Federal judge permanently blocks Arkansas law banning transgender procedures for minors, AG will appeal

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

An Arkansas law that banned medical procedures for transgender patients under the age of 18 was permanently blocked by U.S. District Judge Jay Moody on Tuesday (June 20). Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said he would appeal the decision.

The Save Adolescents From Experimentation Act (SAFE Act) was passed by the state legislature in 2021 by overwhelming margins, but then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoed the measure saying it was “overbroad” and “a vast government overreach.” The legislature overrode his veto, putting the law in effect before it was challenged in court.

The federal lawsuit was brought by several families of transgender children who claimed the SAFE Act violated the 14th Amendment right to equal protection under the law and their 1st Amendment right to free speech. The defendants included then-Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and members of the Arkansas Medical Board.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/06/federal-judge-permanently-blocks-arkansas-law-banning-transgender-procedures-for-minors-ag-will-appeal/

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | W.I.N.S. in 2022

LITTLE ROCK – As 2022 comes to an end, I have been reflecting on my time as Governor and looking forward to what is ahead.

In January, I announced my W.I.N.S. initiative for my final year as Governor. Each letter in W.I.N.S. stands for a pillar that I have focused on to boost Arkansas to success. Workforce Training, Infrastructure, New Economy Jobs, and Strengthening Arkansas Families all aim to push Arkansas to being the best place the state can be – and help Arkansas WIN.

Arkansas has continually grown economically over the past eight years. Thanks to the people of Arkansas, we have made this state one of the premier locations for business owners to put their roots down and conduct business that gives well-paying jobs to hard-working Arkansans and puts more money into our state.

As this year and my term is coming to an end, Arkansas has never been in better financial shape than we are right now. We have lowered taxes, funded services, and we have over $2 billion in reserve accounts.

Even in the face of a pandemic, the state’s economy, like Arkansans themselves, remained resilient. In 2021, Arkansas was ranked number two in the nation for states with the most pandemic-proof small businesses. That speaks not only to the hard work of business owners who have chosen to live in Arkansas, but to the small business environment, workforce support, and resource access our state’s infrastructure had in place, ready to help small businesses.

Arkansas small businesses were rightfully ranked as having the greatest potential to bounce back because they had the least to bounce back from. Arkansas never shut down throughout the pandemic. Our state kept working, and our consistently low unemployment rate over the past few years reflects that. In fact, there are over 120,000 more people employed now than when I took office in January 2015.

The future success of our state demands that we improve the training of our workforce. Now with initiatives like the ‘Ready for Life’ program, it is easier for employees and employers to find each other, and it will offer business leaders a quick snapshot of the employee pool in Arkansas as they recruit talent.

Our infrastructure is the backbone of everyday operations in this state, and it is worth investing in to create a better quality of living. That is why we have invested almost $500 million in rural broadband expansion in our state.

In terms of new economy jobs, we expanded our high-tech jobs from the steel industry to software development, and this growth will continue with the recommendations from the Council on Future Mobility Report.  

Lastly, but certainly not least of the pillars of my W.I.N.S. initiative – strengthening Arkansas families. Over the past year, my focus has been to give families the best chance of success and to protect Arkansas children from child abuse and crime.

In November, I announced a monumental expansion in rural health services with the ARHOME Medicaid program. Thanks to the great work of the teams at the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Life360 HOMEs will address the complex challenges facing many of Arkansas’s most vulnerable residents, including individuals in rural areas with serious mental illness and those in need of addiction services. I look forward to watching the full potential of this transformative program as it unfolds in the months and years to come.

As we conclude 2022, I am grateful for the W.I.N.S. we have had this year in improving our workforce, investing in our infrastructure, creating new economy jobs, and strengthening Arkansas families.

Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma Hydrogen Partnership Encouraged to Submit Full Application for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program

LITTLE ROCK – Today, Govs. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, John Bel Edwards of Louisiana and J. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma announced that the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has encouraged the HALO Hydrogen Hub to submit a Full Application for the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program, allocated through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The three governors announced the creation of the HALO Hub, a bipartisan, three-state partnership between Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, in March of 2022 to compete for funding outlined in IIJA.

