National News

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Governor Hutchinson Delivers State of the State Address to the 92nd General Assembly

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“We will do all that is necessary to protect life and to come out of this pandemic with our face looking into the bright days of our future.”

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today delivered his State of the State address to the 92nd General Assembly ahead of the fiscal session. In order to allow room for sufficient social distancing, the Governor delivered the State of the State address from the Senate Chamber in the State Capitol. Members of the House watched the address virtually from their assembly at the Jack Stephens Center. 

In his speech, the Governor addressed the importance of state resources to assist the people of Arkansas in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Governor also reaffirmed his belief in the historical resilience of Arkansans and committed to stand in the gap for Arkansans who have great need in this difficult time. 

“We have learned through this public health emergency about how fragile life can be, but we have also seen courage and compassion of Arkansans in action,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Our nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and EMTs are on the front lines, risking their lives every day. … We see neighbors checking on neighbors, making grocery runs for those who can’t leave their house. Truckers are driving long hours to ensure the supply chain isn’t broken. Others are providing meals on the road so cross-country drivers can have an option to eat. Cafeteria workers are making sandwiches for the kids who count on school meals, and bus drivers are taking the meals to them.

“We may make mistakes, but make no mistake – our eyes are fixed on our next opportunity, our next challenge, and our next future victories. We will do what Americans and Arkansans have always done. We will be strong, and we will prevail.”

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Report: COVID-19’s Impact on Arkansas Economy includes Ag Labor, Supply Chain Disruptions

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As Arkansas grapples with the impacts of #COVID19, our Division of Agriculture economists are #StillOnTheJob breaking down how agriculture, government, and tourism are being affected in Arkansas throughout this crisis. The first impact report of our economy’s vital sectors has been released. Learn about the report: https://bit.ly/Ark-CV-Impact1. (Click on link below)

Report: COVID-19's impact on Arkansas economy includes ag labor, supply chain disruptions

April 7, 2020 By Mary HightowerU of A System Division of Agriculture Fast facts: Both functional food supply chains, Arkansas ag are essential to the state Risk, uncertainty in agriculture are greatly increased by COVID-19 CARES Act may give short-term relief amid losses of local tax revenue In a recession, consumers expected to migrate to less expensive proteins Crop outlook mixed Report available: https://www.uaex.edu/COVID-Ark-Economy (1,038 words)(Download this story in MS Word format here.)(Newsrooms: With additional accompanying graphics at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMrft75) FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.

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COVID-19: A Census Call to Action

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Virus reaffirms need for accurate and representative count in Arkansas

By Kara Wilkins

In the last few weeks, Americans have experienced unprecedented change in their daily lives. For some of us, this rapid shift in routine and lack of contact with our family, friends and colleagues has left us feeling discombobulated and, in certain cases, helpless. Many of us have expressed a desire to help those in need—even if it’s a small act from the comfort of our homes. During this time of anxiety for our state, and our nation, there is one thing we can all do to support our neighbors: complete the 2020 U.S. Census.

Right now, we are seeing our state grapple with the rapid spread of COVID-19. Under the strong leadership of Governor Asa Hutchinson and other elected officials, Arkansas has implemented extraordinary measures to help residents, companies, nonprofits and other organizations weather this national emergency. The state has expedited unemployment benefits, freed up working capital to provide small businesses with bridge loans and suspended SNAP work requirements to get food into the hands of the hungry. These actions, among the many others Arkansas has taken, will help many survive in a time of uncertainty. But they will require significant, and sustained, financial resources.

COVID-19 or not, Arkansas depends on funding from the federal government to succeed. That’s why participation in the U.S. Census is of upmost importance. The information gathered in the census determines the amount of funding we receive for education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential services. Without these federal dollars, our state would not have the resources it needs to operate efficiently, in the height of crises or during times of normalcy. Even a one percent undercount of our state’s population, or approximately 30,000 people, could result in a loss of nearly $1 billion in funding.

