Low Income

Arkansas expanding low-income water bill assistance program

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

The State of Arkansas is expanding a program to help low-income residents pay their water bills.

The $10 million expansion of the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, or LIHWAP, is now available to water customers across the region.

In a news conference Thursday, Central Arkansas Water CEO Tad Bohannon said eligible households could get a year’s worth of water bills paid by the state.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-03-16/arkansas-expanding-low-income-water-bill-assistance-program

Daniel Breen/KUAR News

Tad Bohannon, CEO of Central Arkansas Water, speaks in a news conference at the utility's downtown Little Rock headquarters on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

School Voucher Bill Passes Arkansas House Committee

By DANIEL BREEN

Following hours of debate, members of the Arkansas House Education committee narrowly passed a bill that would provide private school scholarships for low-income students.

Lawmakers on Tuesday voted 11 to nine in favor of House Bill 1371, sponsored by Republican Rep. Ken Bragg of Sheridan.

The bill would create a tax credit for individuals and businesses to donate to two funds, which would be run by a private nonprofit. One would provide up to $6 million in credits for donations to provide grants to public schools, while the other would provide $4 million in credits for donations to a fund for low-income students to attend private schools.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/school-voucher-bill-passes-arkansas-house-committee

Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming speaks against House Bill 1371 as the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ken Bragg, R-Sheridan, looks on.CREDIT ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE

Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming speaks against House Bill 1371 as the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ken Bragg, R-Sheridan, looks on.

CREDIT ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE

Need Help with Energy Bills?

The 15 community action agencies across Arkansas have started taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps low income households with energy bills. There will likely be more applications than usual because many more people are struggling financially during the pandemic.

Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little, River, Nevada, and Sevier County assistance programs:

Get applications to the following services. Rent help, government cash assistance, foreclosure prevention, free food pantries and programs; medical or dental care and more. The churches in counties including Sevier or Hempstead County region, charities, non-profits in Lafayette County and government assistance programs help low income families. They also give free cars or clothes, prescription medications, school supplies, Christmas presents and help families reduce their debts.

The non-profit community action agency Southwest Arkansas Development Council, Inc. provides a number of services to low income families and the working poor. Some of the other main beneficiaries include senior citizens, the disabled, and families with young children.

https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/hempstead__howard__lafayette__.html