The program will appropriate up to $7 billion to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop six to 10 regional clean hydrogen hubs demonstrating the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of clean hydrogen. DOE’s ultimate goal is to create a network of clean hydrogen producers, potential consumers and connective infrastructure located in close proximity that ultimately intersects and remains sustainable after DOE’s grant expires.

The DOE application process includes two phases – the first of which was an initial broad concept pitch, due to DOE in early November. Following an independent assessment of the various broad proposals, DOE encouraged the HALO Hub to enter the second phase by submitting a Full Application to receive up to $1.25 billion in federal funding.

“We are excited to partner with our neighbors in Louisiana and Oklahoma to put forward a winning application. Arkansas has a growing and diverse energy portfolio and natural resources that are vital to any successful regional hub. We are proud of our partners and companies in Arkansas that are leading the way to develop demand for low-carbon hydrogen and showing that hydrogen can be commercially viable,” explained Governor Hutchinson.

“Expansion of hydrogen production and use is tailor-made for the HALO states because there has already been investment and work in the component parts of potential hydrogen hubs, but we can now have a focal point that unifies the efforts of the three states,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “HALO states already have a healthy infrastructure in place that is actively delivering the raw materials to our industrial base, which is in turn making use of that hydrogen feedstock – next steps will be making sure all that hydrogen becomes low-carbon and making it more available and accepted as a major energy source.”

"Oklahoma is honored to be included in the DOE invitation to submit a bid for the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program. We share with Arkansas and Louisiana the same goal for production, use, and economic impact that can result from creating a hydrogen economy. The opportunities and abundant resources in Oklahoma complement our partners, and I am confident that our three state coalition can land this hub and become the nation’s heartland for hydrogen. Oklahoma believes in a “More of Everything” energy approach and by leaning into the hydrogen future with our partners, we can further diversify our nation’s energy portfolio and start meeting American demand with American energy,” said Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt.

The HALO Hub is currently preparing a Full Application that demonstrates the three-state coalition’s assets across all parts of the value chain, from feedstock to production, transportation and delivery, storage, and end-use. The submission deadline for Full Applications is April 7, 2023. DOE is expected to announce funding recipients in the fall of 2023.

Walther reappointed to top post at Department of Finance and Administration

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

Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announced Wednesday (Dec. 28) her intent to reappoint Larry Walther as the secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration. Walther also held a cabinet position with Sanders’ father, former Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Walther has held the post since January 2015 when appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. He was first appointed to a government job in 2003 when appointed by then Gov. Huckabee as director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

In 2008, Walther was tapped by the administration of President George W. Bush to work as director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. In 2011, Walther received a second presidential nomination when President Barack Obama nominated him to serve on the board of directors for the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/12/walther-reappointed-to-top-post-at-department-of-finance-and-administration/

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Joys of the Holidays

On behalf of the state of Arkansas, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season.

Christmas is my favorite time of year in the Natural State, especially in the halls of the Arkansas State Capitol.

During the month of December, student choirs travel from all over the state to sing in the rotunda in the center of the Capitol. Their songs echo to the ceiling and can be heard in all corners of the building. The beauty of their voices reminds me of the verse in Scripture about the angel and the multitude of heavenly hosts filling the sky and praising God at the birth of Jesus.

That’s what this season is all about. Despite the shopping, the crowds, and the stress, it is all about the birth in Bethlehem that changed the world.

This Christmas is a particularly special one as it marks the end of my final year as Governor. This year I am grateful for the gift of life, my family, and the privilege of a lifetime that has been serving the great state of Arkansas as Governor.

Some of the Christmas traditions I have been able to be a part of these past eight years have been especially memorable this year.

Last weekend, at the beginning of the Hanukkah season, I had the privilege of lighting the first candle of the Little Rock Chabad Menorah. In 2015, I was the first Arkansas Governor to light the Menorah publicly. It was a humbling experience then, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to join the Central Arkansas Jewish community in celebrating the eight days of Hanukkah each year since then.

A couple weeks ago, I once again got to host the “Christmas at the Capitol” event where we collected gifts for children in the foster care system in Arkansas. Those who donated gifts made a small gesture that will make more of an impact than they will ever know.

