Arkansas judge will allow amended complaint in challenge to new ballot petition law

KUAR | By Hunter Field / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

A Central Arkansas judge is allowing the group challenging Arkansas’ new ballot petition law to amend its complaint before he decides whether to grant the attorney general’s request to dismiss the lawsuit.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Herb Wright wrote in an order this week that he had concerns about whether a sitting state senator and the League of Women Voters of Arkansas had legal standing to bring a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new state law that raises the number of counties where ballot initiative groups must gather signatures from 15 to 50.

“Plaintiff League of Women Voters comes somewhat closer to chinning the bar on proving standing, as the record shows that they have been involved in voter initiatives in the past and may be in the future, including the upcoming November 2024 election,” Wright wrote. “Nonetheless, their argument regarding their standing also falls short. Plaintiffs’ counsel stated for the record that the League is currently involved in two ballot initiatives that would be affected by Act 236, but that fact is not pled in Plaintiffs’ Complaint.”

Arkansas judge will allow amended complaint in challenge to new ballot petition law

Graham Stokes/Ohio Capital Journal

A canvasser in Ohio discusses a ballot initiative to raise the vote threshold to enact new citizen-initiated constitutional amendments.

Arkansas 4-H and Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas host 2024 SeaPerch Challenge; Hope Bragg and family remembered

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — A record number of students participated in the 2024 Arkansas SeaPerch Challenge, held March 1 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The underwater robotics competition welcomed teams from 12 Arkansas counties and one Mississippi county to put their submersible robots to the test.

Arkansas 4-H and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas host the annual competition, which began in 2016. Since then, the program has grown to 66 teams with 241 participating students.

Brad McGinley, Grant County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and director of the Arkansas SeaPerch Challenge, said this growth is due in part to the exciting nature of the program.

“It’s a unique, hands-on project that I think many youth find fun and challenging,” McGinley said. “The fact that it draws on real-world scenarios makes it even more interesting for the participants.”

FOCUSED — The Grant County Aquanauts watch as their teammate Priyam Laxmi puts their ROV back into the water to complete the mission course at the 2024 SeaPerch Challenge. The annual underwater robotics competition is hosted by Arkansas 4-H and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. (Division of Agriculture photo.)  

Rob Roedel, senior director of corporate communications for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, said the organization has also worked to increase program participation.

“The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas have worked to spread the great learning opportunities that SeaPerch provides to the youth of Arkansas,” Roedel said. “Our team is actively working with schools and 4-H groups to provide assistance in purchasing kits and sponsoring the program.”

Participants used more than three dozen parts to design and build their remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, including pieces of pool noodles, electrical tape, 12-volt motors, PVC pipe and 3D-printed parts. Teams then steered their ROVs through an underwater obstacle course and mission course, which was designed to mimic deep-sea exploration.

The overall winning junior, senior, open and wildcard teams will compete at the International SeaPerch Challenge May 31-June 1 at the University of Maryland.

Winning Senior Team:

• Deep Water Vanguard from Grant County: Gavin McGinley, Gracie McGinley and Callen Shaw

Winning Junior Team:

• The Wet Willies from Grant County: Jaxson Andrews, Luke Douthit, Ryleigh Kimbrell and Miley McGinley

Winning Open Team:

• Aquanauts from Grant County: Garrett Key, Priyam Laxmi and Eli Watson

Winning Wildcard Team:

• Submarine Crew from Madison County: Elijah Franklin and Jayden Griffin

Remembering Hope

McGinley said it was important for the event to honor Hope Bragg, former extension instructor in 4-H youth development for the Division of Agriculture, who directed the SeaPerch program last year and was enthusiastic about its growth. On the underwater mission course, which included a door mechanism that teams had to open and close using their ROVs, “Hope” was stamped on the door in signature 4-H green.

Bragg, her husband Don, and their children Kenny, 22, and Elizabeth,19, were killed in a house explosion in Michigan on Dec. 30, 2023. The same blast injured their son Stephen, 16, and Hope’s father, Richard Pruden, 72. Hope’s husband Don was a project leader for the U.S. Forest Service, and their children were active in 4-H.

