Arkansas News

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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During the 2019 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed several pieces of legislation concerning our elections.
One of those pieces of legislation will change the date of our primaries.
Arkansas will join 13 other states holding a March 3, 2020 primary. Only 4 other states will hold their caucus or primary before March 3.
Act 545 provides for a March preferential primary election in the years in which the office of President of the United States is voted on and a May preferential primary election in the years in which the office of Governor is voted on.
The general election for non-partisan races, which includes judges and prosecutors, will also be held on March 3 of next year.
Early voting will begin on February 17, 2020. The deadline to register for the primary is February 3.
Act 545 also makes changes to the timing of fiscal sessions. Fiscal sessions have been held on the second Monday in February on even-numbered years. Act 545 states that on years in which the preferential primary is held in March, the General Assembly will instead meet for a fiscal session on the second Wednesday of April. 
Other legislation passed this year concerning elections include:

ACT 199 which allows the election officials at a polling site with fifteen (15) or more ballot styles to post the sample ballots on a public website and in bound volumes.

· ACT 664 which provides ten (10) minutes for a voter to mark his or her ballot.

· ACT 684 which allows digital photographic identification cards to be used as the voter identification required to vote.

· ACT 949 which provides for a modification in the law concerning the number of voting sites in a city of the first class.

· ACT 328 which allows high school students to volunteer as election officials.

For more information about voting dates and deadlines visit www.sos.arkansas.gov.www.sos.arkansas.gov.

Arkansas Secretary of State

Copyright © 2017 Arkansas Secretary of State. All Rights Reserved.

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Free Beekeeping Course on Nashville Campus of UA Cossatot

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Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers Association is offering a free basic beekeeping course September 9. The three-hour course is for those who have never kept bees but think they would like to try. Participants will learn everything they need to get started – basic concepts and costs of beekeeping, equipment and supplies required and where to purchase, as well as long-term costs and time required. The free class will be taught by Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers Association President Fred Douville. Refreshments will be served. Classes will be September 9, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at UA Cossatot in Nashville, Room 101. Although the class is free, preregistration is required to insure adequate handouts and refreshements. For more information about the course and to register, contact Debra Bolding at (870) 557-2352.

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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In Arkansas, there are on average 71 billion gallons of water flowing in rivers, 4.8 trillion gallons in lakes and 200 trillion gallons in the ground.

Our state is abundant with water resources and much of our economy depends on it. It is estimated Arkansans use 157 gallons of water every day.

August is National Water Quality Month. It reminds us to take a look at what our households and communities are doing to protect sources of fresh water.

The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants and regulating quality standards for surface waters. But most people are unaware of the little ways they can pollute their water.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using and disposing of harmful materials properly. When hazardous waste is dumped on the ground it can contaminate the soil. Contaminated soil then contaminates the ground water or nearby surface water. A number of products used at home contain hazardous or toxic substances that can contaminate ground or surface waters, such as:

· Motor oil

· Pesticides

· Leftover paints or paint cans

· Mothballs

· Flea collars

· Household cleaners

· A number of medicines

Next, don't overuse pesticides or fertilizers. Many fertilizers and pesticides contain hazardous chemicals which can travel through the soil and contaminate ground water.

It is also recommended to keepyard waste off the streets, sidewalks, and driveways, and gutters. If yard waste such as grass clippings and leaves enters our storm drains, it flows untreated directly to creeks, streams, and lakes. As yard waste breaks down, nutrients that are released can lead to water pollution.

Overall, Arkansans have access to good quality water. But it is not a resource to take for granted. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension has extensive material on how to best protect conserve and protect our water at www.uaex.edu.

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Your best source for unbiased, research-based information on agriculture, communities, the economy, families and youth.

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Student Becomes the First UA Cossatot DACA Student to Receive In-State Tuition

