Arkansas officials say COVID-19 relief funds won't be used to offset tax cuts

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Arkansas lawmakers have been notified by the state Department of Finance and Administration that the U.S Treasury is trying to rescind COVID-19 relief funds that are used by states to supplement tax cuts.

During next month’s special session, legislators will consider Gov. Asa Hutchinson's plan to accelerate the tax cuts passed in 2021 that will lower the personal income tax and the corporate tax rate while including a low-income tax credit.

In an interview with KUAR News, Senate President Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, said lawmakers have been working with state finance officials to find out how much could be rescinded. He said the number has ranged from slightly less than $100 million to $800 million.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-07-27/arkansas-officials-say-covid-19-relief-funds-wont-be-used-to-offset-tax-cuts

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

Next month, lawmakers will decide whether to accelerate the tax cuts approved in 2021 to lower the income tax rate and corporate tax rate.

Arkansas Senate approves process for ethics violation hearings

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

Arkansas lawmakers set the framework Monday for hearings that will take place this week concerning ethics violations by Republican senators Alan Clark of Lonsdale and Mark Johnson of Ferndale.

Last month, the Senate Ethics Committee found Clark had asked Johnson to place his name on a sign-in sheet for a Boys State meeting he did not attend to receive reimbursement. The full Senate will vote whether to penalize the two.

According to a document provided by the committee, the penalties recommended for Clark and Johnson include:

• A letter of reprimand

• Removal as committee chair or co-chair for the remainder of the rest of the 93rd General Assembly

• Losing eligibility for per diem and mileage for the remainder of the 93rd General Assembly

• Losing future considering to serve on the Boys State, Girls State and Senate Ethics Committee

  https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-07-18/arkansas-senate-approves-process-for-ethics-violation-hearings

Ronak Patel/KUAR News

Senate President Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, on Monday said he will relinquish his duties of presiding over the chamber during an ethics violation hearing later this week.

Alternative To Hate Crimes Bill Filed In Arkansas Legislature

By GEORGE JARED/ TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Arkansas is one of the only states without some type of hate crime law on the books, and Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said more than once it’s a top priority for him during the current legislative session. SB622, filed Thursday will attempt to solve that problem.

The bill, filed by Sen. Jimmy Hickey Jr., R-Texarkana, Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, and Rep. Carol Dalby, R-Texarkana, had not been assigned to a committee as of Thursday morning. Talk Business & Politics has confirmed that the bill is an alternative to the previously filed hate crimes legislation which has stalled during the session. It’s described as a “class protection bill.”

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/alternative-hate-crimes-bill-filed-arkansas-legislature

A hate crimes bill has so far not gained any momentum in the Arkansas General Assembly, so SB622 was filed Thursday as an alternative.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Arkansas Legislature Practices COVID-19 Protective Procedures

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

The 93rd Arkansas General Assembly convenes today with lawmakers, staff, lobbyists and the public required to observe strict COVID-19 protective procedures. Incoming Senate President Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, walks us through the new pandemic rules.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-legislature-practices-covid-19-protective-procedures

Incoming Arkansas Senate Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey worked with state leaders to craft COVID-19 guidelines for the regular legislative session.

COURTESY / ARKANSAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY