April 2024 Headlines & Reports
Things to know when the Arkansas Legislature convenes to take up a budget and other issues
Associated Press
4/6/24
Arkansas lawmakers convene this week to consider Governor Sanders' proposed $6.3 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes increases in education spending. Alongside budget discussions, adjustments to a law on cryptocurrency mining and temporary changes to state employee pay plans are expected to be addressed, while the possibility of further tax cuts remains uncertain.
Arkansas Supreme Court affirms dismissal of ballot-counting lawsuit
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
4/4/24
The Arkansas Supreme Court upheld Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox’s decision to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the legality of the state's ballot-counting machines, finding that the machines comply with state law and federal requirements. The lawsuit, filed by the Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative Inc. and Conrad Reynolds, contested the use of ExpressVote ballot-marking devices and DS200 tabulators, but the court found no evidence to support their claims and affirmed the dismissal of the case.
Gov. Sanders calls for convention to replace GOP nominee in House District 66 race
Talk Business
4/6/24
Governor Sanders called for a special convention to fill the vacancy for the Republican nomination in the House District 66 race after Nick Priest withdrew from the race due to health concerns. The convention, scheduled for April 19, 2024, will select the Republican nominee who will compete against Democratic incumbent Rep. Mark Perry in the November election, with candidate filing open from April 8 to April 28, 2024.
Gov. Sanders declares state of emergency ahead of eclipse
KARK
4/6/24
Governor Sanders declared a state of emergency ahead of today’s solar eclipse, releasing funds to assist commercial carriers in transporting essential items in Arkansas. The order, aimed at ensuring a smooth experience for both residents and visitors during the event, includes groceries, medical supplies, fuel, and other essentials, with $100,000 allocated for program and administrative costs until April 10.
Womack embraces new appropriations role overseeing transportation, housing funds
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
4/14/24
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack assumed leadership of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee's Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board. Womack’s municipal background and prior congressional experience position him to steer critical development investments.
UA Pulaski Tech nursing program awarded $5.73 million DOL grant
Talk Business
4/14/24
The University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College received a $5,736,624 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, facilitated by the Arkansas Community Colleges Association and New Growth, to expand its nursing education program. The grant will support additional faculty, student success coaches, and staff, addressing the state's need for skilled medical professionals and providing opportunities for graduates in central Arkansas.
Arkansas Senate approves seven potential bills to regulate cryptocurrency mines
Arkansas Advocate
4/11/24
The Arkansas Senate paved the way for amendments to a 2023 law regulating cryptocurrency mining, as concerns over noise, water usage, and foreign ownership prompt legislative action. Seven out of eight proposed resolutions passed the Senate, aiming to address issues including noise limits, licensing requirements, and local government regulation. The resolutions must be approved by two-thirds of the House before lawmakers can take up the issue during the limited-scope fiscal session.
Arkansas Advocate
4/11/24
Arkansas legislators discussed allocating extra funds to the Department of Corrections for reimbursing county jails housing state prisoners. Despite some concerns over fiscal planning, the Joint Budget Committee approved Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' request for $4.2 million in general revenue funds, aiming to ensure timely financial support for county jails amid fluctuating inmate numbers.
Former U.S. Sen. David Pryor has died; hailed as ‘dedicated’ public servant, ‘true statesman’
Talk Business
4/20/24
David Pryor, a prominent Arkansas political figure who served as a U.S. Senator, congressman, and governor, passed away at the age of 89. He was first elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1961, later serving three terms in the U.S. House, one term as governor, and three terms in the U.S. Senate. Pryor leaves behind a legacy of public service and leadership, notably for his work in the Senate on initiatives such as the U.S. Taxpayer Bill of Rights and major reforms to the nursing home industry and elder care.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
4/21/24
Governor Sanders has proposed a $109.3 million increase to the state's general revenue budget for fiscal year 2025, marking the smallest increase since fiscal year 2022. Lawmakers are expected to receive a draft of the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act by the end of the week, with plans to conclude the fiscal session by the following week.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
4/21/24
The Skills to Launch program, offered by Winrock International's Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, recently graduated its ninth class of students, providing them with soft skills training to pursue careers in trades without needing a college degree. Thirty-four participants completed the 10-week program, which included instruction in various trades like data technology, construction, and HVAC systems, with over half already employed and others planning further education or career advancement.
Arkansas Senate committee approves two bills to regulate cryptocurrency mining
Arkansas Advocate
4/19/24
The Senate City, County & Local Affairs Committee unanimously approved two bills aimed at regulating cryptocurrency mining operations, with further public comment scheduled for Tuesday. Introduced by Republican Sens. Joshua Bryant and Missy Irvin, the bills address concerns over noise pollution, foreign ownership, and potential impacts on water resources, laying the groundwork for future discussions on crypto industry regulation in the state.
Arkansas lawmakers advance proposal to double state-funded pregnancy resource center grant
Arkansas Advocate
4/18/24
Joint Budget approved doubling taxpayer-funded grants for pregnancy resource centers. Despite concerns from some lawmakers about the centers' effectiveness and oversight, the bill is advancing, with sponsors citing support for maternal health and freedom of choice, while opponents question the lack of tracking for prenatal care and potential misleading practices.
Arkansas Center for Data Sciences rebrands as Apprenticely
Talk Business
4/25/24
The Arkansas Center for Data Sciences (ACDS) has rebranded as Apprenticely, expanding its mission beyond IT to include various industry sectors like advanced manufacturing, energy, and healthcare. Over its five-year history, ACDS/Apprenticely has created over 1,000 registered apprenticeships with an economic impact exceeding $70 million annually, fostering workforce development and collaboration with key partners across Arkansas and ten additional states.
Hot Springs playing host to 2025 Babe Ruth World Series
Arkansas Money & Politics
4/25/24
Hot Springs' historic Majestic Park will host the 2025 Babe Ruth World Series, welcoming youth baseball teams, including international ones, for a 10-day competition starting August 7. With a guaranteed Hot Springs host team, the event promises to draw hundreds of players, families, and fans to the city, highlighting its rich baseball heritage and recently renovated facilities.
Arkansas panel bans electronic signatures on voter registration forms
Associated Press
4/25/24
The Arkansas State Board of Election Commissions unanimously passed an emergency rule prohibiting the acceptance of voter registration forms signed with electronic signatures, sparking criticism and accusations of voter suppression. The move, in effect for 120 days while a permanent rule is drafted, requires voters to register by physically signing their name with a pen, prompting concerns and potential legal challenges from advocacy groups like Get Loud Arkansas, who argue that the decision contradicts a recent attorney general's opinion supporting the validity of electronic signatures under state law.
College retention rates improve in state — graduation rates mixed
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
4/26/24
Fall-to-fall retention rates at Arkansas public four-year universities and two-year colleges reached a five-year high in 2022, hitting 74.7%, with four-year institutions retaining 79.1% of students and two-year colleges retaining 63%. Female students showed better retention rates than males across both types of institutions. Additionally, student-athletes exhibited higher retention rates compared to non-athletes, with the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville leading in this aspect, and overall graduation rates showed positive trends despite variations among different institutions and demographic groups.
Arkansas lawmakers propose amendments as passage of fiscal 2025 budget nears
Arkansas Advocate
4/27/24
In the final days of the 2024 fiscal session, Arkansas lawmakers are poised to pass the fiscal year 2025 budget, featuring a surplus of nearly $377 million, and have addressed proposed amendments, regulations on cryptocurrency mines, adjustments to state employee compensation, and the state's involvement in a federal refugee resettlement program. The session, initially projected to end this week, could be extended through the following week.