“Hope Bragg was an amazing person,” McGinley said. “Anyone who knew Hope knew her passion for science, teaching youth and lifelong learning. We wanted to make sure she was honored and remembered for the impact she had on the 4-H program and the lives of youth across the state.”

The Arkansas 4-H Foundation established the Bragg Family Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will benefit a current 4-H member pursuing a college degree in natural resources or STEM-related — science, technology, engineering and math — fields. To learn more about the scholarship or make a donation, visit arkansas4hfoundation.org/ways-to-give/bragg-family-scholarship.aspx.

Working together toward growth

Roedel said it is important for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas to support the mission of the SeaPerch program and Arkansas 4-H.

“The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas’ heritage is closely linked to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, as extension agents were crucial in the establishment of the local electric cooperatives,” he said. “Our two organizations have partnered on many initiatives together over the years. I see the SeaPerch program as another example of the success that can be achieved when 4-H and the cooperatives work together.”

McGinley said the organization is crucial to the success of the SeaPerch program.

“The Electric Cooperatives’ support has been key to the expansion of SeaPerch,” he said. “Not only do they sponsor the Arkansas 4-H SeaPerch Challenge, but their willingness to put SeaPerch kits in the hands of youth across the state has been instrumental in helping more youth become involved.

“The partnership between the Electric Cooperatives and Arkansas 4-H is rooted in a passion for rural Arkansans and their families,” McGinley said. “Together we are making a difference, and we look forward to that partnership only growing stronger in the future.”

Roedel said he hopes to grow the SeaPerch program to attract more students and eventually hold regional competitions and a state championship in Arkansas.

For more information about the Arkansas 4-H SeaPerch Challenge, visit 4h.uada.edu. To learn more about the SeaPerch program, visit seaperch.org/about.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Physical Therapy Class Achieves Remarkable 100% First-Attempt Pass Rate on Board Exams

By David Wise

The most recent cohort of Physical Therapy doctoral students to graduate from the College of Health Professions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) accomplished a remarkable feat by achieving a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam they took in 2023. This accomplishment not only reflects the dedication and hard work of the students but also underscores the excellence of the educational program and the faculty who guide them.

All six graduating classes in the UAMS program have had an overall pass rate of 100%, but this is the second time in the program’s history that a class earned a perfect first-attempt pass rate. The inaugural class achieved the same feat in 2018.

From a national perspective, in 2023 the first-attempt pass rate for all PT programs in the U.S. was 85.4%. The UAMS PT program was 29.8 points higher on the first-attempt exam scores than the average score for all other programs. The UAMS PT programs also leads the state in board exam scores compared to other Arkansas doctoral physical therapy programs.

Physical Therapy Class Achieves Remarkable 100% First-Attempt Pass Rate on Board Exams

Physical therapy doctoral students achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam they took in 2023

Griffin: ‘Private businesses raising rates to match market demand does not constitute price gouging’

LITTLE ROCK – With the start of Consumer Protection Week and the April 8 solar eclipse’s path of totality set to encompass a large portion of Arkansas, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following alert to consumers about expected price hikes, particularly for overnight lodging, around the eclipse:

“With the path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse passing through Arkansas, many businesses are eager to capitalize on the boost in tourism that Arkansas will receive. In many cases that will mean temporary increases in prices, especially for lodging. Private businesses raising rates to match market demand does not constitute price gouging. That does not, however, mean that companies can back out of existing agreements to take advantage of rates brought about by higher demand.

“If you have existing reservations for hotels, event venues or short-term rentals on the day of the eclipse, the business may not cancel the reservation without cause in the hopes of selling the room at a higher rate, nor can they raise the rate after you have confirmed the reservation. Even if the business refunds the deposit, the cancellation may violate consumer protection laws, and the Attorney General may pursue claims for violation of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, including fines of up to $10,000. Additionally, businesses working together to raise prices may be violating the Arkansas Unfair Practices Act.

