Representatives Hill and Gottheimer introduce bill to protect credit score of American hostages or wrongful detainees

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) introduced the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act to safeguard the credit score of American hostages or wrongful detainees. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) recently introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

Rep. Hill said, “Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad already have so much to worry about when they arrive home after this unimaginable situation. I thank my colleague Rep. Gottheimer for joining me in leading our legislation that makes it easier for these Americans to get their lives back on track and some sense of normalcy.”

Rep. Gottheimer said, “After being held for days, weeks, and months by terrorists and our adversaries, facing unimaginable horrors, and making it home, the last thing Americans should have to worry about is a hit to their credit score. That's why I'm proud to lead the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act with my colleague Congressman French Hill.”

Sen. Tillis said, "It’s crazy to think an American held hostage in a foreign nation could return to a ruined credit score and financial turmoil because of their inability to make timely payments. This commonsense legislation ensures that Americans wrongfully detained abroad can move forward without worrying about how a poor credit score impacts their financial future.”

Sen. Coons said, “Americans who have been wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad shouldn’t have to worry about their credit score when they come home, and the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act will ensure they don’t have to. I applaud Representatives Hill and Gottheimer for introducing this critical, bipartisan legislation in the House, and I’ll continue to support American hostages and their families when they come home.”

Further Background:

H.R. 9830 - Fair Credit for American Hostages Act: This legislation stipulates that if a former detainee or hostage provides authenticated documentation of their detention, then the credit bureaus must strike adverse information from the time of their detention. 

UAMS College of Nursing’s Undergraduate Programs Ranked 74th in Nation by U.S. News & World Report

By Chris Carmody

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing ranks among the nation’s 100 best undergraduate nursing programs, according to a list released today by U.S. News & World Report.

UAMS climbed 12 spots in the annual ranking, tying for 74th out of 686 programs evaluated by the publication. It was the only Arkansas institution in the top 100.

U.S. News & World Report conducted its evaluations through surveys from top academic and nursing school officials, who rated BSN programs they were familiar with on a scale from 1 to 5. Schools on the list were required to have a bachelor’s-level accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and they needed to have recently awarded at least 50 BSN degrees.

UAMS College of Nursing’s Undergraduate Programs Ranked 74th in Nation by U.S. News & World Report

The UAMS College of Nursing’s undergraduate programs climbed 12 spots in this year’s ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is fast approaching.  If you are not already registered, you have until Monday, October 7 to turn in your registration form. The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on November 5. 

Early voting begins on October 21. Polls for early voting will be open between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday. Early voting ends at 5:00 pm on the Monday prior to the election.  

Voting is a cornerstone of democracy, a fundamental right that empowers citizens to influence the direction of their government and society. It gives Arkansans a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their daily lives. When Arkansans participate in elections, they express their opinions on critical issues, ensuring that their values and priorities are represented. 

Submitting your voter application at a state agency, in a voter registration drive, or through the U.S. Postal Service does NOT guarantee your registration. You should follow up on the status of your registration just as you would on any other personal business matter. Before considering yourself a registered voter, you must receive an acknowledgment of your registration from the county clerk. Feel free to call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. You may also check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org. 

Voter registration applications may be found at sos.arkansas.gov. If you are registering to vote by mail you must provide either your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on your Arkansas Voter Registration Application, or check the box in #9 on the application to indicate that you do not possess either a driver’s license or Social Security number.

We encourage you to verify your registration and make plans now to cast your ballot.

Cotton, Rubio, Hawley introduce legislation to end permanent normal trade relations with China

Senator Tom Cotton

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) today introduced The Neither Permanent Nor Normal Trade Relations Act to end Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with China.

“China’s Permanent Normal Trade Relations status has enriched the Chinese Communist Party while costing the United States millions of jobs. This comprehensive repeal of China’s PNTR status and reform of the U.S.-China trade relationship will protect American workers, enhance our national security, and end the Chinese Communists’ leverage over our economy,” said Senator Cotton.

Senator Marco Rubio

“Giving Communist China the same trade benefits that we give to our greatest allies was one of the most catastrophic decisions that our country has ever made. Our country’s trade deficit with China more than quadrupled, and we exported millions of American jobs. Ending normal trade relations with China is a no-brainer,” said Senator Rubio.

