Arkansas is home to more than 182,000 veterans. As we approach Veterans Day, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them for their selflessness and bravery. We are also grateful to families of service members and veterans who also serve this nation with their support and sacrifice. Whether they served in times of war or peace, our veterans all share an unwavering belief in the cause of freedom.
The Arkansas General Assembly continually reviews ways to ensure our veterans and their families are well cared for and that our policies make life a little easier for those who call Arkansas home.
In 2017, we passed Act 141 which exempts military retirement benefits from state income tax.
In the 2023 Regular Session, we passed several pieces of legislation aimed at improving benefits for veterans including Act 395. This act amends the definition of “homestead” for purposes of the property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and minor dependent children of disabled veterans.
Act 201 seeks to have veteran disability benefits excluded as income for eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by directing DHS to seek a federal waiver.
ACT 137 adds consideration of national certifications toward initial occupational licensure and extends the application of the Arkansas Occupational Licensing of Uniformed Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses Act of 2021 to spouses. The act also eliminates the one-year limit for veterans to apply service education, training, or certifications toward initial occupational licensure.
ACT 649 repeals the deadline by which students must apply for school transfers under the Public School Choice Act of 2015 for children of uniformed services families and allows a child to be eligible for enrollment in the public school of his or her choice if certain conditions are met.
We will continue to study policies that support our veterans and their families.
We encourage Arkansans to consider ways they can support our veterans this Veterans Day and throughout the year. There are numerous volunteer opportunities across the state. Medical facilities, VA hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics need volunteers to perform a wide range of duties.
Armed to Farm programs help military veterans, establish connections
By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Veterans and other beginning farmers face numerous challenges getting into agriculture. Much goes into the development and management of any kind of agricultural business: from planning the business entity, to liability considerations, to marketing and running the operation.
Rusty Rumley, senior staff attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, is a frequent presenter at Armed to Farm events, which provide training to military veterans as they get started in agriculture. (U of A System Division of Agriculture image)
In the U.S., more than 289,000 farms have producers with military service, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. These farms account for more than 108 million acres of land throughout the country.
Veterans pursuing agriculture as a business may require training and want support as they get started in their new journey. A program from the National Center for Appropriate Technology fills that need: Armed to Farm.
Launched in 2013, Armed to Farm’s purpose is to provide training, resources and opportunities to military veterans as they get started in agriculture, connecting them to invaluable resources.
“Across the country, there are veterans who want to start a new business opportunity in farming,” Margo Hale, Armed to Farm program director, said. “Our program provides not only a solid foundation in the basic principles of operating a sustainable farming enterprise, but also a support system they can rely on throughout their farming journey. We want to see them succeed in reaching their goals.”
Armed to Farm training events are hosted frequently at locations across the U.S. At the events, veterans learn about farming and sustainable agriculture, develop goals for their business and connect with other veterans and farmers.
Rusty Rumley, a senior staff attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, or NALC, is a frequent presenter at Armed to Farm events, having spoken at trainings nationwide over the past decade. He said there is a lot of ground to cover in these presentations, as getting started in agricultural business is no small feat.
“I talk about business entities, landowner liability, ag leasing and more with veterans at these events,” he said. “I always receive great questions, too. Helping these veterans learn about the process of starting an ag business and connecting them to other resources is something the NALC is very proud to be a part of.”
Rumley’s presentations utilize research materials published on the NALC website, which is regularly updated. Much of this research is stored in the NALC’s numerous “Reading Rooms.” The Reading Rooms cover a range of agricultural subjects, many of which Rumley has developed over the years. These include topics of interest to new farmers, such as business organizations, agritourism, and landowner liability. Information on topics such as these is crucial in helping veterans in their new endeavor.
“There’s so much to cover, it’s important we have resources available on our website to help those who need it, too,” he said.
Hale said that while the workshops conclude after a week, their impact lasts much longer.
“It’s amazing to see veterans from our program go on to build up and improve their agricultural businesses,” Hale said. “The connections they make during Armed to Farm workshops last well beyond the workshops themselves, too.”
Rumley will next speak at an Armed to Farm workshop in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on Aug. 14-15.
A full list of upcoming Armed to Farm events can be found online.
Womack Introduces Bill to Protect Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services
Washington, DC—August 6, 2024…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) introduced the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2024. This bill would permanently extend a current pandemic related exemption that allows health care professionals employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deliver, distribute, and dispense medically necessary controlled substances to veterans via telemedicine under certain conditions regardless of whether that health care professional has conducted the one in-person medical examination required under the Ryan Haight Act.
Telemedicine-Wikimedia Image
Congressman Womack said, “Our veterans deserve accessible health care, regardless of where they live. Millions of veterans—particularly in rural communities—rely on the VA's successful use of telehealth services. This bill acknowledges and meets their needs by permanently authorizing the delivery of care right to their homes. America is indebted to our veterans for their service, and it’s our duty to ensure they have the resources to live a healthy life.”
Background:
The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 was enacted on April 13, 2009. This bill was designed to combat the rogue internet pharmacies that proliferated in the late 90s, selling controlled substances online.