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On July 1, 2019, Act 844 went into effect in Arkansas, allowing DACA students in Arkansas to receive in-state tuition. On August 6, 2019, UA Cossatot announced that Johana Martinez is the first student at UA Cossatot to receive in-state tuition as a DACA student.
Johana Martinez graduated from De Queen High School in 2017. After graduating, she enrolled at UA Cossatot as a post-secondary student. Johana is currently taking pre-requisite courses so that she can apply for UA Cossatot's PTA program.
Johana Martinez said, "1 Peter 5:7 is a verse in the bible that says to cast all your cares on him because he cares for you! This verse and this opportunity to get in-state tuition is evidence that God is taking care of me and all of my fellow DACA recipients”.
Under Act 844 of the 2019 Arkansas General Assembly, a student may be classified in-state for purposes of tuition and fees if the student satisfies one of the following requirements:
(a) The student personally holds or is the child of a person who holds a Federal Form I-766 United States Citizenship and Immigration Services-issued Employment Authorization Document, known popularly as a work permit;
(b) The student has verified that he or she is a resident legally present in Arkansas and has immigrated from the Republic of the Marshall Islands; or
(c) (i) The student's request for an exemption under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has been approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security. (ii) The student's exemption shall not be expired or shall have been renewed.
In addition, the student must satisfy both of the following requirements:
(a) Resided in this state for at least three (3) years at the time the student applies for admission to a state-supported institution of higher education; and
(b) Either: (i) Graduated from a public or private high school in this state; or (ii) Received a high school equivalency diploma in this state.
UA Cossatot has been named a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. The college is also the first and only Hispanic-Serving Institution in the state of Arkansas.
According to UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole, “Our community has been involved in getting this law changed for many years and we are so thankful that our state now has this legislation. ACT 844 is a life-changing law and, for our diverse community, it will open thousands of doors”.
DACA students who would like to learn more about receiving in-state tuition can contact Student Services at 870-584-4471.

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Governor Hutchinson Announces the “Arkansas Rural Connect” 

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Governor Hutchinson Announces the “Arkansas Rural Connect” 
Grant Program, $25 Million for Broadband Deployment
Must provide broadband speed of 25 Mbps/3 Mbps; Town must have at least 500 residents to qualify

LITTLE ROCK – Following his July 23 announcement establishing the Arkansas State Broadband Office, Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced “Arkansas Rural Connect,” a new $25 million grant program within the Arkansas State Broadband Office. Governor Hutchinson made the announcement while speaking to the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association in Rogers. The goal is to provide high-speed broadband to rural communities throughout Arkansas by 2022, as outlined in the State Broadband Plan released in May.

The Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) program will provide grants to qualifying communities of at least 500 people to deploy high-speed broadband to its residents. The high-speed broadband must have a rate of at least 25 megabits per second for download and 3 megabits per second for upload (25/3).

“The long-term success of our economy will be determined by the resources our entrepreneurs have access to, and high-speed broadband is at the top of that list,” said Governor Hutchinson. “The Arkansas Rural Connect program is an important tool that will allow the state to assist our local communities with the critical funding necessary to reach our goal of statewide connectivity. I will be asking legislative approval for the $25 million broadband plan.”

Of this $25 million plan, the Arkansas Legislative Council is able to approve $5.7 million this year, and the balance will need to be appropriated in next year’s fiscal session.

The ARC program builds on the work of the Arkansas state legislature, which, on February 26, 2019, opened up new possibilities for Arkansas towns by enacting Act 198 of 2019. Before Act 198, government entities were forbidden to provide broadband to the public by the Telecommunications Regulatory Reform Act of 2013.

Act 198 gave municipalities and other public entities new options to apply for funding to deploy broadband, but at that time, no state program existed that would allow municipalities to exercise their new powers under Act 198. With the introduction of the ARC grant program, towns will now have opportunities for funding from the state.

“One of the first infrastructure questions potential economic development prospects ask is regarding the speed of information across the state,” said Commerce Secretary Mike Preston. “As we build out the system with help from funding through the Arkansas Rural Connect program, individuals, schools and companies will benefit and create a new environment for learning and commerce.”

“The Arkansas Rural Connect grant seeks to close financing gaps and make the business case work for broadband projects in towns that lack adequate service,” said Dr. Nathan Smith, the state’s Broadband Manager. “Broadband is evolving into a necessity for modern life, similar to traditional utilities such as electricity, telephone service, sewage, and water. This new program will make broadband available to more Arkansans.”

Detailed rules for the ARC grant program will be developed in consultation with stakeholders in the near future. Citizens may look for the grant program to prioritize applications that:

Partner with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to deploy broadband at 25/3 speeds to all residents of a community.
Share project costs and/or provide facilitation for the project by procuring rights-of-way for wireline deployments.
Have a population of at least 500 with less than 50 percent of the population covered by broadband speeds of 25/3.
Do not constrain normal internet use.
While the Governor’s goal and the Arkansas Rural Connect grant focus on cities and towns, the State Broadband Office will also seek to promote broadband connectivity in rural areas and throughout the state. Federal grants and loans from federal agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Department of Commerce are available to fund broadband deployment, and the State Broadband Office will seek to educate local leaders and to be a resource for towns, cities, and ISPs looking for funding from these federal programs.