After all, giving is a core part of what Christmas is all about. Arkansans are some of the kindest, most giving people I have ever been around. That is especially evident during the holiday season. One of the best parts of being Governor is getting to meet Arkansans from every corner of the state and from all walks of life.

The holiday season often brings out the best in people. I encourage you to extend goodwill toward our fellow man and find a way to serve someone who is less fortunate. Consider giving not only monetary gifts but giving your time. In the words of Mother Teresa, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

I encourage everyone to find a way to celebrate this spirit of giving not only this week but throughout the year. Tell your family, friends, and coworkers how much you appreciate them. Be kind to others – you never know what type of day they are having. You could be a light in their dark season.

I hope each of you are able to reflect on your blessings, remember the reason for this season, and find joy in being able to call Arkansas home.

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Commissions’ Reports Aim to Assist Women and Advance Future Mobility

LITTLE ROCK – This week I received reports from two important commissions I created earlier this year, and today I’d like to discuss those reports and what it means for the future of our state.

On February 17th of this year, I created the Arkansas Commission on the Status of Women. Their task was to study and analyze a number of factors relating to women in the labor force and in education.

The idea for this Commission came from the Arkansas Women’s Foundation and a look back at history. In the 1960’s and 70’s, governors, including Rockefeller, Pryor, and Bumpers, created commissions to study the role women play in the labor market, the economy, and in our politics. But it has been over 40 years since the last report, and the Commission’s review is much needed.

The Commission I created was chaired by my Chief of Staff, Alison Williams. She was joined in this work by elected officials, state government employees, and leaders in business and education.

The findings and recommendations of the Commission were instructive. Their research concluded that women continue to bear the greatest burden of family care. One of the barriers they determined for women in the labor force is often the lack of access to childcare.

Their report also included recommendations like increasing access to women’s physical and mental health resources, equity in entrepreneurship, and increased mentorship programs for women.

Based on these recommendations, I dedicated $200,000 for increased mentorship programs for women through Arkansas State University.

The second Commission report I received this week was from the Arkansas Council on the Future of Mobility, chaired by Cyrus Sigari. The Council was tasked with providing recommendations of policies and objectives that can be achieved by both the public and private sectors to grow Arkansas’s potential in future mobility.

This report included a number of recommendations, and they all had one goal: to ensure Arkansas is not only a national leader in future mobility innovation, but that we are globally competitive.

Some of the Council’s finding expand on our current efforts in computer science education and autonomous drone delivery for things like groceries. The key recommendations include creation of the Arkansas Innovation Fund, workforce training and education, infrastructure, and effective policymaking to foster growth in this field.

I’m hopeful the General Assembly will take up this report and build on these recommendations when they convene in January. Future mobility provides an opportunity for our state to continue leading the nation in innovation while growing our economy and creating the best paying jobs.

Gov. Hutchinson receiving encouragement for Presidential run, discusses Sanders’ transition

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

After last week’s historic midterm elections and with former President Donald Trump expected to declare he will make another run for President, term-limited Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he is still contemplating a run for the 2024 GOP nomination.

On Thursday in an interview following his budget presentation to state lawmakers, Hutchinson said he’s receiving a lot of encouragement to make a bid for President.

“Well, it’s on the table, it’s under consideration and it’s premature to make a decision. But I’ve had an incredible amount of encouragement. I tell folks that I’ve actually had more encouragement from people of Arkansas to run for president than I had when I ran for Governor. And so that’s how I compared it a little bit,” Hutchinson said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/11/gov-hutchinson-receiving-encouragement-for-presidential-run-discusses-sanders-transition/

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address |The Essence of Our Democracy

LITTLE ROCK – Today, I would like to talk about the essence of our democracy which is our right as citizens to vote.

Voting is a responsibility that we all share whether we are Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or Independent.

There is no other way more direct and meaningful than voicing your opinion through voting, and the people we put in place with our votes are representing both us and our ideas.

An important principal to improve voting is the expansion of voting opportunities. Increasing participation at the polls is the only way we can have a true representation of our opinions.

On July 1, 1971, the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lowered the voting age to 18. Prior to this change, I could not vote until I turned 21. My first time getting to vote was for the 1972 race for Arkansas Governor between Len Blaylock and former Governor Dale Bumpers. Just 14 years later in 1986, my first time running for a statewide public office matched me up against the same Dale Bumpers who was running for the U.S. Senate.

