March 2024 Headlines & Reports
HEADLINES AND REPORTS
Just over 1 in 5 registered Arkansas voters turn out for ’24 primary
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
3/9/24
Arkansas experienced a decline in voter turnout in the March 5th preferential primary and nonpartisan judicial election, with only 20.6% of registered voters participating. The state's turnout was lower than the past three presidential primaries, marking 28% in 2020, 38.4% in 2016, and 21.8% in 2012, with experts highlighting the already determined nature of the presidential primaries and a broader trend of declining civic engagement as contributing factors.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
3/8/24
David Scott, chief legal counsel for the Arkansas state treasurer, was elected chairman of Arkansas' ESG Oversight Committee, which is responsible for identifying financial service providers that discriminate against energy, fossil fuel, firearms, or ammunition companies based on environmental, social justice, or governance-related factors. The committee was established under Act 411 of 2023 and will compile a list of such providers for state and local governmental entities to divest their investments.
U.S. Rep Crawford to seek House Transportation and Infrastructure chairmanship
Talk Business
3/7/24
U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford intends to vie for the chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the upcoming Congress. Crawford's proposed plan, America MOVES, emphasizes Mobility, Opportunity, Vision, Efficacy, and Security, aiming to address infrastructure and transportation issues, including efficiency, modernization, and safeguarding against cyber threats.
ASBTDC receives $2 million grant to work with ‘underserved and very small businesses’
Talk Business
3/7/24
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center received a $2 million award from the U.S. Treasury's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to aid small businesses applying for the SSBCI Capital Program and other funding. Through the SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program, part of the nearly $10 billion American Rescue Plan, the funds will support personalized guidance, free training, and one-on-one consulting for underserved and very small businesses in Arkansas to enhance their access to capital and promote growth over the next five years.
Federal spending package includes millions of dollars for Arkansas projects
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
3/9/24
Congress passed a $460 billion spending package that not only aimed to avoid a government shutdown but also included over $12 billion for community projects nationwide. Arkansas delegates secured funding for various projects, such as highway improvements and river navigation work, with proponents arguing that these earmarks have minimal impact on overall federal spending and address local and state needs.
Legislative subcommittee OKs permanent rules for LEARNS Act’s voucher program
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
3/15/24
The Arkansas Legislative Council Administrative Rules Subcommittee approved permanent rules for the LEARNS Act's voucher program, ensuring continued funding distribution for the Educational Freedom Accounts. The rules, nearly identical to existing emergency rules, also cover tutoring grants, including $500 literacy tutoring grants for K-3 students and high-impact tutoring for underperforming students across all grade levels, with the Department of Education allocating $8 million and $20 million respectively for these programs.
A-State Steel Research Center Gets $10M From US Spending Package
Arkansas Business
3/15/24
Arkansas State University plans to establish a Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing with a $10 million congressional appropriation, aiming to bolster the region's steel industry by investing in high-tech equipment and fostering partnerships with steel manufacturers for research and workforce training. The university envisions the center as a catalyst for transforming the region into the "steel capital of America," emphasizing advancements in materials science, metallurgy, and technology-proficient workforce development to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
Arkansas firm recommends plan for controlling schools’ increasing insurance rates
Arkansas Advocate
3/15/24
Consulting firm Meadors, Adams & Lee Insurance Inc. proposed Arkansas establish its own insurance company to tackle rising property insurance premiums for public schools and higher education institutions, recommending a special-purpose captive to grant the state more control over premiums. Lawmakers are considering the recommendation, which aims to pool resources, manage risks, and ensure fair rates across districts amid increasing premiums nationwide due to climate change-induced disasters.
NWA 18th fastest growing U.S. metro; Benton County leads state’s growth
Talk Business
3/14/24
Northwest Arkansas, led by Benton County, maintained its status as the fastest-growing metro and county in Arkansas in 2023. The U.S. Census Bureau reported a 2.3% increase in population for the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro area, positioning it as the 18th fastest-growing in the nation. Benton County ranked as the state's fastest-growing county with a 2.7% growth rate. The Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro remained the state’s most populous metro and maintained its rank as the nation’s 80th most populous metro.