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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In 2018, there were 161 Amber Alerts issued nationwide. 5 of those originated here in Arkansas.

Those first minutes and hours after a child has been reported missing are crucial for law enforcement. That is why this General Assembly took an extraordinary and first of its kind step to help ensure law enforcement has all the available resources when seconds count.

In the most recent legislative session, we passed Act 913 with a unanimous vote. The legislation states that the following agencies shall collaborate in an effort to rescue abducted or endangered children:

•Arkansas Attorney General

•Department of Arkansas State Police

•Criminal Justice Institute

•Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission

•Arkansas Sheriffs' Association

•Arkansas Department of Emergency Management

•Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police

•Department of Community Correction

•Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator

CART teams greatly expand the resources that are available when a child is missing or abducted and also ensures rapid deployment of critical resources and personnel. Just last month, Arkansas is the first state in the country to successfully obtain national statewide certification for Child Abduction Response Teams (CARTs), ensuring that all children in Arkansas are better protected if abducted, missing, or endangered.

National CART certification is awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice, AMBER Alert and Technical Assistance Program.

Twelve CARTs have been formed across Arkansas. These teams are pre-organized and practiced to respond, substantially saving time and increasing the likelihood of the successful recovery of a missing, endangered or abducted child.

In order to earn certification, members of the 12 teams formed attended a series of AMBER Alert classes. Each CART was also required to implement a Memorandum of Understanding with local law enforcement agencies and other key agencies and organizations. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, the Arkansas State Police, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the Criminal Justice Institute developed a full call-out exercise built around a realistic child abduction scenario. AMBER Alert assessors evaluated the ability of each of the 12 CARTs to meet 47 standards covering 12 operational areas included in the developed exercise.

The legislation passed ensures this collaboration will continue. We would all be relieved if the CART teams never have to work on a real life scenario, but knowing these teams are ready is the next best option.

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UA Cossatot Welding Student Lands Job in Wisconsin

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Former UA Cossatot welding student Ashley McBroom of De Queen, Arkansas

Former UA Cossatot welding student Ashley McBroom of De Queen, Arkansas

Ashley McBroom is a resident of De Queen, Arkansas, and a former UA Cossatot welding student. On July 31, 2019, Ashley and her husband drove sixteen hours to their new home in Hartford, Wisconsin. Ashley is now employed to work as a laser welder for Steel Craft Corporation in Hartford where she will begin her new career as a welder.
Ashley took college credit courses while she was a high school student. As a high school junior, she enrolled in welding courses through UA Cossatot's Secondary Career Center. The Secondary Career Center gives high school students the chance to get a head start on college and learn new skills for their trade. In the afternoon, she would leave high school and then go to UA Cossatot's welding shop for her college courses.
Two years later, McBroom graduated from De Queen High School in May of 2019. That same month she graduated with a Certificate of Proficiency in SMAW Welding from UA Cossatot. She actually received her college certificate two days before her high school diploma.
Ashley McBroom said, "I believe UA Cossatot's Secondary Career Center is an all-around great idea! It is a great program that gave me the head start I needed, and I don't know that I would have pursued this career without this opportunity. To have graduated from high school and college, at the same time, feels great! It makes me feel like I have accomplished so much more!"
The job demand for welders and the creativity that they are allowed in their work inspired Ashley to major in welding. Ashley felt that UA Cossatot was the perfect place to receive her welding education.
Ashley McBroom said, "I chose to come to UA Cossatot because of the location, the opportunity to take college classes while I was in high school, and because of the great things I had heard about the college.”
Ashley added, “Having been a student in the welding program at UA Cossatot, I can say the welding program is great! The classes were extremely hands-on, and I felt prepared for my tests. The learning environment was great! My instructors were able to communicate effectively with us, and all of the students were able to ask questions."
When asked why she chose to take this job in Wisconsin, Ashley said, "This job is a great opportunity to get a foot in the door into the welding community. I would love to stay at this job long-term and work my way up. I also feel like I'll pursue a welding career throughout my life because I enjoy it so much!"
The welding courses Ashley took at UA Cossatot were all located at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus. In the fall of 2019, UA Cossatot will be offering secondary welding courses through the Secondary Career Center at the college’s De Queen, Nashville, and Lockesburg Campuses. Post-Secondary welding students will be able to take welding classes in either Nashville or Lockesburg.
Anyone interested in learning more about UA Cossatot's welding program can contact Pat Earnest at pearnest@cccua.edu.
High School students interested in learning more about the welding program offered through the Secondary Career Center can contact Julie Rhodes at jrhodes@cccua.edu.