In the 2018 midterm elections, there was a voter turnout of just 41%. In the 2020 general election, Arkansas had a voter turnout of 56%. This means that Arkansas has a lot of room to increase the percent of Arkansans who vote.

Right now, nearly half of our eligible voters either believe their vote doesn't matter or they believe they are just too busy to vote. It is critical that we increase trust in our electoral process.

Trust in the vote starts with the integrity of the ballot, which is a critical element to keeping our democracy strong and fair. We want people to have increased access to vote, but we also must assure the identity of the voter and be assured that each voter only votes once. That is the essence of democracy.

This week, the polls opened up for early voting in a pivotal election for Arkansas. At this point, the early voting numbers are encouraging. We get to vote on U.S. Senate seats, legislative seats, local races, and even for the next Governor of Arkansas.

It is also a time to vote on issues that the legislature has referred to the people and others that are on the ballot because of the initiative process. These issues will determine Arkansas’s future, so please learn about them, and decide for yourself the direction we should go.

Voting is the best way we can assure that the government is a true reflection of the public’s voice. Please take the time to go out and voice your opinion by voting now.

Early voting has started, and you can learn from your county clerk the easiest way for you to vote.

Audio: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address Arkansas’s Historic Economic Growth

LITTLE ROCK – Today I would like to talk about a priority I’ve had since taking office in 2015. Job creation is critical to our economic growth and our future as a state.

When I was elected, there were 1.2 million people employed in Arkansas. Even after a global pandemic that impacted much of the world’s working force, Arkansas sits at a 3.5% unemployment rate, and we have 125,000 more people working in jobs around the state today than we did 8 years ago. This is possible thanks to the help of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The state’s economic development team has signed 495 projects since January 2015 resulting in creating more than 25,000 jobs for Arkansans.

In 2022 so far, we have signed 19 new incentive agreements with companies investing their resources into our state, which in turn is creating more than 2,900 jobs for Arkansans. This includes the historic investment with U.S. Steel committing more than $3 billion to create the most advanced steel-making facility in North America in Osceola, Arkansas.

Two weeks ago, I joined Commerce Secretary Mike Preston for a ribbon cutting of Lockheed Martin’s new facility in Camden. They invested more than $142 million to expand their facility by 85,000 square feet to increase production capacity for the world’s most advanced air defense missile.

In that same week, Preformed Line Products announced plans to expand operations in Rogers. They will invest $16 million to expand its Rogers facility by 82,000 square feet and plan to add 50 more employees in the coming months.

Another win for Arkansas is Veolia, which is expanding in Arkadelphia. Veolia is a global company that designs and provides water, waste, and energy management solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of communities and industries. In 2019 alone, Veolia Group supplied 98 million people with drinking water and 67 million people with wastewater service around the globe. Last week, they announced a $600 million investment in Arkadelphia – or specifically, Gum Springs – that will create 125 new jobs by 2024.

And then on Tuesday of this last week, Owens Corning, which produces construction materials, announced plans to expand its existing facility by 70,000 square feet. This $24.5 million investment plans to add 50 new jobs in the Fort Smith area.

Since January 2015, we have lowered taxes, reduced regulations, and increased the speed to market by cutting permitting time — all of which improve growth.

Now we are seeing historical investments with Arkansas companies expanding every week and new companies committing their resources to put down their roots in our state.  

Governor Hutchinson Selected to Lead National Education Organization

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has been selected as Chairman of the Education Commission of the States (ECS), a national, nonpartisan organization that serves as a partner to state education leaders.

"It is an honor to have been selected as Chairman of ECS," Governor Hutchinson said. "Arkansas has been a leader in education from computer science to pandemic learning, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with other leaders to secure our children's future."

During his time as Chairman, Governor Hutchinson will lead the Chair's Initiative, which will focus on expanded computer science education.

The Governor's selection comes on the heels of his recent tenure as National Governors Association Chairman, where he led the most successful Chair's Initiative in the organization's history. The Compact to Expand K-12 Computer Science Education was signed by 50 state and territorial governors, the most ever for a Chairman's Initiative.