Senator Josh Hawley

“More than two decades ago, Washington elites granted China most favored nation trading status, enabling Beijing to exploit our working class. Congress must revoke this sweetheart deal to protect American workers from our greatest adversary and to bring back the millions of manufacturing jobs shipped overseas,” said Senator Josh Hawley.

Text of the bill may be found here.

The Neither Permanent Nor Normal Trade Relations Act would:

• End PNTR for China.

• Phase-in tariffs for Chinese products over five years, including 100% tariffs for goods determined to be important to national security. 

• Empower the President to create supplementary quotas and tariffs to phase out Chinese imports and to institute overriding bans on specific Chinese goods.

• End de minimis treatment for covered nations—including China—and require customs brokers for other de minimis shipments.

• The revenue produced will go towards farmers and manufacturers injured by potential Chinese retaliation, the purchase of key munitions important to a Pacific conflict, and paying down the debt.

Sanders Announces Sam Dubke as Communications Director

Sam Dubke (courtesy of Sam Dubke)

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that Sam Dubke will serve as her new Communications Director. Dubke previously served as Sanders’ Deputy Communications Director and Speechwriter.
 
“Sam is an efficient and effective communicator who has been alongside me since I first entered office,” said Governor Sanders. “He brings political and public sector experience and, in his new role, he’ll lead a talented team and continue to help me communicate my bold, conservative agenda to Arkansans across the state.”
 
Sam Dubke Biography:
 
Sam Dubke joined the Governor’s staff as Deputy Communications Director and Speechwriter in February of 2023. Previously, Dubke worked as a speechwriter for Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and on the communications teams for the Youngkin for Governor and Trump 2020 campaigns. Dubke is a Georgetown University graduate.

Pharmacy benefit managers will have to pay Arkansas drugstores dispensing fees under new rule

KUAR | By Tess Vrbin / Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas Insurance Department will require pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to include dispensing fees in their reimbursements to pharmacies for prescription drugs, a legislative panel ruled Thursday.

The new rule will financially benefit pharmacies, especially independently-owned ones in rural areas, as a remedy for years of unfair PBM reimbursements that put them at risk of closing, pharmacists and Insurance Department officials told the Arkansas Legislative Council’s Executive Subcommittee.

PBMs are companies that serve as middlemen to negotiate prescription benefits among manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies and health insurance providers. The companies rank prescription drugs, with the highest-tiered products costing consumers the lowest out-of-pocket costs.

Pharmacy benefit managers will have to pay Arkansas drugstores dispensing fees under new rule

UCA President discusses changes coming to higher ed, ‘enrollment cliff’

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

University of Central Arkansas President Dr. Houston Davis has helped guide the Conway-based university to some solid enrollment gains over the last four years. Earlier this fall, UCA welcomed one of its largest incoming freshman classes with 2,183 students, marking a 26% increase in incoming students from fall 2023, according to preliminary data.

The incoming freshman class represents the largest year-to-year increase in at least 25 years with 446 more students over last year. This cohort of 2,183 is the second-largest incoming freshman class among all Arkansas four-year universities for the ninth consecutive fall.

Overall enrollment for fall 2024 at UCA is 10,123 which is a 3.4% gain from the previous year. New graduate and transfer students, as well as the incoming freshman class, helped to fuel overall growth at the university.

UCA President discusses changes coming to higher ed, ‘enrollment cliff’

UAMS Researcher to Develop Supervision Strategy for Addiction Treatment Programs

By Kev' Moye

Jure Baloh, Ph.D., MHA, assistant professor in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health’s Department of Health Policy and Management, is leading a study designed to develop and pilot a supervision strategy to support management and staff of addiction treatment programs.

The three-year project launched in August. It’s funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse for nearly $700,000. The study will provide the foundation for a large-scale test of the strategy in the future.

“We’re trying to develop a system for addiction treatment facility supervisors to help support their counselors,” Baloh said. “That way, supervisors and staff can feel empowered and have the tools to help them do their jobs well. We think this approach can also help reduce the rates of burnout. We want to solve those issues.”

UAMS Researcher to Develop Supervision Strategy for Addiction Treatment Programs

Jure Baloh, Ph.D., MHA, assistant professor in the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, is the lead investigator on a research project that will aim to support the management and staff of addiction treatment programs.