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Arkansas Back-to-School Sales Tax-Free Weekend

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Back to School

Most students in Arkansas public schools head back to the classroom the second week of August.

Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday - August 3 and 4, 2019
Instructions for Retailers
Act 757 of 2011 provides for a sales tax holiday in Arkansas during the first weekend of August each year. A sales tax holiday is a temporary period when state and local sales taxes are not collected or paid on the purchase of certain products.
The Arkansas sales tax holiday for 2019 will begin on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 12:01 AM and will continue
through Sunday, August 4, 2019 at 11:59 PM. State and local sales tax will not be collected during this 48-hour period on the sale of: (1) Clothing and footwear if the sales price is less than one hundred dollars ($100) per item; (2) Clothing accessories and equipment if the sales price is less than fifty dollars ($50) per item; (3) School supplies; (4) School art supplies; and (5) School instructional materials. For purposes of the holiday period, the following definitions apply:
Clothing - Any article of human wearing apparel suitable for general use with a sales price of less than one
hundred dollars ($100) per item. See the product definition list for examples.
Clothing Accessories or Equipment – An item worn on the person or in conjunction with clothing with a sales price of less than fifty dollars ($50) per item. See the product definition list for examples.
School Supply - An item commonly used by a student in a course of study. See the product definition list for the specific items that are eligible for the sales tax exemption when purchased during the holiday period. If an item is not on the listing, it remains taxable during the sales tax holiday period.
School Art Supply - An item commonly used by a student in the course of study for artwork. See the product definition list for the specific items that are eligible for the sales tax exemption when purchased during the holiday period. If an item is not on the listing, it remains taxable during the sales tax holiday period.
School Instructional Materials - Written materials commonly used by a student in a course of study as a
reference and to learn the subject being taught. See the product definition list for the specific items that are eligible for the sales tax exemption when purchased during the holiday period. If an item is not on the listing, it remains taxable during the sales tax holiday period.
Procedures for Administration of the Sales Tax Holiday by Retailers
Retailers are required to participate if selling merchandise eligible for the holiday exemption and may not charge tax on items that are legally tax exempt during the sales tax holiday period.
Clothing: The holiday exemption for clothing is limited to single articles with a price of less than one hundred dollars ($100). Items priced at one hundred dollars ($100) or more are subject to the full state and local sales tax.
Example: A customer purchases two (2) shirts at $50 each, a pair of jeans at $75, and a pair of shoes
at $125. No state and local sales tax is due on the two shirts ($50 each for a total of $100) and the pair
of jeans ($75) even though the total cost ($175) exceeds the $100 threshold. However, the state and
local sales tax will be due on the full purchase price ($125) of the shoes since they exceed the one
hundred dollar ($100) threshold.
Items Normally Sold as a Single Unit: Items normally sold as a single unit, such as a pair of shoes or a men’s suit, must continue to be sold as a single unit. Components cannot be priced separately and sold as individual items in order to qualify for the holiday exemption. However, if the items are normally priced separately, they may continue to be sold as separate items and quality if the price of each article is less than $100. When items of eligible and non-eligible items sold together as a set or single unit, the full price is subject to sales tax if the value of the non-eligible item exceeds the value of the eligible item.
Buy One, Get One Free or for a Reduced Price: The total price of items advertised as “buy one, get one free” or “buy one, get one for a reduced price” cannot be averaged to qualify both items for the holiday. The amount of sales tax due depends on the actual price paid for each item sold.
Example, it a retailer advertises a pair of blue jeans as “buy one, get one 50% off” with the first pair of
jeans priced at $120 and the second pair at the half- price of $60. Sales tax is due on the first pair
priced at $120 with the second pair priced at $60 being eligible for the holiday exemption.
Discounts, Coupons, Rebates: Retailers may offer store discounts and store coupons to reduce the selling price of an eligible item in order to qualify for the holiday exemption. However, m anuf acturer ’s discount coupons do not reduce the selling price of an item and cannot be used to determine the selling price of an item in order to qualify for the holiday exemption. A m anuf ac turer ’s r ebate also does not reduce the selling price of an item and may not be used to qualify an item.
Layaways: Sales of eligible items under a layaway sale qualifies for exemption if final payment on a layaway order is made by, and the property is given to, the purchaser during the exemption period; or the purchaser selects the property and the retailer accepts the order for the item during the exemption period, for immediate delivery upon full payment, even if delivery is made after the holiday exemption period ends.
Rain Checks - A rain check allows a customer to purchase an item at a certain price at a later time because the particular item was out of stock. Eligible property that customers purchase during the exemption period with use of a rain check will qualify for the exemption regardless of when the rain check was issued. Issuance of a rain check during the exemption period will not qualify eligible property for the exemption if the property is actually purchased after the exemption period.
Exchanges - Procedures for an exchange in regards to a sales tax holiday are as follows:
a) If a customer purchases an eligible item during the holiday exemption period but later exchanges the item for a similar eligible item, even if a different size, color, or other feature, no tax is due even if the exchange is made after the holiday period.
b) If a customer purchases an eligible item during the holiday exemption period, but after the holiday has
ended, the customer returns the item and receives credit on the purchase of a different item that was not
eligible during the holiday, the appropriate state and local sales tax is due on the sale of the newly
purchased item.
c) If a customer purchases an eligible item prior to the holiday exemption period, but during the holiday period the customer returns the item and receives credit on the purchase of a different item of eligible property, no sales tax is due on the sale of the new item if the new item is purchased during the holiday exemption period.