ECS' team of experts provides trusted information and opportunities for partnership that allow policymakers to gain the insight and experience needed to create effective education policy for their states.

You can find more information on the Education Commission of the States HERE.

VIDEO: Arkansas State Fair Opening Ceremonies

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Biden’s Proposed Marijuana Policy

LITTLE ROCK – Today I would like to talk about the recently proposed policies on marijuana from the Biden administration, and why the administration’s proposal is not the best approach for Arkansas and our nation.

Last week President Biden announced his new policy on marijuana which included granting pardons to all individuals convicted of federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana.

In his proposed policy, he also urges governors to follow the policy at the state level where it is applicable.

The President’s third proposal would create the rescheduling of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act.

During my time as Governor, I have often used the clemency powers granted to me under the Arkansas Constitution to grant pardons to those with drug offenses. In fact, I have pardoned hundreds of Arkansans who have been convicted of drug offenses. When choosing to grant a pardon, I will closely examine an applicant’s behavior after their sentence. In this time of rising crime, there should be a clear record of law-abiding conduct before pardons are issued.

I do not support issuing blanket pardons to those who have been convicted of these types of crimes. I firmly believe in second chances, and in each of these cases we must use compassion.

Each case should be looked at individually to determine who is deserving of a pardon.

The President’s request to potentially reschedule marijuana is also misguided. In his statement, President Biden says, “Federal law currently classifies marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the classification meant for the most dangerous substances.” This characterization is incorrect.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Schedule I drugs are defined as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” While medical marijuana may be legal in many states across the nation, the medical community has not come to a consensus on the benefits.

Schedule I does not mean that the drugs in Schedule I are the most dangerous. For example, Schedule II drugs are those with a “high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” This includes drugs like fentanyl, Adderall, and morphine. These drugs are considered dangerous but have a legitimate medical use.

When it comes to the proper schedule for marijuana, we need to follow the science and previous administrations that kept marijuana in Schedule I.

Most importantly, we have to make sure we don’t move to decriminalization of drugs that are harming Americans. The fact that a drug is unlawful discourages usage.

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | New Center Assists Forest Business

LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to talk about the recent opening of a new academic center to promote the forest industry in Arkansas.

Agriculture is the leading industry in our state, and timber plays a critical role in our state’s economy. When you think of agriculture in the Natural State, the first commodities to come to mind are typically rice, cotton, poultry, soybeans, or cattle. But the forest industry is critical to our state’s economy and agricultural production.

Last week, I traveled to the campus of the University of Arkansas at Monticello for the grand opening of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business. The purpose of this Center is to provide technical assistance for solutions to forest resource challenges, degree programs, and information on timber supply, market conditions, and efficiency.

The forest industry accounts for $6 billion of the Arkansas economy. Our state is the most timber-dependent economy in the South and third most in the country. We are growing forests twice as fast as they’re being harvested, and we could double our timber production and still be a leader in forest sustainability.

The Center for Forest Business will provide a number of resources to the timber industry in Arkansas. Not only will the Center provide expanded educational opportunities at UA-Monticello, but it will also provide opportunities for greater economic development projects in South Arkansas.

Companies like Drax and Highland Pellets chose to expand their operations in Arkansas because of our abundant and sustainable forest products. The Center for Forest Business will not only help our timber producers maximize their profits, but it will also help attract additional businesses who utilize this resource.

But the Center for Forest Business will not just benefit timber producers in South Arkansas. Dean Peter MacKeith of the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture in Fayetteville has long had the vision for the entire state to work together to promote our state’s forest products. According to Dean MacKeith, the Center for Forest Business focuses on the economics and the finance side of the timber industry, while the Anthony Timberlands Center in Fayetteville will focus on the development and promotion of forest products.

UA-Monticello is home to the only forestry school in Arkansas, and UA-Fayetteville is home to the only architecture school in our state, so the two programs together provide a natural fit.

Our state is more successful when all corners of Arkansas work together to create economic success. The Center for Forest Business will not just benefit timber producers in South Arkansas, it will benefit any Arkansan in the forest product supply chain.