Ceremony marks operational opening of foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

With sounds of construction and activity in the background, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) on Friday (Sept. 20) held a “proof of concept” ceremony at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith that essentially opens the foreign pilot training center for business.

Ebbing, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The preliminary decision to locate the training center in Fort Smith was made in June 2021.

The original plan for the base to support 36 planes has been amended to accommodate 46 fighter jets. Recent estimates indicate the cost of the base when fully operational could be up to $1 billion and produce a $450 million annual economic impact for the region and state. Estimates are that 1,500 military personnel and family members will be associated with the new center once it is fully operational.

Ceremony marks operational opening of foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith

Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of the USAF Air Education and Training Command (AETC), talks to the media Friday (Sept. 20) at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith.

Cotton, Boozman to Young and Su: All people should have the opportunity for dignified work

Shalanda Young - Creator: Carlos Fyfe | Credit: White House

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today wrote a letter to OMB Director Shalanda Young and Acting Secretary of labor Julie Su regarding troubling reports that the Department of Labor (DOL) is considering a new rule that would abolish the 14(c) program wherein individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities can find employment and resources in a supervised setting. The Senators stated that all people deserve to have the opportunity for dignified work, and reiterated to Director Young and Acting Secretary Su that any attempt to disrupt this program without Congressional authorization would be illegal. 

Julie Su - U.S. Dept of Labor

In part, the senators wrote:

“All people, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity for dignified work. The 14(c) program does not limit the ability of disabled workers to engage in competitive employment. It merely provides those with difficulties in a traditional work environment the opportunity to engage in meaningful work. It provides many vulnerable Americans with a sense of accomplishment and provides their families and caretakers with time to complete activities necessary for the functioning of their households.”  

Full text of the letter may be found here and below.

September 20, 2024

Shalanda Young 

Director

Office of Management and Budget 

725 17th St NW

Washington, DC 20503

Julie Su

Acting Secretary 

Department of Labor

200 Constitution Ave NW 

Washington, DC 20210

Dear Director Young and Acting Secretary Su,

I write regarding troubling reports that the Department of Labor (DOL) is considering a new rule that would abolish the 14(c) program. Any changes to the 14(c) certificate program rests with Congress and not DOL.

Since 1938, the DOL has provided intellectually and developmentally disabled Americans the opportunity to engage in meaningful work through Section 14(c) certificates. According to the Washington Post, despite these longstanding statutes, and no legislative reforms, the DOL is considering a new rule that would be the "regulatory equivalent of abolition of 14(c) programs."

All people, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity for dignified work. The 14(c) program does not limit the ability of disabled workers to engage in competitive employment. It merely provides those with difficulties in a traditional work environment the opportunity to engage in meaningful work. It provides many vulnerable Americans with a sense of accomplishment and provides their families and caretakers with time to complete activities necessary for the functioning of their households.

Regardless of any policy objections the administration might have with the 14(c) program, it must be enforced according to the law. Former Secretary Marty Walsh, the last Senate-confirmed Secretary of Labor, agreed that changes to the program rest with Congress, rather than the DOL. Any efforts to make it functionally unworkable without Congressional authorization would be illegal.

Before deciding on the legality of these proposed changes to 14(c), please answer the following questions:

1. Where in the Fair Labor Standards Act and accompanying amendments does the DOL find the legal authority to make significant changes to this program, especially considering the Supreme Court's recent decision to end agency deference in Loper Bright Enterprises .v Raimondo?

2.How many disabled Americans would lose their jobs at sheltered workshops if 14(c) certificates were phased out?

3.Has the DOL considered the secondary effects of these individuals losing their jobs, such as their families needing to provide caretaking services during working hours, rather than working themselves or performing necessary functions for their households? If so, provide the details of that analysis.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 

Sincerely,

###

UAMS Researchers Find Health Care Providers’ Advice Matters to Those Hesitant about Vaccines

By David Wise

FAYETTEVILLE — Health care provider recommendations for vaccines are critical for reaching vaccine-hesitant individuals, particularly regarding COVID-19, influenza and HPV vaccination, according to researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

According to several studies published this summer, researchers at the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation found that hesitant people who received a provider recommendation had significantly greater odds of being vaccinated than hesitant people who did not.