Delivery Charges - Delivery charges, including shipping, handling and service charges, are part of the sales price of eligible items. For the purpose of determining a sales tax holiday price threshold, if all of the items in a shipment qualify as eligible property and the sales price for each item in the shipment is within the sales tax holiday price threshold, the retailer will not allocate the delivery, handling, or service charge to each item in order to determine if the price threshold is exceeded. The shipment will be considered a sale of eligible products.
If the shipment includes eligible holiday sales tax exempt items and other taxable items, the retailer seller should allocate the delivery charge by using: (a) A percentage based on the total sales prices of the taxable items compared to the total sales prices of all items in the shipment; or (b) A percentage based on the total weight of the taxable items compared to the total weight of all items in the shipment. The retailer must tax the percentage of the delivery charge allocated to the taxable property but not the percentage allocated to the holiday eligible items.
Order Date and Back Orders - For the purpose of a sales tax holiday, eligible property qualifies for exemption if: (a).the item is both delivered to and paid for by the customer during the exemption period; or (b) the customer orders and pays for the item and the seller accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period. The seller is deemed to accept an order when the seller has taken action to fill the order for immediate shipment. Actions to fill an order include placement of an "in date" stamp on a mail order or assignment of an "order number" to a telephone order. An order is for immediate shipment when the customer does not request delayed shipment. An order is for immediate shipment notwithstanding that the shipment may be delayed because of a backlog of orders or because stock is currently unavailable to, or on back order by,
the seller.
Returned Merchandise - For a 60-day period immediately after the sales tax holiday exemption period, when a customer returns an item that would qualify for the exemption, no credit for or refund of sales tax shall be given  unless the customer provides a receipt or invoice that shows tax was paid, or the seller has sufficient documentation to show that tax was paid on the specific item. This 60-day period is set solely for the purpose of designating a time period during which the customer must provide documentation that shows that sales tax was paid on returned merchandise. The 60-day period is not intended to change a seller's policy on the time period during which the seller will accept returns.
Sellers in Different Time Zones - The time zone of the seller's location determines the authorized time period for the sales tax holiday exemption when the purchaser is located in one time zone and a seller is located in another.
Product Definitions
“Clothing” of the type eligible for the sales tax holiday exemption with a price of less than $100 per item
includes all human wearing apparel suitable for general use. Additional examples include:
Aprons, household and shop
Athletic supporters
Baby receiving blankets
Bathing suits and caps
Beach capes and coats
Belts and suspenders
Boots
Coats and jackets
Costumes
Diapers, including disposables
Earmuffs
Footlets
Formal wear
Garters and garter belts
Girdles
Gloves & mittens for general use
Hats and caps
Hosiery
Insoles for shoes
Lab coats
Neckties
Overshoes
Pantyhose
Rainwear
Rubber pants
Sandals
Scarves
Shoes and shoe laces
Slippers
Sneakers
Socks and stockings
Steel toed shoes
Underwear
Uniforms, athletic & non-athletic
Wedding apparel
“Clothing” does not include:
• Belt buckles sold separately;
• Costume masks sold separately;
• Patches and emblems sold separately;
• Sewing equipment and supplies including knitting needles, patterns, pins, scissors, sewing
machines, sewing needles, tape measures, and thimbles; and
• Sewing materials that become part of “clothing” including buttons, fabric, lace, thread, yarn, and
zippers.
• "Protective equipment" for human wear and designed as protection of the wearer against injury or
disease or as protection against damage or injury of other persons or property but not suitable for
general use. Protective Equipment not eligible for the sales tax holiday exemption includes:
Breathing masks
Clean room apparel and equipment
Ear and hearing protectors
Face shields
Hard hats
Helmets
Paint or dust respirators
Protective gloves
Safety glasses and goggles
Safety belts
Tool belts
Welder’s gloves and masks
• "Sport or recreational equipment" designed for human use and worn in conjunction with an
athletic or recreational activity that is not suitable for general use. Sport or recreational equipment
not eligible for the sales tax holiday exemption includes:
Ballet and tap shoes
Cleated or spiked athletic shoes
Gloves - baseball, bowling, boxing,
hockey, and golf
Goggles
Hand and elbow guards
Life preservers and vests
Mouth guards
Roller and ice skates
Shin guards
Shoulder pads
Ski boots
Waders
Wetsuits and fins 
"Clothing Accessories or Equipment" of the type eligible for the holiday exemption with a price of less
than $50 per item includes incidental items worn on the person or in conjunction with “clothing.”
Examples include:
Briefcases
Cosmetics
Hair notions, including barrettes, hair
bows, & hair nets
Handbags
Handkerchiefs
Jewelry
Sun glasses, non-prescription
Umbrellas
Wallets
Watches
Wigs and hair pieces
School Related Products
“School Supply” is an item commonly used by a student in a course of study. The following is a listing of
school supplies eligible for the holiday exemption. If an item is not on the listing, it remains taxable during
the sales tax holiday period.
Binders Book bags
Calculators
Cellophane tape
Blackboard chalk
Compasses
Composition books
Crayons
Erasers
Folders; expandable, pocket,
plastic, and manila
Glue, paste, and paste sticks
Highlighters
Index cards
Index card boxes
Legal pads
Lunch boxes
Markers
Notebooks
Paper; loose leaf ruled notebook
paper, copy paper, graph
paper, tracing paper, manila
paper, colored paper, poster
board, and construction paper
Pencil boxes and other school
supply boxes
Pencil sharpeners
Pencils Pens
Protractors
Rulers
Scissors
Writing tablets
“School Art Supply” is an item commonly used by a student in a course of study for artwork. The
following is a listing of school art supplies eligible for the holiday exemption. If an item is not on the
listing, it remains taxable during the sales tax holiday period.
Clay and glazes
Paints- acrylic, tempora, and oil
Paintbrushes for artwork
Sketch and drawing pads
Watercolors
“School Instructional Material” is written material commonly used by a student in a course of study as
a reference and to learn the subject being taught. The following is a listing of school instructional
materials eligible for the holiday exemption. If an item is not on the listing, it remains taxable during the
sales tax holiday period.
Reference books
Reference maps and globes
Textbooks
Workbooks

