View From the Senate

The new year is an election year, and thanks to legislation approved during the regular session earlier this year, the primaries in Arkansas will take place on Tuesday, March 3. Traditionally, Arkansas holds its primaries in May. The legislature passed…

The Arkansas legislature had a very productive year in 2019. During the regular session lawmakers balanced the budget of state government while cutting taxes and reducing the number of state agencies. Act 182 of 2019 is an income tax reduction…

The legislature created the Arkansas Trauma System 10 years ago, with passage of Act 393 of 2009. The trauma system directs emergency responders to the closest hospital that provides the care needed by the trauma victim. That is not always…

Arkansas is one of 16 states whose legislators are working to help families gain access to medical care for a debilitating disorder that can afflict children after a bout of strep throat. It is a neuroimmune disorder commonly known as…

Arkansas has made a strong commitment to making sure that children learn to read at an early age, and the federal government has recognized our efforts with a grant of $38 million to improve literacy. The money will be sent…

Adequately funding public schools is one of the most complex, time-consuming and important duties of the legislature. Making it even more challenging is structuring the school funding formula to address the achievement gap between students from low-income families and those…

The Higher Education Coordinating Board heard a disappointing report about the continuing decline in the number of Arkansas high school graduates who go on to college.   During a recent special meeting, staff from the state Higher Education Department reported…

The state’s child welfare agency has improved its performance over the past three years and continues to make progress, according to its most recent annual report. The Division of Children and Family Services recruits foster parents to care for children…

Earlier this month the state Crime Lab opened a new facility in Lowell, in northwest Arkansas. The opening will speed forensic testing and chemical analysis for law enforcement agencies in the region. It also will relieve pressure on the backlog…

The state Board of Correction has voted to pursue an agreement with Bradley and Drew Counties in southeast Arkansas to set up a private prison.  It would house 500 male inmates, as well as offenders from local county jails. The…