“Provider recommendations matter a lot, especially when patients are hesitant, because it can considerably increase the odds of a person becoming vaccinated,” said Don Willis, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the Institute for Community Health Innovation. “However, not enough people who are hesitant are getting provider recommendations, so hopefully these findings can help health care providers increase vaccine recommendations to their patients.”

UAMS Researchers Find Health Care Providers’ Advice Matters to Those Hesitant about Vaccines

Legislators express support for land-grant research, extension work in Arkansas

HARRISBURG, Ark. — Increasing funding for land-grant work in Arkansas agriculture may take some persuasion, considering how few legislators have ties to agriculture or understand the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s impact in every Arkansas county.

State Sen. Ron Caldwell of Wynne, one of the speakers at the Aug. 30 grand opening of the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center, said, “I think everyone’s surprised at how nice this facility really is. The real issue for us is to find out how much money it’s going to take to run this.”

State Sen. Ron Caldwell speaks during a joint meeting of the House and Senate ag committees on Aug. 30, 2024. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

“We have 100 House members and 35 in the Senate, and only about 10 percent of the legislature has rice in their district,” he said of the Arkansas Legislature. “In fact, out of 135 members in the Legislature, we only have one rice farmer: Senator Blake Johnson from Corning.

“We are committed to outreach and education,” Caldwell said. “One of the first outreaches we need to make is our own legislative elected officials, because they need to understand how important rice is to the state and to the country.”

Arkansas is the nation’s top rice grower, producing nearly half of the crop.

“It's amazing the economic impact rice has,” he said. “We as a legislature are going to do our best to fund the Division of Agriculture and our extension service.”

Deacue Fields talks to the joint ag committee about the economic impact of ag in Arkansas. Taken Aug. 30. 2024, at the grand opening of the NE Rice Research and Extension Center at Harrisburg, Arkansas. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Mary Hightower)

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is responsible for two of the three traditional land-grant missions: agricultural and food research through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and outreach and knowledge transfer through the Cooperative Extension Service, which has offices in all 75 counties. The third mission, teaching, is conducted by the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, which is part of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Before the grand opening ceremony, Deacue Fields, vice president-agriculture and head of the Division of Agriculture, gave a presentation about the division, its work, its funding and the return on investment to Arkansas’ economy.

Importance of ag research

Fields recalled that meeting while addressing the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees on Sept. 12.

“I was asked by someone at the meeting, ‘How does an institution — who has no tuition, who has no income stream, who can't be bonded — how do you build an 18-and-a-half million-dollar center?’

“It’s based on our relationships, our research reputation, and leveraging our resources, so our relationship with the state and our Rice Research and Promotion Board led to a $16 million investment in this center,” Fields said. “Our research reputation led to our industry partnering with us and adding additional funding for the building.”

Fields said the division also added $1 million to the project.

He underscored the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy and talked about the return on investment to the state. For example, ag contributes about $4,530/per capita to state’s economy.

“Farmers last year contributed $14 billion the state’s economy,” Fields said, noting that figure did not include the $450 million contributed by the forestry industry.

“From 2017 to 2022, Arkansas farm gate sales grew by $4.25 billion,” he said. “To put that in perspective, Louisiana's entire industry is $4.8 billion. So, our growth in five years almost totals Louisiana’s total industry.”

“We are able to document that the growth in the industry is highly correlated to the research and discoveries that have happened through the Division of Agriculture,” Fields said. “We did a benefit cost analysis strictly on rice. We estimate that $91 million annually going toward the economy from rice research. That’s a $28.5 to $1 benefit cost ratio.”

Caldwell urged his fellow lawmakers to pursue funding for the Division of Agriculture, noting the last recurring funds increase — $3 million annually — came in 2017.

“So, if we give them an increase, and maybe it will be [20] ’25 before they get this, it will be eight years since they had an increase,” Caldwell said. “Inflation is killing them. This is something we’re going to have to address. But the Legislature is going to have to take the ball and run with it.”

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 us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Tyson Foods sued over ‘climate-smart’ product claims

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Environmental Working Group (EWG) has sued Tyson Foods over the company’s “climate-smart” claims. The civil suit was filed Sept. 18 in the District of Columbia Superior Court and backed by animal rights and environmental groups such as the Animal Legal Defense Fund, FarmSTAND and Earthjustice.