Under this Act, a practitioner is required to have conducted at least one in-person medical evaluation of the patient, in the physical presence of the practitioner, before issuing a prescription for a controlled substance.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, requirements under the Ryan Haight Act for a patient to meet with a practitioner in-person for the prescription of a controlled substance were temporarily waived.
On October 6, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the continuation of temporary extension of flexibilities around telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances from the COVID-19 public health emergency through December 31, 2024.
Bill Impact on Veterans in Rural Areas:
According to the VA’s Office of Rural Health, there are more than 2.7 million veterans in rural communities who are enrolled in and rely on the VA’s health care system.
Veterans residing in rural areas do not have the same access to VA health care as those in more suburban and urban areas, which can result in poor long-term health outcomes.
Due to lack of immediate access to VA clinics, veterans residing in rural areas often have difficulty complying with the requirement for one in-person visit to their health care provider under the Ryan Haight Act.
This bill would reduce disparities and improve access to VA health care for veterans in rural areas by allowing VA health care professionals to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine.
If the current exemption expires at the end of the year, veteran access to certain medications classified as a controlled substance will be severely restricted.
Boozman helps preserve memories of Arkansas veterans in Library of Congress Collection
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a champion of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), presented interviews with Arkansans for preservation in the national collection. The new submissions mark more than 100 interviews conducted by Boozman’s office.
“The Veterans History Project is a unique collection of personal reflections that teaches our nation’s history from the perspective of those who have stood in defense of our freedoms. It also represents an opportunity for families to learn more about the selflessness of their loved ones, which is something I personally understand as the son of veteran of WWII who served in the Air Force for 23 years yet didn’t share much about his experiences in the military. This initiative preserves these patriotic Americans’ legacies so they live on for future generations. I’m honored to be part of this rewarding endeavor, ” Boozman said.
The senator submitted seven interviews conducted by his staff with veterans of the Cold War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm and War on Terror.
In 2000, Congress established the VHP to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.
Boozman’s staff has conducted dozens of interviews and trained more than 1,200 Arkansans to participate and raise awareness about this initiative. The senator regularly highlights the conversations in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series highlighting memories of their time in uniform.
Senator Boozman meets with Veterans History Project Director Monica Mohindra to submit interviews with Arkansas veterans to the Library of Congress collection.
Boozman commemorates 80th Anniversary of Landmark GI Bill
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the GI Bill with the introduction of a Senate resolution celebrating the impact of the policy on the lives of veterans and their families.
“The GI Bill is a significant investment in our servicemembers. This landmark law has delivered benefits to veterans and their families for 80 years to help their transition to civilian life. It serves as an important aspect of honoring the commitment we made to the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform and I’m pleased to continue advocating for improvements to expand the education opportunities they have earned,” Boozman said.
Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 22, 1944, the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, commonly referred to as the GI Bill, provided returning World War II veterans with a wide array of educational and housing benefits to ease their transition back to civilian life. This resolution specifically celebrates the transformative role the GI Bill has played, and highlights subsequent legislation, including the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, that has provided generations of American servicemembers with similar benefits.
During his time in Congress, Boozman has championed policies to strengthen benefits and services for veterans and their families. He authored provisions to expand non-traditional technology education programs and allow wounded members of the National Guard and Reserve to be eligible for the same GI Bill benefits as active duty members that were included in the Forever GI Bill signed into law in 2017. This legislation built on the post-9/11 GI Bill.
In 2019, the Boozman-backed Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act was signed into law to ensure veterans receive the Forever GI Bill housing benefits.
He continues to support policies that ensure veterans receive the benefits they have earned.
The resolution was introduced by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) along with Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS).
Full text of the resolution is available here.
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.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council and the council subcommittees convened at the Capitol.
The council approved the permanent payment rules for Educational Freedom Accounts. Educational Freedom Accounts may be used by eligible families to cover private school tuition, fees, uniforms, and some other required expenses. First-time kindergarteners, students enrolled in “D” or “F” rated schools, students with a disability, current or former foster care students, students experiencing homelessness, or students whose parents are active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement or first responders will be eligible to use the accounts in the 2024-2025 school year. All public school students will be eligible in the 2025-2026 school year.
The council also approved an emergency rule from the Department of Finance and Administration that requires Arkansans to list their gender on their driver’s license. The rule states the gender must match what is listed on the person’s birth certificate, passport, or identification document from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The ALC Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee continued its study on possession and open-carry laws concerning firearms this week. The subcommittee will begin hearing recommendations regarding these laws at its next meeting on Monday, March 25. The meetings are open to the public. You can find the agenda and a link to sign up to comment atwww.arkleg.state.ar.us.
The latest revenue report presented to the council shows gross general revenues have decreased by $113 million or 2% below what was collected last year. Meanwhile, unemployment in the state remains steady at 3.7% in Arkansas for the third consecutive month.
As a reminder, the legislature will convene for a Fiscal Session on April 10. We will continue to update you on the latest developments from the Capitol.