“The eclipse will be a unique opportunity for many Arkansas businesses to benefit from a large influx of tourists coming to our state, but businesses still have to operate within the law.”

Here are some helpful tips to help you enjoy the eclipse to the fullest:

• Carefully read the terms of reservation agreements you sign; these are binding contracts.
• Know the cancellation policy of your reservation—who can cancel, for what reason(s), and what notice is required?
• Be sure to take note of all fees associated with the reservation.
• Keep all documents associated with the transaction, including contracts, receipts, the written cancellation policy, and other documentation.

For more information or to file a Consumer Complaint, please visit the Office of Attorney General website www.ArkansasAG.gov or call (800) 482-8982.

Arkansas lawmakers renew calls for Corrections Board member’s resignation

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Alonza Jiles is accused of ignoring widespread child sexual abuse while working at The Lord’s Ranch, a now-defunct religious boarding school in north Arkansas. State officials, including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, have called on him to resign from the board.

A large group of state lawmakers held a news conference at the Arkansas State Capitol Thursday renewing their calls for Jiles’ resignation. Senate President Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, said he’s lost confidence in Jiles’ ability to serve on the Corrections Board.

“We all have an appreciation that in the United States of America, in Arkansas, you are innocent until proven guilty. That’s not what this conversation is about,” Hester said. “This conversation is about a Board of Corrections member who has lost public trust. Five lawsuits, over 50 people with significant, serious allegations, are a real distraction for the work that needs to be done.”

Arkansas lawmakers renew calls for Corrections Board member’s resignation

Daniel Breen/Little Rock Public Radio

Arkansas Senate President Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, speaks alongside fellow lawmakers at the Arkansas State Capitol on Thursday.

U.S. crude oil production continues to break records

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States has produced more crude oil than any other nation for the sixth consecutive year. In 2023, the production average of 12.9 million barrels per day exceeded the previous global record of 12.3 million barrels per day, set in 2019.

According to the EIA, the United States set a monthly production record of more than 13.3 million barrels per day in December 2023. The 2023 record set by the United States is unlikely to be broken by another country in the short term because no other country has reached a production capacity of 13 million barrels per day. Saudi Aramco, a state-owned company in Saudi Arabia, recently scrapped plans to increase production capacity to 13 million barrels per day by 2027.

The United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia accounted for 40% of global oil production in 2023. The three countries have produced more oil than any other since 1971. By comparison, the next largest three producers – Canada, Iraq and China – combined produced 13.1 million barrels per day in 2023.

U.S. crude oil production continues to break records

Womack elected to seventh term as chairman of West Point Board of Visitors

Washington, DC—March 7, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) was just reelected to serve as the Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors (BOV). The United States Military Academy BOV is charged with providing independent advice and recommendations on institutional matters, including morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other issues.

Congressman Womack said, “I’m deeply honored to be elected to serve as Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors for my seventh term. My commitment to these cadets grows stronger each year. It’s always special for me when kids in my district join the Long Gray Line. Developing officers of character, dedicated to Army leadership and producing an effective, ready force continue to be among my highest priorities. I’m grateful for my colleagues and our work to help West Point execute their mission of educating and training Army officers committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country.”

Current and future cadets from the Third District of Arkansas:

Class of 2024

Ashton Bailey; Fort Smith

Garrett Chrisman; Cave Springs

Kayden Eckman; Eureka Springs

Pierce Guthrie; Bentonville

Class of 2025

Tysen Barbour; Fayetteville

Leyton Elmore; Fort Smith

Aidan Looney; Bentonville

Gary Phillips; Van Buren

Luke Rucker; Rogers

Kale Sheets; Fort Smith

Class of 2026

Ellery Doyna; Fayetteville

Luke Monk; Fort Smith

Sydney Rhuda; Bentonville

Joey Sta Romana; Centerton

Luke Welcher; Fayetteville

Class of 2027

Carlee Casteel; Rogers

Josiah McCullough; Lowell

Class of 2028

June Dresel; Fayetteville

Tehya Meers; Fayetteville

Board members received briefings on West Point’s academic, physical, and military priorities. Faculty and cadets led discussions on a range of topics, including developing leaders of character, building diverse and effective teams, modernizing readiness capabilities, strengthening partnerships, and the importance of investments in military readiness.