The suit claims Springdale-based Tyson is making false claims under the Consumer Protection Procedures Act in the District of Columbia because consumers are looking for these “greener products”.

“Tyson knowingly capitalizes on these well-intentioned preferences in advertising in numerous outlets a pledge to achieve ‘net-zero’ climate emissions by 2050 and marketing ‘climate-smart’ beef,” the lawsuit noted.

Tyson Foods sued over ‘climate-smart’ product claims

Bruce Westerman and colleagues introduce resolution recognizing October 2024 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month

Today, Congressional Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) introduced a resolution recognizing October 2024 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month.

Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the companion resolution in the U.S. Senate.

“Although millions of students face the social stigmas and learning challenges related to dyslexia every day, dyslexia rarely receives the proper attention it deserves. This important resolution recognizing October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month is an important step in ensuring educators and parents are aware of the prevalence of dyslexia and empowered to get their students the learning resources they need,” said Congressional Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair Westerman.  “I am proud to support this resolution once again, and I thank Senator Cassidy and my fellow Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair, Congresswoman Brownley, for making this a bicameral and bipartisan issue.”

“I began my career in public service to ensure that all children, including individuals with dyslexia like my daughter, have the resources and positive learning environments to live up to their full potential," said Congressional Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair Brownley. “In recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month, we are bringing much needed attention to the challenges people with dyslexia face and, more importantly, reaffirming our commitment to providing them with the support they need to thrive. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Westerman and my colleagues to raise awareness and help those with dyslexia to succeed.” 

“Dyslexia impacts one in five Americans. With an early diagnosis by the end of kindergarten or beginning of the first grade, these students won’t be left behind and can reach their full potential,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This National Dyslexia Awareness Month, we raise dyslexia awareness and continue to our work to ensure these bright children have the resources to achieve their dreams.”    

“Dyslexia impacts individuals in West Virginia and all across our country, which is why it is so important that we recognize the substantial challenges it poses to students and adults. I’m proud to join my colleagues once again to introduce this resolution, which will help us raise awareness around the need for early screening, diagnosis, and evidence-based solutions,” said Senator Capito. 

"Identifying dyslexia in early childhood is crucial to ensuring students in Maine and across the country are being properly prepared for a lifetime of reading and learning,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan resolution seeks to raise awareness of the problems associated with a lack of dyslexia testing for American students which has left countless unidentified dyslexic students to struggle silently in their education.” s in Maine and across the country are being properly prepared for a lifetime of reading and learning,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan resolution seeks to raise awareness of the problems associated with a lack of dyslexia testing for American students which has left countless unidentified dyslexic students to struggle silently in their education.” 

Read the full text of the resolution here

Arkansas AG certifies education coalition’s 2026 ballot proposal

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Arkansas’ attorney general on Thursday approved for the 2026 ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would require public and private schools that receive state funds to be held to the same standards.

The constitutional amendment is backed by For AR Kids, a ballot question committee that failed to collect enough signatures to qualify an identical measure for the 2024 ballot. Attorney General Tim Griffin in July certified two other measures for the 2026 ballot that target government transparency and eliminating the sales tax for feminine hygiene products. Those proposals also failed to qualify for the 2024 election.

Griffin rejected For AR Kids’ initial 2026 submission in August because it did not include the full text of the measure as required by law. The committee resubmitted the full proposal last week.

Arkansas AG certifies education coalition’s 2026 ballot proposal

John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate

Bill Kopsky, executive director of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, talks about the governor’s proposed education legislation during a rally on Feb. 15, 2023. Groups concerned with public education rallied, on the steps of the State Capitol.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces appointees

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the following appointments: 

Arkansas Beef Council

Michael McMillan, Hot Springs Village, to the Arkansas Beef Council.  Term to expire March 30, 2026. Replaces Terry Laster.

Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board

Richard Baxter, Cabot, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026.  Reappointment.

Robert Glennon, Lonoke, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Kenneth Francis.  

Bradley Graham, Portland, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Reappointment.

Steven Kueter, Paragould, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Reappointment.

Greg Moyers, Portland, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2025. Reappointment.

Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board

Lendol Falwell, Newport, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Term to expire July 1, 2026.  Reappointment.