Congratulations to Dean Michael Blazier of the UA-Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, and thank you for helping keep Arkansas the Natural State.

Governor declares Arkansas Physician Assistant Day

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Physician assistants are being celebrated for their contribution to the healthcare field in Arkansas.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson proclaimed Friday as Physician Assistant Day in the state, coinciding with National PA Week running until Oct. 12.

Speaking at the state Capitol, Hutchinson said he supports expanding the number of schools training new PAs in the state.

“I know there’s a great need out there, simply because that’s what’s driving costs up… and if we are able to expand the pool, then that in and of itself will help level out some of the [costs] perhaps,” Hutchinson said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-10-07/governor-declares-arkansas-physician-assistant-day

Daniel Breen/KUAR News

Gov. Asa Hutchinson holds a proclamation declaring Arkansas Physician Assistant Day, joined by members of the Arkansas Academy of Physician Assistants.

Arkansas meat inspection program earns federal approval

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Gov. Asa Hutchinson, state legislators, agriculture industry leaders, and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced Oct. 4 approval of the state meat inspection program, finalized in a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

“In 2020, the food supply chain was disrupted, and Arkansas’ meat production was severely limited. The creation of the Arkansas Meat and Poultry Processing grant and the State Meat Inspection Program will provide a much-needed boost to our processing capacity,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said.

Arkansas joins 28 states participating in FSIS’s State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs. These programs allow state inspectors to ensure program enforcement and regulatory compliance in small establishments operating within the state. The MPI programs must develop, administer, and enforce requirements “at least equal to” those set forth in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA).

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/10/arkansas-meat-inspection-program-earns-federal-approval/

Governor appoints Katie Anderson as Chairman of the Arkansas Public Service Commission

LITTLE ROCK –  Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his appointment of Katie Anderson of Scott as Chairman of the Public Service Commission.

Anderson currently serves as an Administrative Law Judge for the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission. She is also a Vice President of I.F. Anderson Farms, Inc. in Lonoke, a 4th generation family-owned bait fish farm in operation since 1949.

She previously served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Erin L. Wiedemann, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Arkansas; the Honorable Audrey R. Evans, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas; and the Honorable Karen R. Baker, Judge, Arkansas Court of Appeals.

From 2012 - 2015 she was Senior Manager of the State and Local Policy Team for Walmart Stores, Inc. Anderson is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas School of Law.

“Katie has proven to be a fair arbiter of important issues throughout her career,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I'm confident she will bring a fair and balanced approach to matters before the Public Service Commission. She has served the state well as an Administrative Law Judge and her judicial temperament and sense of fairness make her a good fit in the Public Service Commission.”

“I want to thank Governor Hutchinson for his confidence and trust in me to serve as Chairman of the Public Service Commission,” Anderson said. “I am truly honored to accept this appointment, and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. In this new capacity, I will continue to serve the people of Arkansas with the utmost level of integrity and professionalism.”

Anderson will replace Chairman Ted Thomas, and her start date is October 2, 2022. She will serve the remainder of Thomas’s term which expires January 14, 2027. 

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address Celebrating the Heritage of Hispanic Americans

LITTLE ROCK – Today I would like to talk about Hispanic Heritage Month and what this occassion represents. Hispanic influence can be seen in all aspects of American life and culture.

In the 1980’s Arkansas saw a growth in the Hispanic population, which continued well into the 21st century. According to the 2020 census, Arkansas was one of 15 states where the Hispanic population made up more than half of all population growth in the state. Hispanic roots in Arkansas run deep and have become a vital part of our communities around the state.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law a week-long celebration for Hispanic Heritage. He believed that it was important to celebrate the heritage of our American citizens who were of Hispanic descent because it was those who came before them who helped settle our land and built our country into what it is now.

Later in 1988, Hispanic Heritage Week grew into Hispanic Heritage Month after President Ronald Reagan signed it into law.

It is no coincidence that this falls in September as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their independence on September 15. But also, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Hispanic Heritage is American heritage because the American story is about every person who takes responsibility, works hard, and dreams big. When we take the time to honor those who made this American story possible, we can overcome America’s challenges and continue to be a beacon of freedom for the world.