Womack was first appointed to the BOV in 2012 by Speaker John Boehner and subsequently elected BOV Chairman in 2017. He is currently the only congressional representative from Arkansas to serve on the board.

Poultry nutritionist joins Arkansas poultry science faculty

By Jessica Wesson
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Poultry science nutritionist Benjamin Parsons plans to bring his passion to the poultry science department and Center of Excellence for Poultry Science through research.

NUTRITION — Poultry nutrition researcher Benjamin Parsons joined the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science in January. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Jessica Wesson)

Parsons joined the University of Arkansas System’s Center of Excellence for Poultry Science and the poultry science department as an assistant professor in January. In his new role, Parsons carries out research through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Parsons will also teach through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. The Division of Agriculture, with the Bumpers College, provides the traditional land-grant triad of teaching, outreach and research.

“We are very excited to have Ben join the department as a tenure-track assistant professor working in the research focus area of poultry nutrition,” said David Caldwell, poultry science department head and director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. “Our department has made very impactful advances in this field, and we are thrilled to have Ben join us and develop a program that I am certain will be of tremendous value to our industry stakeholders.”

Parsons’ research program will focus on the evaluation of nutrient availability in feedstuffs by determining its digestibility, retention and bioavailability. Bioavailability is the amount of a nutrient that is absorbed in the intestine, transported and used for metabolic functions within the body. He also plans to investigate the ability of feed additives to improve nutrient digestibility and study the effect of dietary components on intestinal secretions and nutrient losses. Parsons said that poultry nutrition research is vital for producers to be able to address industry challenges.

“This research is important for improving the precision by which we feed poultry, to ensure that their nutrient requirements are met and that optimal performance is achieved, while also minimizing the amount of inputs needed per unit of product produced,” Parsons said. “I also want to identify ways in which we can improve the quality of feedstuffs that we need for poultry and increase the availability of nutrients within the diet, while also minimizing wastage of nutrients.”

Parsons received a Ph.D. in poultry science from the University of Arkansas. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

“I’m excited and honored to join the department as a faculty member and do my part to ensure the success of our students and the poultry industry as a whole,” Parsons said. “We have a truly great group of faculty, staff and students, as well as a rich history.”

Caldwell noted that Parsons will also assume responsibility for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in poultry nutrition that are fundamental to the department’s academic program.

“Ben’s background and training make him a perfect fit for this position, and we couldn’t be happier about having him join our faculty,” Caldwell said.

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.

UAMS Hematology Oncology Fellowship Applications Hit All-Time High

By Marty Trieschmann

Applications to the UAMS Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program increased for the sixth consecutive year, hitting an all-time high of 371 applications for five coveted first-year spots.

“It’s quite competitive,” said Kostas Arnaoutakis, M.D., UAMS thoracic medical oncologist and director of the fellowship program for the past three years. “All of the applicants are very qualified with excellent grades, training and a lot of dedication to the field.

Heightened interest in the program is a good sign given the predicted oncology physician shortage and increase in patient care needs. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the growing demand for hematology and medical oncology services could outpace the addition of new doctors entering the field. This increasing demand is largely driven by the aging and retirement of oncologists and improvement in cancer survival rates.

UAMS Hematology Oncology Fellowship Applications Hit All-Time High

Democratic Party of Arkansas aims to regain power after primary elections

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The Democratic Party of Arkansas hosted a watch party Tuesday as results trickled in for primaries across the state. The night is the first step in a year where the Democrats plan to work hard to gain back seats in the state legislature.

