the media.

Prosecutor: ‘insufficient proof of criminal conduct’ in governor’s lectern controversy