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Fall 2019 Classes are Available at UA Cossatot

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UA Cossatot has released the fall 2019 schedule of classes for the upcoming semester. Classes are set to begin on Monday, August 12, 2019, and are available for students to take in various formats.

Courses at UA Cossatot will be available in-class, online, through audiovisual arrangement, and offered for eight weeks and sixteen weeks for students wanting different options. The last day to sign up for classes will be on August 13. Fall classes at UA Cossatot include courses in Accounting, English, Child Development, Diesel Technology, Business, Welding, Physical Science, Cosmetology, Spanish, and General Studies to name a few.

UA Cossatot has four campus locations. General Education courses are available in each county the college has a campus in or online. The college also provides programs at specific sites.

The Nashville Campus provides the Cosmetology program and the LPN night program. RN students, welding students, and pipe welding students can also take classes at the Nashville Campus.

The Ashdown Campus is the location for the OTA program and the PTA program. The Lockesburg Campus is home to Welding and Pipe Welding programs as well as the Industrial Maintenance Institute.

The De Queen Campus provides programs in Diesel Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Welding, and Registered Nursing. The LPN day program is also at the De Queen Campus. EMT classes are offered every fall semester at the De Queen Campus and are offered in Nashville every spring semester.

UA Cossatot offers several associate degrees, technical certificates, and certificates of proficiency. Most associate degrees can be completed in two years or less, and some certificates can take only one or two semesters to complete.

To learn how one can pay for college while going to school, please visit with someone at UA Cossatot who works in Financial Aid and the Business Office. To learn how one can seek assistance while going to school, please visit with someone at UA Cossatot who works in Career Pathways and the Center for Student Success. Student Services can also help with any questions and can guide students in the right direction.

