National News

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AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Improving the Unemployment Benefits System

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LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to a talk about the improvements we’ve made to our unemployment benefits system. I want to assure the thousands of Arkansans who have lost a job because of the COVID-19 pandemic that we are working diligently to get the benefits out the door.

Eighty state employees are answering the telephones at the call center seven days a week from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. Then they work until 6 p.m to make sure applicants are getting what they need.

The Division of Workforce Services has just launched a new one-stop website that will accelerate the process for those who need answers or who need to file an unemployment claim.

ARunemployment.com includes a link to EZARC, where the unemployed can file a claim. The new website will provide regularly updated information regarding COVID-19-related unemployment benefits.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to rearrange almost everything about our lives. As painful as these adjustments have been, they were right and necessary. The health of Arkansans continues to be my highest priority.

As we dealt with the devastating impact of the physical health of Arkansans, we also have had to deal with the economic health of the state and the financial health of thousands of Arkansans who have been thrown out of work.

We have taken some steps to lighten the load for the newly unemployed, including a temporary waiver of the requirement to search for a new job while you receive unemployment.

It is not an exaggeration to say that this health crisis has been a blow to the Arkansas economy. For several years, we have enjoyed business expansion and job creation that produced the lowest unemployment rates in the state’s history.

Then the coronavirus came ashore, and suddenly the unemployment rate has increased significantly.

The current crisis is not over, but it will end. We will recover. This has stalled us, but it hasn’t cracked the solid economic foundation we’ve built through the achievements of Arkansans who have created hundreds of businesses big and small. We have created a business environment that attracts business.

Arkansas is a small state, but we have built a reputation that is bigger than our boundaries and population. We have built a state that is bigger than a historic flood or a worldwide health crisis. The people of Arkansas care for each other.  

As to the future, we will get back to business and growth, but we must continue to follow the public health guidelines to make sure our citizens stay healthy and safe.

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Governor Hutchinson Announces CMS Approval of Additional Pay For Eligible LTSS Direct Care Workers Due to COVID-19 Emergency

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LITTLE ROCK – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Arkansas’s request to use Medicaid funds to temporarily increase the weekly income of long-term services and supports (LTSS) direct-care workers during the COVID-19 public health emergency, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at a news conference today.

On April 8, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) submitted an emergency state plan amendment and two “Appendix K” amendments to cover services provided under the State Plan and agencies in non-institutional settings for people who get care in their homes and communities. With approval from CMS, DHS will be able to make payments retroactive to April 5, 2020.

“CMS’s approval of this request is welcome news for LTSS direct-care workers, who are working long hours to see that our most vulnerable Arkansans are well-cared for during this public health emergency,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “Not only will these funds help ensure continuity of care, the extra pay will alleviate some of the financial stress for the caregivers, who are selflessly serving in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in private homes at increased risk to their own health.”

The additional care continuity pay will go to eligible non-physician direct-care workers employed by or contracted with institutional setting providers, such as nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and assisted living facilities; and agencies in non-institutional settings for people who receive care in their homes and communities. Eligible workers include those who are continuing to provide face-to-face services to this population and include:

  • Registered Nurses

  • Licensed practical nurses

  • Certified nurse aides

  • Personal care aides assisting with activities of daily living under the supervision of a nurse or therapist

  • Home health aides assisting with activities of daily living under the supervision of a nurse or therapist

  • Nursing assistive personnel

  • Direct care workers providing services under home and community-based waiver

  • Intermediate Care Facility direct care staff including those that work for a state-run Human Development Center

  • Assisted Living direct care staff members

  • Hospice service direct care workers

  • Respiratory therapists

The weekly care continuity initiative payments are available to direct care workers as follows:

  • A) work 20-39 hours per week--$125.00

  • B) work 40+ hours per week--$250.00

  • C) work a regularly planned split shift schedule that overlap weeks that equal or exceed 150 hours per month, not including overtime--$250.00/week

If a client has tested positive for COVID-19, the direct care workers in that facility or home and community-based setting, will receive an enhanced payment as follows:

  • A) work 1-19 hours per week--$125.00

  • B) work 20-39 hours per week--$250.00

  • C) work 40+ hours per week--$500.00

  • D) work a regularly planned split shift schedule that overlap weeks that equal or exceed 150 hours per month, not including overtime--$500.00/week

The payments will be made to a facility or agency providers over a period of eight (8) weeks beginning the week of April 5, 2020 and ending May 30, 2020. The providers will pass the full net value (gross amount minus applicable taxes) of the payments to the eligible direct care workers.

The payments will be available to Medicaid-enrolled providers who employ or contract with LTSS direct care workers. This includes nursing homes, ARChoices providers, Personal Care providers, Area Agencies on Aging, Assisted Living Facilities, Hospice providers, CES waiver providers for supported living services, and agencies in non-institutional settings for people who get care in their homes and communities.

“Medicaid is the largest payer source of LTSS, which is why this sector was the focus of this particular part of the waiver,” said DHS Secretary Cindy Gillespie. “In other sectors, especially hospitals and hospital-based providers, Medicaid generally represents the smallest percentage of payment and federal legislation is providing significant targeted relief for hospitals."

Governor Hutchinson has also directed that DHS develop a similar care continuity payment package for non-physician direct care workers in hospital settings that can be presented to the state task force overseeing COVID-19- specific funding that the still will receive.

DHS will send instructions to the providers on how to submit a claim on behalf of their eligible workers. DHS will update its providers as the situation evolves.

Governor’s Office Media Contact: Press Shop (press@governor.arkansas.gov)
DHS Media Contact: Amy Webb, Chief of Communications (Amy.Webb@dhs.arkansas.gov)

If you are not a member of the media and have questions or concerns about COVID-19, you can contact the Arkansas Department of Health at 1-800-803-7847 or visit ar.gov/covid.

COVID-19 Information for Arkansas

Updates from Governor Hutchinson Our state agencies are developing guidance and resources for Arkansans to stay healthy and make informed choices for themselves and their families. These agencies will continue to update their websites with the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.

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Governor Hutchinson Creates Committee To Advise on State’s Post-Peak Response to COVID-19

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced the formation of the Governor’s Medical Advisory Committee for Post-Peak COVID-19 Response. The committee, established by Executive Order 20-17, will identify the criteria to guide public health strategy after Arkansas reaches the peak of COVID-19 cases.

The committee will examine testing capabilities and social distancing protocols and make any recommendations necessary to avoid a resurgence of COVID-19. Dr. Nathaniel Smith, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), will serve as the committee chairman.

Members of the Governor’s Medical Advisory Committee for Post-Peak COVID-19 Response are:

  • Dr. Nathaniel Smith – Secretary of ADH (Chair)

  • Dr. Jose Romero – ADH Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)/Arkansas Children’s Hospital

  • Dr. Naveen Patil – ADH Medical Director for Infectious Disease

  • Dr. Jennifer Dillaha – ADH State Epidemiologist

  • Dr. Austin Porter – ADH Deputy Chief Science Officer and Assistant Professor at the UAMS College of Public Health

  • Dr. Greg Bledsoe – Surgeon General of Arkansas

  • Dr. Jerrilyn Jones – ADH Medical Director for Preparedness and Response and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UAMS

  • Dr. Sam Greenfield – ADH Medical Director for Family Health and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAMS

The committee will provide its first briefing to the Governor later this week.

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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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