Several Democratic incumbents in central Arkansas faced challengers. Like the Republican Party, the Democrats do not take sides in these races, instead preferring to support the political process. Democratic Party of Arkansas Chair Grant Tennille says whoever wins the primary is the best candidate in the general election.

Democrats have become a significant minority in recent years in Arkansas after the state GOP made slow gains to consolidate power. As recently as 2010, Democrats held three national positions representing Arkansas. In early 2015, the governor was a Democrat and the party had decent majorities in both statehouses. Over time, this has changed.

Democratic Party of Arkansas aims to regain power after primary elections

NPR

Representative Hill fights for small businesses to have access to capital

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement after the House passed the Expanding Access to Credit Act, which will expand credit access for small businesses and make it easier for small businesses to comply with regulatory standards.

“As a former entrepreneur and community banker, I understand firsthand the importance of small businesses having fair access to capital to grow. Chairman Patrick McHenry and I have made expanding access to capital a top priority in our committee to ensure entrepreneurs can start and grow their successful business. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and deserve to be helped – not hurt – by their own government.”

Further Background:

 H.R. 2799 - Expanding Access to Capital Act: This legislation would ensure entrepreneurs and small businesses have access to the capital they need to grow.

 Rep. Hill’s legislation, the Remove Aberrations in the Market Cap Test for Target Company Financial Statements Act, was included in this bill. His legislation would clarify that all classes of acquirer’s equity could count towards the market cap test to determine which acquisitions (20%) are “significant” to require target company financial disclosures.

Rep. Crawford Announces Run for Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman

On Wednesday morning, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) announced his candidacy for chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee next Congress.

Congressman Rick Crawford

“Over my 13 years serving on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have developed a close working relationship with stakeholders in the industry and my colleagues on the committee. Through collaborative effort between the two, we’ve developed one of the most efficient and respected committees in Congress, and I hope to build upon this success as chairman,” said Rep. Crawford.

America MOVES, the blueprint which Crawford hopes to enact as chairman, focuses on Mobility, Opportunity, Vision, Efficacy, and Security. The five-prong strategy tackles a variety of matters from ensuring our transportation is moving efficiently to protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

“America MOVES is my plan to address the key issues I see in our infrastructure and transportation systems,” said Rep. Crawford. “It means fixing the areas where we have fallen short, working to address the needs of a modern economy, and protecting this improved system from foreign threats.”

Crawford is the second most senior Republican on the committee and currently serves as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. In his role as subcommittee chairman, he has led hearings and worked on legislation to address supply chain deficiencies and trucking policy.

Prior to becoming chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Crawford was the lead Republican for the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. During that time, he oversaw the government’s response to the Colonial Pipeline hack and fought for strong Buy America provisions in the rail industry.

“Our transportation and infrastructure system impacts every facet of our economy and daily life, from the food you buy at the grocery store, to the clothes on your back, to the airplane flight to grandma’s house for the holidays, to the safe and reliable energy you use to heat your home, and so much more. The work we do on this committee is serious, and it requires a balanced approach from someone willing to work with the other side of the aisle and with hundreds of stakeholder organizations. I plan to lead the committee with strong and effective leadership,” Rep. Crawford concluded.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Pre-fiscal session budget hearings took place at the Capitol this week. The hearings began with the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) presenting the Governor’s recommendation for a balanced budget. The Governor’s proposed budget calls for a 1.76% increase in spending. The greatest proposed increase is directed to education. The budget proposal calls for a $34 million increase to the public school fund, a $4 million increase for career and technical education, and a $65 million increase for Educational Freedom Accounts. The budget also recommends an additional $2 million for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and allocates an additional $3.8 million to fund an additional Arkansas State Police trooper school.