To date, 140 million American households have received their first invitations in the mail to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. While we are all at home over the next few weeks, we should visit My2020Census.Gov to complete these forms. Once we’re done, I challenge all of us to tell 20 friends, family members and fellow Arkansans to do it, too. With only 10 questions, it is simple and quick. And, in a time when we’re all practicing social distancing, it requires no human-to-human interaction. In fact, as the U.S. Census Bureau recently noted, “It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.”

COVID-19 may have temporarily limited our abilities to go about our daily lives. But we cannot allow it to stunt our state’s participation in the 2020 U.S. Census. Now more than ever, this virus reminds us of how important it is to ensure an accurate and representative count. By answering a few simple questions, we can help Arkansas receive the federal funding it needs to thrive, now and in the future.

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LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Monday (04.06.20) 1:30PM

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Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, will provide an update to media this afternoon, Monday, April 6, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. Governor Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Monday afternoon, 04/06. Press play button above.

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Advisory for Travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans and All International Locations

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The Arkansas Department of Health has recommended Self Home Quarantine for 14 days for all travelers from the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as those returning from New Orleans and all international locations. This is due to high rates of COVID-19 in those places as well as in a growing number of international locations. In the interest of the public health, all travelers who return from one of these locations are advised to quarantine at home for 14 days, starting from the date they left that location. If you develop fever, cough, or other symptom of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor for advice on where to be evaluated.

You can find details of home quarantine here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-self-home-quarantine

Arkansas Department of Health

We want to keep you informed regarding the novel coronavirus and inform you about how to self home quarantine. If you have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 or traveled from New York state or any international location within the last 14 days, your medical provider will recommend that you home quarantine.

Briefly, home quarantine includes these steps:
* Remain at home and avoid all public activities. This means do not go to work, church, school, stores (including grocery stores), nor any public events or places.
* Do not have visitors in your home.
* If you live in a home with other people, stay in a separate room. If that is not possible, wear a face mask when you are in the same room and stay at least 6 feet away from them.
* Wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Do not share personal items such as dishes, cups, forks, spoons, towels, etc.
* Do not leave your home except to get medical care. If you need to see a doctor for reasons other than a medical emergency, please call your medical provider to discuss the care you need.
* In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. Tell them that you are in self home quarantine for novel coronavirus exposure. Keep a face mask on until a health care provider asks you to remove it.
* Do not use any public transportation (buses, taxis, ride share services, or airplane).
* Check yourself for fever twice a day. This means taking your temperature in the morning and before bed at night. Write it down in a log or piece of paper.

For other COVID-19 questions, visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/novel-coronavirus .

Arkansas Department of Health

Please take steps to protect yourself. The ADH recommends: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.

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Congressional Delegation Supports Governor’s Request for Increased Arkansas National Guard Authority and Funding

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Delegation Members Agree COVID-19 Pandemic Warrants Further Guard Assistance and Support

WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman— urged President Trump to approve Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for additional funding and resources for the Arkansas National Guard in order to support the ongoing response to COVID-19 in the Natural State.

“While the Arkansas National Guard has been able to answer all Requests for Assistance to date, further funding will be necessary to support continued widespread taskings that are expected as patient numbers begin to exceed hospital space,” members wrote in the letter.

Below is the full text of the letter:

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for authority and additional funding under 502(f)(2)(A) of Title 32, U.S.C., for Arkansas National Guard resources to support the response to COVID-19 in Arkansas.

As Governor Hutchinson noted at the time of his request, the state of Arkansas had 738 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and is experiencing community spread in multiple areas, including Little Rock. Unfortunately, we expect those numbers to increase as the disease continues to spread, and the Arkansas National Guard is a critical component of the fight.

The Governor is requesting the following mission assignments for the Arkansas National Guard:

· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard qualified military medics to support COVID-19, drive-thru testing.

· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard medical personnel to provide technical assistance to the Arkansas Department of Health phone center to advise Arkansans on COVID-19;

· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard personnel to assist the Arkansas Department of Health with an immediate re-write of quarantine, isolation, and expanded medical facility build out.

· Emergency Medical Care/Management Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel with Engineering Degrees to assist the United States Army Corps of Engineers in conducting assessments for sites selected as quarantine, isolation, and expanded medical facility build out.

· Management, Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel to assist the Arkansas Department of Health’s Emergency Operations Center to provide logistical support of tracking and delivering needed Personal Protective Equipment.

· Management Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel working in the Arkansas National Guard Joint Operations Center to track Arkansas National Guard missions, personnel, equipment, and providing predictive analysis to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and Arkansas Department of Health.

As noted by Governor Hutchinson, Arkansas is a balanced budget state and faces a $353 million budget shortfall between now and June 30, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. While the Arkansas National Guard has been able to answer all Requests for Assistance to date, further funding will be necessary to support continued widespread taskings that are expected as patient numbers begin to exceed hospital space.

Without this additional assistance and authority, it will be difficult for Arkansas to bare all of the responsibilities it will be facing in the coming months and focus the proper amount of time, energy and financial support necessary to get life back to normal.

The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure expedited evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions. We thank you for the support you have already offered, and respectfully ask for your continued attention and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety of Arkansans.

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Governor Hutchinson Issues Executive Order Requiring  New Protocols for Commercial Lodgings, Short-Term Rentals

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued an executive order mandating new safety measures for commercial lodgings, short-term rentals, and other institutions and operations in order to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today.

“Every day, we review guidance from state and federal health experts and evaluate additional steps we can take to protect Arkansans from the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I am grateful that Arkansans have taken extraordinary efforts to practice social distancing and flatten the curve. It is my hope that these new measures will provide further protection for Arkansans as we prepare for the peak number of COVID-19 cases in our state.”

The Governor has directed that commercial lodgings and short-term rentals, including, hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, only permit occupancy for the following authorized guests:

  • Healthcare professionals;

  • First responders;

  • Law enforcement;

  • State or federal employees on official business;

  • National Guard members on active duty;

  • Airline crew members;

  • Patients of hospitals and their families;

  • Journalists;

  • Persons unable to return to their home due to COVID-19 travel restrictions;

  • Arkansas citizens unable to return to their home due to exigent circumstances, such as fire, flood, tornado, or other disaster;

  • Persons in need of shelter due to domestic violence or homelessness;

  • Employees of hotels, motels, or other service providers/contractors of a hotel or motel;

  • and persons away from their home due to work or work-related travel.

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Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Flattening the Curve

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LITTLE ROCK – Today I want to discuss the steps we have taken together to fight the coronavirus called COVID-19.

Since March 11, the day I signed the Executive Order that declared a public health emergency, our public health team has guided our response and targeted our actions to stop this virus.

I’d like to review a few of the steps we have taken. We have closed schools, bars and the state’s three casinos. We have closed restaurants except for take-out meals. We have shut down barbershops, and hair and nail salons; massage-therapy clinics and tattoo parlors. We have closed fitness centers, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and indoor amusement centers. We have shuttered state park lodges and prohibited camping in the park. I directed state employees to work remotely when possible, and we suggested companies allow employees to work from home. All of these actions mean people have lost their jobs, and this is so difficult to do, and it goes against everything we are trying to accomplish. But these steps are necessary in this public health emergency.

Our measures are more stringent than those in many other states. That is the reason the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arkansas is 400 fewer than our projections. If necessary, we can go farther, but the typical stay-at-home order exempts essential activities and businesses. In many states, essential activities include manufacturing, hardware stores, and legal, accounting, and insurance services. California’s executive order exempts grocery stores, farmer’s markets, convenience stores, banks, and laundromats. Every morning in California, which has one of the strictest orders in place, millions of people leave home for work.