To see the full list of available classes or to learn about other educational opportunities at UA Cossatot, please visit the college’s website at www.cccua.edu. Students can sign up for classes by contacting Student Services at 800-844-4471, or by a walk-in visit at the De Queen, Nashville, or Ashdown Campus

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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WEEKLY UPDATE FROM STATE REP DEANN VAUGHT:

Most students in Arkansas public schools head back to the classroom the second week of August. From recess to reading, there are several pieces of legislation passed in the most recent session which will impact the upcoming school year.

Below are some, but not all, of the acts taking effect this year.

Act 641 ensures that elementary schools provide 40 minutes of recess for students.

Act 190 states a school counselor shall spend at least ninety percent (90%) of his or her working time providing direct and indirect services to students.

Act 629 allows school districts to hire certified law enforcement officers as school resource officers.

Act 1029 requires parents of the victim of bullying be notified as soon as reasonably practicable. It requires schools to write a report on the complaint within 5 school days. The bill also requires the school notify the guardian of the student who is determined to have been the perpetrator of the bullying.

Act 288 makes it a primary offense to use a handheld wireless device in a school zone.

Act 166 raises the maximum penalty for passing a stopped school bus from $500 to $2,000.

Act 530 makes it a Class A misdemeanor if a mandated reporter fails to notify law enforcement of a serious threat regarding violence in or targeted at a school.

Act 640 amends school discipline procedures, repealing mandatory expulsion from school for possession of weapons.

Act 428 makes it against the law for students to be shamed or stigmatized for not paying for lunch. It prohibits schools from providing a different meal or snack than other students or requiring the student to dispose of the meal.

Act 602 allows school districts to develop policies for distribution of excess food.

Act 83 enhances the Right to Read Act. This bill would require public schools and open-enrollment public charter schools to include a literacy plan in their annual school level improvement plan. The plan would have to include curriculum and professional development aligned with the literacy needs of that school and based on the Science of Reading initiative.

Act 466 allows high school students to earn credit for the required family finance course starting in ninth grade.

Act 245 requires that bleeding control training be taught as part of high school health courses.

We would also like to remind families that Act 757 of 2011 provides for a sales tax holiday in Arkansas during the first weekend of August each year to help families purchase clothing and supplies needed for school. This year’s holiday will begin at 12:01am on Saturday, August 3 and end at 11:59pm on Sunday, August 4.

We’ve posted answers to frequently asked questions about the holiday on our website https://www.arkansashouse.org/

Home - Arkansas House of Representatives

ARGIRLSLEAD #ARGIRLSLEAD is a movement started by women serving in the Arkansas House. Each of them have a unique story to share about their journey on the road to their current leadership position. Kids In The House Who says civics can't be fun?

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Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Posthumously Promoting Doolittle Raider Lt. Col. Dick Cole to Colonel

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Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced legislation that calls for the posthumous promotion of Dayton, Ohio native Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Richard E. Cole. This bipartisan legislation also recognizes the accomplishments, sacrifices, and legacy of Lt. Col. Cole, the last of the living Doolittle Raiders until he passed away earlier this year at the age 103. The Doolittle Raiders consisted of 80 U.S. military volunteers, commanded by Lt. Col. James Doolittle, who led the first strike on mainland Japan in World War II. The attack bolstered morale back home and changed the tide of the war in the Pacific. Lt. Col. Cole served valiantly as Lt. Col. James Doolittle’s co-pilot and together they led the Squadron of 16 Army Air Force bombers from the U.S.S. Hornet to Tokyo.

“The Doolittle Raiders volunteered for an uncertain and hazardous mission to strike back against the enemy after Pearl Harbor. Their daring raid rallied our nation for a prolonged war and showed the world that America couldn’t be cowed even by a devastating attack. The raiders knew their mission could be a one-way trip. They chose to go anyway, and so are worthy of our honor and gratitude,” said Cotton.

“Dick Cole was a son of Dayton, Ohio and an American hero,” said Portman. “During a dark time in our history, he and the Doolittle Raiders launched an audacious attack that succeeded against all odds and provided a spark to the morale of the American people that carried us through to eventual victory in the Pacific. The Doolittle Raid had a strategic effect on World War II, and flying in the lead plane as the co-pilot to Jimmy Doolittle, Dick Cole was a key factor to the mission’s success. Dick went on to live a rich and full life and was a beloved hero to all airmen. I am proud to help lead this effort to provide Dick with the recognition he so deeply deserves.”