DFA indicated that for the current fiscal year individual income tax collections have been better than expected with $115.6 million over forecast. Sales and Use Tax collections and Corporate income tax collections are also above previous forecasts. DFA anticipates a $240.5 million dollar surplus for the current fiscal year. For Fiscal Year 2025 economic forecasters are expecting net available revenue for the state to reach $6.68 billion. That would be an increase of $245.5 million or 3.8% above FY2024. The economic forecast states that the Arkansas economy remains resilient in labor market indicators with unemployment rates below the US average. Members are reviewing the budget requests from state agencies presented this week. This information will help in drafting appropriation bills. Members can begin pre-filing bills on March 11. The Arkansas General Assembly will convene for the 2024 Fiscal Session at noon on April 10. You can review the bills filed and watch committee meetings and the legislative session at arkansashouse.org.

National Weather Service Severe Weather Briefing

A storm system arriving from the southern Plains will bring additional showers and thunderstorms to Arkansas today and tonight.

• Isolated to scattered severe storms could occur across the southern half to one-third of Arkansas today and tonight. The main concern will be large hail and damaging winds, however a tornado can not be ruled out. The environment will be most unstable (warm/moist) toward the Gulf Coast, and that is where damaging winds/a few tornadoes are most favorable.

• The forecast calls for an additional one-quarter of an inch to over one inch of rain across the state today and tonight. Locally heavier amounts are possible in the south and southeast portions of the state. Any flash flooding should be localized.

• Sub-freezing temperatures possible Sunday morning over portions of Arkansas.

Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service

• Isolated severe storms could occur over western Arkansas today. Large hail would be the main concern.

• Isolated to scattered severe storms could occur across mainly the southern half of Arkansas on Friday. The main concerns will be large hail and damaging winds; however, a tornado or two can not be ruled out. The environment will be most unstable (warm/moist) toward the Gulf Coast, and that is where damaging winds and a few tornadoes are most favored.

• The forecast calls for one to two inches of rain across much of the state, with locally heavier amounts possible in the north. Any flash flooding should be localized.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

From classrooms to healthcare, the state budget has a direct impact on our daily lives. Weeks before the legislative session begins, the General Assembly reviews the state’s current fiscal position and budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year. Budget hearings this year will begin on March 6 and are expected to continue through March 8. These hearings will be held in the MAC building located directly behind the Capitol. The hearings are open to the public and will be live-streamed on our website.

The Department of Finance and Administration will present the Governor’s recommendation for a balanced budget on the first day of budget hearings which will begin at 9 am. After the balanced budget proposal is presented, the Joint Budget Committee will then begin hearing budget requests from state agencies. Historically, the two largest categories of funding are education and human services. Higher education, public safety, and health are also top budget priorities.

The most recent general revenue report released showed net available general revenue at 5.6% below levels from one year ago. After seven months into the fiscal year, net available revenue is above forecast by $231.2 million or 6.0 percent. All of the information gathered during these hearings will help in drafting appropriation bills. Members can begin pre-filing bills on March 11.

The Arkansas General Assembly will convene for the 2024 Fiscal Session at noon on April 10. Fiscal Sessions began after Arkansas voters approved Amendment 86 in 2008. This will be the 8th Fiscal Session held in state history. Fiscal Sessions are held in February in years in which the primary elections are held in May. The Fiscal Sessions begin in April in years, like this year, in which primary elections are held in March. Fiscal Sessions are limited to 30 days unless ¾ of the General Assembly agrees to a one-time extension not to exceed 15 days. You can watch the meetings and find the daily agendas at www.arkansashouse.org.

Boozman, colleagues urge Senate leadership to advance legislation to protect National Security and support Marshallese and all COFA citizens

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) in calling on Senate leadership to support legislation renewing the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. 

Boozman is a long-time advocate for restoring access to federal benefits for COFA citizens legally living in the U.S. The largest population of Marshallese in the continental U.S. resides in Springdale, Arkansas.

Last year, the senator introduced the Compact Impact Fairness Act, legislation to renew eligibility for COFA citizens to receive public benefits they are entitled to.  

Congress has built on the foundation of the Boozman-backed legislation and negotiated a plan to renew the agreement, protect U.S. interests in the Pacific and block the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to expand its corrupting influence in the region.  