When President Reagan signed into law the month-long celebration, he did so because he believed that the celebration of Hispanic Heritage was an example of how fundamental family is to our country.

He believed that the strength of America’s families translated into the strength of our country. This time of celebration looks into a culture’s strongest qualities, and Hispanic Heritage Month is a time where we can honor a love for family and connect through the stories of those who came before us.

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Life Lessons from the Friday Night Lights

LITTLE ROCK – Every year, near the end of Summer, the smell of popcorn, face paint, and freshly mowed grass fills the air in cities and towns around the state. Friday night lights and the chill of the early fall air is a familiar feeling to Arkansans of all ages.

High school sports are important to every community in Arkansas, but it is most important to those who participate, the student-athletes. Our students spend so much time of their young life learning how to serve, dribble, and catch a ball. They learn to make a tackle or march in the band.

But the special thing about sports for our children is what they can learn that translates to the rest of their life. Sports teach responsibility and discipline. Our children learn to practice honesty and to have passion for their goals.

They teach how to be resourceful and take situations they aren’t familiar with and make the best out of them. There was a time, not too long ago, during the pandemic that many states canceled school and cancelled sports. I heard from parents, teachers, and student-athletes about how important school was and the sports and other extracurricular programs that go with school.

I told our Secretary of Education and the public that we had to have school in the fall of 2020, and that’s exactly what we did. We had to make many changes to how we operated, we made adjustments to our daily lives, but ultimately we as a community, were resourceful and made it work. Our students continued to participate in the extracurricular activities they hold dearly, all while going to school and continuing their education.

In fact, Arkansas ranked second in the nation for in-classroom instruction during the pandemic. Allowing our school districts to make decisions based on their unique needs kept the health and safety of our students and families a top priority without forcing all schools to follow one set of rules.

In the fall of 2020, I received a letter from a senior at Greenwood High School. Her name was Hannah Watkins and she played volleyball for the Bulldogs. In her letter she talked about how her team huddled around the T.V. watching a press conference where I announced that high school sports would be played during that upcoming school year.

Hannah and her team went on to win the 5A State title in volleyball that season. In the letter she told me they followed all the precautions “to a T” and did whatever they could to make sure they were ready to play. Now, Hannah is playing college volleyball in Arkansas.

This is an amazing example of how sports instill meaningful qualities in our children. They had a goal. They did everything it took to reach that goal, and even though many things had to adjust they were successful in their endeavor.

Tonight, many young Arkansans will be battling it out against each other on the turf, and in the end some teams will win and some will lose. But the sun will rise again tomorrow, and those life lessons they learned will carry on with them for a lifetime. 

Arkansas receives $280 million from American Rescue Plan

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas will receive $280 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan to tackle water problems statewide.

About $270 million will be used on water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects, and $10 million will be doled to assist areas in eastern Arkansas with the transition from groundwater to surface water and help preserve the Sparta and Alluvial aquifers.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson created a Water and Other Infrastructure Working Group to assist the Arkansas American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Steering Committee in identifying water infrastructure projects. The working group conducted a needs survey that identified more than $5 billion in water, wastewater, and stormwater needs across the state. The working group made a subsequent funding proposal which was approved by the Steering Committee in August and by the Arkansas Legislative Council today.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/arkansas-receives-280-million-from-american-rescue-plan/

Governor Hutchinson Announces Opposition To Proposed Rules Undermining Women’s Sports

In a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced his opposition to proposed amendments to the regulations on implementing Title IX.

"The proposed rules would make it clear that sexual orientation and gender identity are both covered under the non-discrimination laws for our schools," Governor Hutchinson said. "This would interfere with Arkansas law, it would interfere with common sense, and it would interfere with local control."

Governor Hutchinson said the proposed changes would violate Arkansas law that prohibits biological males from competing in women's sports. He announced Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has filed a response with other Attorneys General opposing the new rules.

Secretary Johnny Key and the Department of Education have also joined other states in presenting comments opposing these proposed rules.

"These proposed amendments of the Biden administration not only fly in the face of well-established law but in the face of reason and the intent of Congress," Governor Hutchinson said. "The state of Arkansas will not stand by idly while the federal government seeks to redefine the law to the detriment of women's sports and local decision making."