William Galloway, Augusta, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Term to expire July 1, 2026. Previously vacant position.

Arkansas Early Childhood Commission

Shelli Henehan, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission. Term to expire June 30, 2025. Replaces Cheri Smith.

Arkansas Forestry Commission

Mary Clapp, El Dorado, to the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2028. Replaces Robert Parkes.
 
Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board

Tim Hill, Springdale, to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Reappointment.

Brad Moore, Marion, to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Replaces Damon Reed.

John Neal, Harrison, to the Arkansas Local Police and Faire Retirement System Board. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Reappointment.

Jared Zeiser, Hot Springs National Park, to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board. Term to expire December 31, 2026. Replaces Andrew Branch.

Arkansas Public Defender Commission

Jason Wales, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas Public Defender Commission. Term to expire July 1, 2029. Replaces John Mikesch.

Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board

Joshua Cureton, Cash, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2025. Reappointment.

Boyce Johnson, Maumelle, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Shannon Davis.

Matthew Roberson, Wynne, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026.  Replaces Russell Smith.

BJ Rogers, Ward, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2025. Previously vacant position.

Matt Smith, Blytheville, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Douglas Hartz.

Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board

Becton Bell, Wilson, to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Joe Christian.

Carl Phillips, Walnut Ridge, to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces John King.

Paul Schwarz, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Roger Pohlner.
 
Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Heidi Jansen, Little Rock, to the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Replaces Colleen Sears.

Child Welfare Agency Review Board

Andrew Baker, Searcy, to the Child Welfare Agency Review Board. Term to expire March 1, 2027. Replaces Andrew Watson.

Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission

Douglas Elms, Rogers, to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission. Term to expire June 30, 2030. Replaces Sam Seamans.

Oil and Gas Commission

Phillip Norvell, Fayetteville, as Special Commissioner, to hear Docket No. 050-2024-09.

Ryan Stacks, Damascus, as Special Commissioner, to hear Docket No. 050-2024-09.

Osteopathic Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board

Dr. Samuel Moore, Little Rock, to the Osteopathic Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, who shall also serve as vice-chair. Term to expire July 1, 2027. New Position.

State Plant Board

Nathan Reed, Marianna, to the State Plant Board. Term to expire October 1, 2028. Reappointment.

Bruce Alford, Lewisville, to the State Plant Board. Term to expire October 1, 2028. Reappointment

Calhoun County Quorum Court

Michael Gardner, Hampton, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 9, for Calhoun County. Term expires December 31, 2024. Fulfills the remaining term of James Scarlett.

Johnson County Quorum Court

Evert Breeden, London, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 10, for Johnson County. Term expires December 31, 2024. Fulfills the remaining term of Jeremy Hatchett.

Pope County Quorum Court

Charles Tripp, Russellville, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 10, for Pope County. Term expires December 31, 2024.  Fulfills the remaining term of Allan George.

Attorney General Griffin's Family Dollar rat infestation lawsuit to proceed

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement after a Pulaski County Circuit judge yesterday denied a motion to dismiss Griffin’s lawsuit against Family Dollar for violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (ADTPA):

Anamalia Bio Image

“I applaud the court’s decision to permit this case to proceed. Family Dollar knew about the prevalent rodent infestation in its West Memphis distribution center and failed to warn Arkansas consumers that the goods they were purchasing had been exposed to thousands of rodents. I will continue to vigorously pursue this matter to hold Family Dollar accountable for these unconscionable acts.”

Between 2020 and 2022, Family Dollar’s West Memphis distribution center had a massive rodent problem. Between March 2021 and January 2022, 3,400 rodents were removed after state and federal inspectors intervened. The Office of the Attorney General sued Family Dollar for multiple violations of the ADTPA as well as negligence, strict liability, and unjust enrichment.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas accepted a guilty plea from Family Dollar in a federal criminal case related to rat infestation. Part of the plea agreement was a fine and forfeiture of more than $41 million.

To read the ruling, click here.

For a printer-friendly version of this release, click here.

U.S. Department of Energy awards $225 million to lithium efforts in Southwest Arkansas

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Standard Lithium Ltd. and Equinor announced Friday (Sept. 20) that its jointly-owned U.S. subsidiary, SWA Lithium LLC has been selected for up to $225 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

This selection is one of the largest ever awarded to a U.S. critical minerals project and is part of the second wave of funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing of all segments of the battery supply chain and increasing production of critical minerals in the U.S.