Boozman, Manchin, Barrasso and a bipartisan group of senators wrote a letter to Senate leaders urging them to advance the legislation. 

In addition to Boozman, Manchin and Barrasso, the letter is signed by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). 

Full text of the letter is available here and below: 

Dear Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Chair Murray and Ranking Member Collins:

We write in support of legislation to renew the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, including in any legislative vehicle.

Our COFA partnerships are critical to U.S. national security. Failure to pass the renegotiated Compacts as soon as possible imperils our relationships with the Freely Associated States and the entire Pacific Island region, who view the COFA as a barometer of the U.S. commitment to the region. They ensure that we, rather than a nation hostile to U.S. interests, maintain strategic control of the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is engaged in active efforts to undermine Pacific Island nations’ confidence in the United States. Failure to act on COFA opens the door to more corrupting influence and funding by the PRC in the region. The PRC is pursuing military basing and policing agreements in the region and working to undermine recognition of Taiwan, and exerting corrupting influence in several other countries. Without the COFA agreements, these trends would accelerate.

These unique bilateral agreements are the product of nearly four years of negotiations under two Presidential Administrations, and year-long negotiations across eight primary committees of jurisdiction in the House and Senate and multiple others. The resulting bicameral, bipartisan legislation will secure U.S. national security in the Indo-Pacific for the next two decades.

We ask for your support in moving the COFA package forward with the urgency it requires. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

New Census of Ag points out differences in risk protection

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Data in the new Census of Agriculture has pointed out some significant differences in risk management programs for farmers, said Hunter Biram, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The Census of Agriculture, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, offers a very broad snapshot of the farming sector in its 757 pages. The latest version, 2022 Census of Agriculture, was released Feb. 13. The previous version was released in 2017.

The USDA Risk Management Agency’s “Crop Insurance appears to provide more risk protection than the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs offered by the Farm Service Agency,” Biram said.

Hunter Biram: Census shows differences among risk protection options for farmers. (U of A System Division of Agriculture file photo)/td>

Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage, better known as ARC and PLC,  are offered by FSA to provide financial protection to farmers against drops in crop prices or revenues. On the other hand, Crop Insurance, provided by private companies and subsidized by USDA’s Risk Management Agency, provides coverage against production losses due to drought, hail, frost, hurricanes, excessive moisture, fire, insects, plant disease and other causes.

Biram said the differences between ARC/PLC and crop insurance are “indicated by nearly double the average payments per farm for crop and livestock insurance payments — increasing from $26,388 to $52,819 per farm” since the 2017 census.

Another category that saw increases were government payments from conservation programs, as well as loan deficiency and disaster payments.

“Government payments per farm averaged around 55 percent more between 2017 and 2022, increasing from $13,906 to $21,599 per farm,” Biram said.

“This is driven by myriad factors such as the fact that the most popular crop insurance programs offer a farm-level revenue trigger, compared to FSA programs which provide county-level revenue trigger, so you get more specific, more tailored protection from Crop Insurance relative to ARC or PLC,” he said. “Another driver is the fact that Price Loss Coverage payments have waned across all major program crops in recent years, even in rice.

“Soybeans have never received a PLC payment. Corn and Seed Cotton have received a few PLC payments. There is a chance rice and peanuts do not trigger a PLC payment for the third year in a row.,” he said.

PLC is administered by FSA under Title 1, the commodities portion of the Farm Bill, while federal crop insurance is administered by the Risk Management Agency. For a summary of this public-private partnership, see The Structure of the U.S. Crop Insurance Industry.

For a deeper dive, Biram also has a workbook called the Fundamentals of Federal Crop Insurance.

Census history

The first Census of Agriculture was conducted by the Census Bureau in 1840 across 26 states and the District of Columbia. In 1997, the task was transferred to the National Agricultural Statistics Service and now encompasses all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Information in the census can be viewed by national, state and county levels, as well as congressional districts, watersheds and zip codes.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X 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 X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

Restoration volunteers remove 526 pounds of trash from Buffalo National River watershed site

By the U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Even the country’s first National River can find itself the unfortunate victim of illegal dumping, especially as it winds its way through some of the most scenic areas of Arkansas.