If I initiated a stay-at-home order similar to California’s, more than 700,000 Arkansans would still get up and go to work the next morning. Thousands of others would visit hardware stores, Kroger, Walgreens, and Walmart. But there is another impact that many don’t consider. An order that shut down the state could put a couple hundred thousand people out of work.

At this time, we have not issued a stay-at-home order primarily because most people are making responsible choices. Arkansans are putting the good of the state ahead of personal convenience or comfort, and in many cases, people are sacrificing their financial security. Concert halls, sports arenas, and even churches have closed voluntarily. In theory, we could have ordered all of those places to close. But that wasn’t necessary.

Our targeted actions are working. In Arkansas, even without the stay-at-home order, the rate of growth in the number of cases has flattened. That’s not true in some states that began sheltering-in-place early on.

We’re basing our decisions on scientific data. We can’t be pressured into taking measures simply because all the other states are doing it. When we need to do more, we will. And let me assure you, we will continue to listen our public health experts.

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From the Arkansas Tourism Team

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VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES

It can be hard staying inside during the warm and bright spring days. Plus, finding a family-friendly activity can be hard to manage. Luckily, attractions across Arkansas have risen to the challenge by offering a variety of virtual adventures for you and your loved ones. Those with an appreciation for the arts can enjoy virtual tours of Crystal Bridges. Or perhaps you’re looking for a downtown vibe? Check out Hot Springs’ virtual reality videos on YouTube and take a digital tour of Bathhouse Row.

These are just a few of the many opportunities that await you in the digital realm. There truly is something for everyone--from the arts to history to museums, there are many virtual destinations for several Arkansas attractions just waiting to be explored.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to represent this wonderful state as the new director of Arkansas Tourism. I look forward to our adventures together!

Virtual Experiences

Stuck inside? Don't let that hold you back from discovery. Check out these Arkansas virtual experiences you can enjoy.

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Make the Most of Your Stimulus Benefit

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Many Americans are set to receive money from the government in the form of a stimulus benefit. Dr. Laura Hendrix, Accredited Financial Counselor® and Associate Professor, Personal Finance and Consumer Economics with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service recommends planning now to use your stimulus check wisely by paying bills, paying down debt, and saving for emergencies.

Build savings by starting or contributing to an emergency savings fund. It is more important now than ever. Most personal finance experts recommend an emergency fund with enough to cover at least 2 months and up to 6 months of expenses. An emergency savings fund is your best protection in times of economic uncertainty.

Pay bills to stay current on payments and avoid defaulting. Missing payments can lead to foreclosure or repossession. Late and missing payments lower your credit score, making future credit more expensive and more difficult to obtain.

Pay down debt on credit cards. Paying off credit card debt can free more money in your future budget and save money on interest.

The amount of the stimulus benefit will vary depending on your income and family size. Adults with annual income up to $75,000 will receive $1,200, plus another $500 per child. Benefits will be distributed by check or direct deposit. This online calculator will tell you what your COVID-19 stimulus benefit will be: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/coronavirus-stimulus-chec…/

Also, be aware of scammers who impersonate government officials by phone, email or social media demanding personal and banking information to verify eligibility for the government’s stimulus check.

To keep your stimulus and other financial information safe, only rely on official government websites (.gov) for economic relief information and never give out your personal information over the telephone or by email.

The Cooperative Extension Service is your source for reliable information. We connect trusted research to the adoption of best practices and serve as a promoter of prosperity for Arkansans. For more information, visit our webpage at www.uaex.edu/money. Follow uaexMoney on Facebook for regular updates on financial issues and concerns.

Sevier County Extension agents and our 4-H program assistant are working by telecommuting to follow the social distancing best practices during the COVID-19 crisis. Dana Stringfellow, administrative specialist, will be in the office taking calls. You may call our office at 870-584-3013 to contact agents and we will respond to inquiries.

Also for the latest information on Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) topics follow Sevier County Extension on Facebook. Contact Janet Cantrell, FCS Agent in Sevier County, by email at jcantrell@uaex.edu for more information.

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