“The Doolittle Raiders came from a generation that spoke proudly of service to their country. They rarely drew attention or talked much about their own courage. They sought no recognition but oh, how they earned it. It was an honor to help award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Doolittle Raiders in Washington four years ago –a long time coming, and so deserved. And now that these men are no longer with us, it’s all the more important that we continue to tell their story,” said Brown.

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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WEEKLY UPDATE FROM STATE REP DEANN VAUGHT:

Arkansas is approaching the centennial of a historic vote in the House chamber. On July 28, 1919, then Governor Charles Brough called a special session for the purpose of ratifying the Nineteenth Amendment.

The House Journal records a letter Brough sent to our chamber 100 years ago.

In it he states, “Eleven states have already ratified and, should your Honorable Body ratify, nation-wide Women’s Suffrage will have passed the first milestone, as one-fourth of the States will have then conferred full suffrage upon our splendid womanhood.”

The letter goes on to read, “I feel that the ratification of the Susan B. Anthony Amendment is of paramount national importance to the people of our country, and is a proper recognition of the patriotic activities and useful devotion to the cause of liberty and democracy of our womanhood”

The vote passed 74–15 in the House. The vote in the Senate was 29-2, making Arkansas the twelfth state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment. According to newspaper reports at the time, women filled the Arkansas Capitol carrying yellow banners reading, “Votes for Women.”

Arkansas was the second state in the South to ratify the 19th amendment. Texas was the first when it ratified on June 23, 1919.

Demands for suffrage had been made in Arkansas dating back to the Constitutional Convention of 1868.

That attempt and many others to allow women to vote failed in the Arkansas legislature over the course of the next 49 years.

Then in February 1917, Rep. John Riggs introduced legislation to allow women to vote in Arkansas primaries.

Despite testimony on the House floor “That nothing would be gained by giving women access to the ballot”, the House voted 71-19 in favor of the measure. The bill later passed the Senate with a vote 17-15. Arkansas was the first state in the South to allow women in vote in primary elections.

Governor Hutchinson created the Arkansas Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemoration Committee to lead the state’s remembrance of women receiving the right to vote. You can check out the committee’s work on history and upcoming celebrations at www.arkansasheritage.com. And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow #ARGirlslead on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. There you will find stories from the women who serve in the House and encouragement for more Arkansas girls to seek leadership roles.

Department of Arkansas Heritage Home

Visit the Department of Arkansas Heritage Official Site to explore the rich history and heritage of Arkansas and discover what the state has to offer in arts, culture, dance, pottery & more!

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Governor Asa Hutchinson Statement on the Death of Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephen

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Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement on the death of Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephen, who was killed in the line of duty Thursday morning:


"It was heartbreaking to hear that Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephen was killed in the line of duty today. Deputy Stephen's death is a somber reminder that our law-enforcement officers risk their lives every day to protect ours. I am grateful for the men and women who willingly put their safety on the line every time they put on the uniform. My heart goes out to his wife and son, and to his fellow officers and friends in their grief at the tragic loss of Mike Stephen."

Governor Hutchinson ordered the state flag of Arkansas to fly at half-staff in honor of Deputy Stephen. The flag is to be flown at half-staff immediately through the day of interment.

In a related item, the Nashville Chapter of Arkansas Families of Fallen Officers will be giving a $5000 donation to the Stephen family to help with expenses. Anyone wishing to help with this effort can Contact Richard Curry of the AFFO at (870) 557-6813. or Timothy at (870) -681-1437, or Chantal at 557-5030.

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Amber Morris and Aubrey Seymour Represent Arkansas 4-H

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Two 4-H’ers from Sevier County were chosen as 4-H State Ambassadors this year. Amber Morris and Aubrey Seymour were chosen from kids all across the state of Arkansas to represent Arkansas 4-H. Before a youth can become an ambassador, they must first achieve several goals. They must show growth in their educational project, be an excellent speaker in front of large crowds, participate in county, district, and state level activities, prove they have above average leadership skills, mentor other youth, and do community service projects. The biggest accomplishment is being able to work outside of 4-H to better their community.

Amber Morris is the 16 year old daughter of Ronald and Kimberly Morris. With having this amazing opportunity, Amber feels like she can help others not only in our county, but all over the state. It also means that she will have the opportunity to spread 4-H opportunities to others.

Aubrey Seymour is the 15 year old daughter of Justin and Debbie Seymour. Aubrey hopes that while she is making today the best, she can make tomorrow even better. Aubrey also feels like this will give her the opportunity to promote and educate people about the 4-H program on a higher level than just Sevier County.

Both girls lead a community service project that benefits the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and are appreciative of the opportunity they have been given and hope to make a difference.