On Feb. 22, members of the Cooperative Extension Service and the Nature Conservancy, along with local landowners and volunteers, removed 526 pounds of illegally dumped trash in the upper reaches of the Buffalo National River watershed. The site was located along Highway 21, near Smith Creek Nature Preserve. 

TAKING OUT THE TRASH — On Feb. 22, members of the Cooperative Extension Service and the Nature Conservancy, along with local landowners and volunteers, removed 526 pounds of illegally dumped trash in the upper reaches of the Buffalo National River watershed. The site was located along Highway 21, near Smith Creek Nature Preserve. (Image courtesy John Pennington.) 

The dumpsite was found as part of a litter audit — part of the Buffalo River Watershed Enhancement Project — conducted by the Cooperative Extension Service. Part of the project’s mission is to conduct outreach throughout the watershed area and foster support for the Buffalo River Watershed Management Plan, which will in turn improve water quality in the watershed.

John Pennington, extension water quality educator for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the dumpsite audit showed that the largest percentage of trash by weight was metal, followed by tires, hazardous paper waste and plastic. E-waste, textiles and furniture, glass and wood were also found. Approximately 70 percent of the waste removed from the cleanup was recycled. Cash for the recycled metal totaled $15, which will be put into local 4-H litter removal and recycling efforts.

“The dumpsite we cleaned up was not old or historic like some dumpsites,” Pennington said. “This dumpsite, like many other dumping sites around the state was newer. It will be interesting to see if the dumpsite continues to be used now that it has been cleaned up. The ongoing litter audit throughout the watershed will be able to monitor the littering and dumping rate in the areas.”

The 2023 Buffalo River litter index audit examined eight publicly accessible locations, spanning from the headwaters along Highway 21 down to the Rush access point. It revealed that tires and textiles were the largest items of trash found by weight, with hazardous waste paper, glass, metal and plastic being commonly found. 

“The good news is that all but one of the locations surveyed had less than a pound of trash found at each of them,” Pennington said. “The low amount of trash found at most litter audit sites is likely due to the efforts of local landowners, the National Park Service and visitors doing their part to keep the watershed healthy and clean.”

To participate in future litter audit or voluntary water quality improvement activities as part of the Buffalo River Watershed Enhancement Project, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/environment-nature/water/buffalo-river-project.aspx.

The Cooperative Extension Service has partnered with multiple agencies and organizations, including lead partner The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Arkansas Forestry Division, Buffalo River Conservation District, Searcy County Agricultural Conservation Cooperative, Searcy County and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The partnership project makes hundreds of thousands of dollars in conservation practice funding available to landowners participating in the project each year. To learn more, and if you are a landowner in need of conservation assistance funding, contact your local NRCS service provider and sign up for the Buffalo River Watershed Enhancement Project.

For more information on water quality, watersheds, Arkansas Watershed Stewards Program or the Buffalo River Watershed Regional Conservation Program, check in with your local county extension office.

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.

Gov. Sanders calls on Jiles to resign from Board of Corrections

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

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Thursday (Feb. 29) joined the call from others for Arkansas Board of Corrections member Alonzo Jiles to resign after it was revealed he faces lawsuits alleging that he helped cover up decades of sexual abuse at the Lord’s Ranch.

The Lord’s Ranch Church Camp was located in Warm Springs, Ark., and was open between 1976 and 2016. The facility in 2014 was suspended by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and then the license was revoked by the department’s Child Welfare Agency.

“The accusations against Alonza Jiles are concerning and a distraction from his work and the work of the Board of Corrections. I am calling on Mr. Jiles to resign from his post and allow our state to fully focus on improving community safety and ending the revolving door in our prisons,” Sanders said in a statement issued Thursday.

Gov. Sanders calls on Jiles to resign from Board of Corrections