Womack votes to continue progress on full-year funding; avoid government shutdown
Washington, DC—February 29, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7463, the Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024.
Congressman Womack said, "We've punted our fundamental duty of funding the government five months past the due date. I'm incredibly disappointed—America deserves better. Another CR is regrettably necessary to responsibly avoid a harmful government shutdown and protect hardworking Americans, veterans, and our troops. Important projects in Arkansas' Third, including the FMS mission in Fort Smith, depend on our progress. This move will keep us on track to pass full-year appropriations this month."
The continuing resolution extends FY23 funding for the following appropriations bills through March 8, 2024:
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
The bill extends FY23 for the remaining eight bills through March 22, 2024
Womack has consistently advocated for solutions to fix the broken budget and appropriations process, which has failed the American people for too long. He co-chaired the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform and introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to modernize and streamline current processes. Some of the reforms he supported would have helped prevent a budget and appropriations deadline crisis like we see today. Additionally, he called for moving to a biennial budget, ensuring realistic deadlines for Congress to complete its budget and appropriations work, and requiring a joint Budget Committee hearing on the Fiscal State of the Nation.
UA Cossatot honors two local WWII veterans during basketball games in Lockesburg
Sterling Daniel and Sam Phillips were honored recently by UA Cossatot at Veteran’s Night basketball games. State Representative DeAnn Vaught and UA Cossatot Chancellor Steve Cole are pictured with Daniel and Phillips at midcourt between games and presented special proclamations from the Arkansas Legislature, thanking them for their service to America.
Cooperative Extension Service to host Arkansas Veterans' Small Business Summit
By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — For veterans who own and operate small businesses, accessing available resources is critical to financial success and longevity. Arkansas veteran business owners will have an opportunity to learn about programs and services designed to help their businesses succeed at the Arkansas Veterans’ Small Business Summit, hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center on Nov. 4.
VETERAN RESOURCES — The Cooperative Extension Service's Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center will host a free Veterans' Small Business Summit on Nov. 4. The in-person event will provide resources and networking opportunities for veteran small business owners, including information about upcoming contracting opportunities with federal agencies in Arkansas. (Division of Agriculture photo.)
The free in-person event will start at 9 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, located at 2301 S. University Ave. in Little Rock. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/veteran-business-summit.
Kimberly Magee, outreach coordinator for Arkansas PTAC, said the summit will provide “tailored resources” for veteran business owners in the state, including information about no-cost resources and upcoming contracting opportunities with federal agencies in Arkansas.
“It’s important to provide these resources because the public doesn’t generally know how to navigate through the government marketplace,” Magee said.
The summit is presented in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Division of Emergency Management – Arkansas Federal Surplus Property, Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center, The Conductor, SCORE and the U.S. Small Business Administration – Arkansas District. Representatives from these organizations will be present at the summit to help connect attendees with the services they provide, including business counseling, low or no-cost training programs and training and networking opportunities.
Magee said the needs of veteran business owners are unique, and this summit is designed to connect them with resources available specifically to them.
“Veteran small businesses need a tailored pathway,” she said. “Veterans are already aware of government lingo and are therefore natural leaders in the government marketplace.”
In addition to networking with other business owners, the summit will include a small business resource panel, a presentation on veteran small business certifications and a presentation on government contracting opportunities.
“Veterans are our nation’s heroes, and it is our obligation to take care of them and help them succeed,” said Savanna George, extension program technician for the Procurement Technical Assistance Center.
For more information or for assistance with registering, contact the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center at PTAC@uada.edu.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.
Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas touts new legislation for veterans
KUAR | By Josie Lenora
U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas says recently passed legislation and additional measures under consideration will help veterans who over the past few decades have been exposed to toxic waste.
At a roundtable meeting with veterans on Thursday, the senator discussed the “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022.” It was approved with bipartisan support and signed into law last month by President Biden.
The bill aims to give health benefits to veterans exposed to toxic waste.
KUAR News
File photo of U.S. Senator John Boozman who spoke to a veterans group Thursday about legislation intended to help those exposed to toxic waste.
Fayetteville VA Urging All Veterans to Get COVID-19 Vaccine
The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville is again reaching out to enrolled veterans and their families to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, to reduce the spread of the new aggressive Delta variant. Veterans are encouraged to call 1-800-691-8387 ext. 67979 or email Jean.Nelson2@va.gov.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/fayetteville-va-urging-all-veterans-get-covid-19-vaccine
VHSO Registered Nurse Jean Nelson (right), and pharmacist Meredith White are co-coordinating COVID-19 vaccinations.
COURTESY / VHSO
New VA Initiative Expands COVID-19 Vaccinations to All U.S. Veterans
Many millions more U.S. veterans, including those not presently enrolled in VA health benefits, will be able to access no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, under the new Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize all Veterans and Every Spouse Act, or SAVE LIVES Act. Kelvin Parks, medical director of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, explains how the new law will work.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/new-va-initiative-expands-covid-19-vaccinations-all-us-veterans
American flags flutter in front of VHSO Medical Center in Fayetteville.
COURTESY / FACEBOOK/VHSO