Arkansas House District 88 runoff opponents tout their Republican bona fides
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
3/24/24
Dolly Henley of Washington and Arnetta Bradford of Hope will face off in the Republican runoff election for House District 88. Henley faces accusations of being a Democrat due to misleading mailers and texts, while she maintains her Republican affiliation. Bradford was endorsed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and State Rep. Danny Watson, who currently holds the seat. Henley is supported by state Sen. Jimmy Hickey and Reps. Carol Dalby and DeAnn Vaught. Both candidates emphasize their qualifications and endorsements, with Henley focusing on her extensive experience in local and state government administrative roles and Bradford highlighting her commitment to conservative values and support from influential groups.
Democrats McGruder, Whiteside square off in primary runoff for House District 35 bid
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
3/24/24
Marion Democrats Jessie McGruder and Raymond Whiteside are competing in a runoff for the Democratic nomination for House District 35 in the Delta, with McGruder focusing on voter outreach from the primary and Whiteside emphasizing a revised campaign strategy. McGruder, a teacher and coach, is reminding supporters to vote, while Whiteside, a community development specialist, aims to connect more directly with voters and prioritize issues such as education and quality of life improvements in the region.
Barnett, Leonard out to maintain Democratic hold on House District 63 seat in eastern Arkansas
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
3/24/24
Democrats Lincoln Barnett and Fred Leonard are vying for the Democratic nomination for House District 63. Barnett led Leonard in the primary election by 108 votes. Both candidates emphasize their backgrounds and platforms, with Barnett focusing on his experience in local government and Leonard advocating for issues like education and criminal justice reform in the district, which includes parts of Crittenden and St. Francis counties. The winner will face Republican Tammi Bell of West Memphis to fill the seat vacated by retiring state Rep. Deborah Ferguson.
State Jobless Rate Dips to 3.6% in February
Arkansas Business
3/22/24
In February, Arkansas' unemployment rate decreased to 3.6%, marking the first decline since June's record low of 2.6%. Despite a decrease in the civilian labor force, nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 8,000, with notable gains in private education and health services, professional and business services, government, and leisure and hospitality sectors, while manufacturing experienced a decline.
Cody Waits to Lead New State Workforce Division
Arkansas Business
3/29/24
Cody Waits was named the inaugural director of Arkansas Workforce Connection, a newly established division within the Arkansas Department of Commerce, tasked with managing state and federal workforce development programs and coordinating with local workforce development boards. Waits will oversee various departments under Arkansas Workforce Connection and play a crucial role in developing the talent pipeline necessary for the state's economic success, according to Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald.
Arkansas agencies pursue initiatives to improve state’s maternal health
Arkansas Advocate
3/29/24
Arkansas officials are working to address the state's high maternal mortality and infant mortality rates, particularly among Black mothers, through outreach events and initiatives following Governor Sanders' executive order to improve maternal health services and education. Plans include stakeholder meetings, a women's health event, and a pilot program in counties with high rates of pregnant individuals lacking maternal health care, alongside considerations for Medicaid enrollment assistance and maximizing existing health insurance programs to cover pregnancy and postpartum care.
Ag Secretary Vilsack announces $124M in funding for smaller farms and rural businesses
Arkansas Advocate
3/29/24
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $124 million in grants and loans for projects in 44 states, with Arkansas receiving funding for eight projects, six of which involve solar energy. These initiatives aim to bolster clean energy, support small to mid-sized farmers, and rural businesses, aligning with President Biden's commitment to expand clean energy and foster economic opportunities in rural areas. Arkansas recipients of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding include Collier Auto Supply Inc., Harrison; NEA Veterinary Clinic Inc., Corning; Papoloco LLC, Wynne; B, E & S Partnership, Hoxie; Batteau Blackwood Farms LLC, Witter; DKWright Properties LLC, Hector; Ink Properties LLC, Harriet; and Curtiss Scott, Cave City.
Colleges to see cut in state funding
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
3/31/24
Governor Sanders’ proposed general revenue budget for fiscal year 2025 would result in slight cuts to most of the state's four-year public colleges and universities, with only the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville experiencing an increase. The reductions are attributed to a decline in the higher education productivity model by 0.14%, prompting concerns about potential ramifications for students and faculty. The Arkansas General Assembly will consider the proposed budget in the upcoming fiscal session, with discussions ongoing about potential adjustments to the funding formula for higher education.