None of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation voted in favor of the IIJA. The provisional grant is dependent on completing successful final negotiations with the DOE.

The $225 million funding by the DOE will support the construction of the Central Processing Facility for Phase 1 of the Southwest Arkansas project, which is being designed to annually produce 22,500 tonnes of battery-quality lithium carbonate.

U.S. Department of Energy awards $225 million to lithium efforts in Southwest Arkansas

Boozman Thanks Regional Economic Development Commissions for Support of Communities, Pushes to Simplify Grant Application Process

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded the assistance of federal regional commissions to communities in Arkansas and across the country, particularly in the wake of natural disasters and other economic challenges, in a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee.

Boozman, a senior EPW Committee member, went on to urge witnesses from five federal-state partnership entities to help simplify federal grant applications in order to help state and local governments more readily access funds Congress intended for their use.

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“Your budgets aren’t very great, but those dollars you have, being able to intervene and really knowing the communities you’re serving makes a huge difference,”Boozman said. “In recent years Arkansas has been devastated by natural disasters from tornadoes and wind to historic flooding along the Arkansas River. The impacts of which are still being dealt with. Once the dust has settled and the rubble has been cleared, communities struggle to continue growth and retain residents.”

Boozman also cited the difficulty small, rural localities like Mountainburg, Arkansas face in applying for federal grants to help fund projects like expanding water infrastructure to deliver safe, reliable drinking water to residents. 

“It shouldn’t be that, if you have a good education, you have to hire a $30,000 grant writer in a very, very small community,” Boozman said. “I hope we can all work together on this. There’s no excuse for making things so very difficult.”

Arkansas Governor Sanders, ANRC Announce an Additional $80 Million for Arkansas Water Project

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced an additional $83,443,495 in financial assistance for nine water and wastewater projects. The projects serve more than 271,786 Arkansans. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on September 18, 2024.

“My administration is working hard to improve Arkansas’ water systems, and the additional $80 million in funding we’re announcing today will help communities around the state,” said Governor Sanders. “It is critical Arkansans have access to safe drinking water.”

“While we often take it for granted, adequate water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to the quality of life of every Arkansan and the sustainability of communities and industries throughout the state. Since day one of her administration, water has been a top priority for Governor Sanders and we are thankful for her continued leadership that will ensure that our state maintains our attractive high quality of life and is well positioned in the future,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.

The projects receiving funding are below:

• Arkansas Environmental Training Academy in Camden is receiving a $232,840 grant from the Clean Water Revolving Fund for wastewater operator training.

• Central Arkansas Water in Pulaski County is receiving an $80,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 156,000. This is an increase in funding to the existing Jack H. Wilson Treatment Plant improvement project.  

• Magazine in Logan County is receiving a $2,046,080 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 391. This is an increase in funding for the existing wastewater collection and treatment rehabilitation project.

• Mountain Top Suburban Improvement District No. 66 in Garland County is receiving a $570,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 67. This is an increase in funding for the existing wastewater treatment plant project.

• Newton County on behalf of Compton Water Association is receiving an $83,070 loan from the Water Development Fund to rehabilitate their 100,000-gallon standpipe. The project serves a current customer base of 348.

• Newton County on behalf of Nail-Swain Water Association is receiving two $74,160 loans totaling $148,320 from the Water Development Funds to rehabilitate two water tanks. The project serves a current customer base of 379. 

• Tri-County Regional Water Distribution District in Pope County is receiving a $363,185 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 8,101. This is an increase in funding for the existing project for wastewater collection and treatment rehabilitation.

Two entities received approval for a scope modification to their existing projects without any changes to the funding:

• Helena-West Helena, Phillips County, previously received an $11,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in February 2024. The project serves a current customer base of 5,500. 

• Lonoke White Public Water Authority in Cleburne County previously received a $12,970,441 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund in January of 2023. The project serves a current customer base of 101,000. 

In August, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the first phase of the Arkansas Water Plan has been completed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Along with state partners, Governor Sanders has provided over $2.5 billion for water development projects in all 75 counties using state and federal funds.