With the Christmas season upon us, we thought we would post a video of some pretty holiday sights right here in our own backyards!
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The holidays are a magical time at the State Capitol. Lights illuminate the exterior at night, the halls are draped with garland, and school choirs from across the state serenade us with carols throughout the day.
But there is one particular day in the season here at that stands apart from the rest. On Tuesday, we celebrated the 5th year of Christmas in the Capitol. At this event, legislators gather with the Governor, constitutional officers, and state employees as we bring gifts for the more than 4,000 children in Arkansas foster care.
This year was the biggest yet. Several of the children were able to make it the event. And seeing their faces as they open the gifts is a humble reminder of our duty to them as legislators. As Rep. Charlene Fite said, “We love them. And we see a bright, bright future for them.”
Earlier that day, the committee for Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs was given a quarterly report from the Division of Children and Family Services.
Currently, there are 4,362 children in foster care. Neglect and substance abuse are the most prevalent reasons for children entering foster care.
Additional funding for DHS approved by the legislature in recent years has helped to increase the number of caseworkers and decrease the average worker caseload. The average caseload statewide stands at 21 cases per worker. The Division’s goal is 20 or fewer.
Arkansas consistently exceeds the national standard of 40.5% in finding a permanent living situation for children within 12 months removal from their home.
There are 1,502 licensed foster family homes open statewide, providing a total of 3,394 available beds. The ratio of foster home beds to children in foster care was less than one (.78) at the end of the first quarter. The goal is to have at least one foster home bed available for each child.
Kids in foster care do better in homes, not facilities. We need caring, patient, and flexible foster families who can provide temporary care to kids while we work to get them safely back home to their original families as quickly as possible.
While we need foster homes for all of our kids in foster care, we especially need homes for teens and for sibling groups.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, visit www.fosterarkansas.org
ARCCC - Creating Connections for Children
Our mission at the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services is to keep children safe and families together. We do that by engaging families and working together to build supports to assist parents and families in successfully and safely caring for their children.
Sevier County Courthouse Christmas Lighting and De Queen Parade
UA Cossatot OTA Pinning Ceremony at Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium
UA Cossatot RN Pinning Ceremony at Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium
UA Cossatot RN Pinning Ceremony was Saturday at noon at the Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Monthly revenue reports help to give us a picture of the state’s economy. The reports show us if Arkansans are making more, spending more, and if businesses are doing well. Recent reports have created an optimistic outlook.
Five months into the fiscal year, general revenue for the state continues to exceed expectations. In fact, more gross general revenue was collected this November than any November in state history. November collections totaled $515.2 million. That is $23 million more than November 2018.
Sales tax collections are contributing to the increase in general revenue. This month, the revenue from sales tax was $9.1 million or 4.5% above last year. On a year to date basis, sales and use taxes are 3.1% more than Fiscal Year 2019.
Legislation passed in the 2019 Regular Session began requiring online retailers to collect and remit taxes on in-state purchases. That legislation went into effect in July of this year.
To date, there has been $104.2 million more in gross general revenue collected than this time last year. That is a 3.9% increase.
Individual income tax collections are $73 million above this time last year. We anticipate income tax revenue to decrease next year as new legislation lowering income tax takes effect. The top rate for income tax will drop from 6.9% to 6.6% on January 1, 2020. It will drop again to 5.9% on January 1, 2021.
Corporate income taxes are also showing an increase from last year.
All of these increases reflect our low unemployment rate and healthy consumer confidence. The unemployment rate in Arkansas is 3.5%, just slightly below the national average.
By monitoring the state’s revenue closely, we are able to create a budget that best serves the needs of the public. Budget hearings for the next fiscal year begin March 4. We convene for the 2020 Fiscal Session on April 8.
You can review the monthly revenue reports at www.dfa.arkansas.gov.
Department of Finance and Administration
If you're an Arkansas driver, you have to assess, pay property taxes and have insurance before you can renew your car tags. Miss the deadlines and you could face penalties, late fees and expired registration. Sign up now to get timely reminders for everything that's due before you renew and you'll always be on time.
The Congressional App Challenge Winners from Murfreesboro
The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills as they develop software and design new apps. This year, 59 teams entered the competition in the Fourth District. Pictured above are first place winners Austin Jackson and Brandon White from Mufreesboro High School for their app, "Check Me Out." I'm looking forward to hosting them in D.C.!
Bruce Westerman
Arkansas' Fourth District Congressman
The National Cold War Museum Launches Website and Fundraising Campaign
Blytheville, AR (December 5, 2019) – A website to promote the forthcoming National Cold War Museum in Blytheville, Arkansas has been launched. It is www.thenationalcoldwarmuseum.org.
The website tells the story of a community vision to convert several sections of the former Eaker Air Force Base into a national visitor attraction in Arkansas. The National Cold War Museum will chronicle the historic events that took place during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union and the role that the base played.
"This former U.S. Air Force base has so many stories to tell because over 300,000 people helped fight the Cold War on this very ground,” said Liz Smith, museum board secretary. “We are excited that the website and social media will help us raise awareness and the funds necessary to bring these stories to life."
In addition to the website, The National Cold War Museum has established a Facebook page and GoFundMe account to strengthen fundraising efforts for the second phase of development, which includes the January 2020 opening of the first on-site exhibit and welcome area. This first exhibit, the Blytheville Air Force Base Exhibition, will be a historical perspective on the base and will set the stage for and highlight the vision of the museum.
Future phases of the museum will feature on-site experiences including a museum welcome center, self-guided tours, an interactive alert tower, B52 bombers, the Cold War Legacy Gallery, and more.
“This is an exciting time for the city of Blytheville and the entire state of Arkansas,” said Mary Gay Shipley, board chairman. “We believe that this museum will be a major national attraction for people with a keen interest in American and military history.”
For additional information about The National Cold War Museum, visit www.thenationalcoldwarmuseum.org.
Remembering the War that Saved the World
The National Cold War Museum, located on Eaker Air Force Base, will be recognized as a major tourist attraction in Arkansas that will provide an immersive and authoritative experience in informing, interpreting and honoring the legacy of the Cold War.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s important that we show our gratitude to our farmers. A thanksgiving feast would not be the same without the contribution of Arkansas agriculture.
Arkansas ranks 5th in the nation in turkey production. In 2018, 595,350 pounds of turkey were produced in Arkansas poultry farms. In fact, turkey production creates more than 14,000 jobs in the state.
Arkansas is also the 5th largest producer of sweet potatoes. There were 4,800 acres of sweet potatoes harvested last year.
Although few go shopping for actual soybeans for Thanksgiving, there is a very good chance the soybean plays a significant part in your feast. This year Arkansas ranked as 11th in the nation in soybean production.
Soybean oil is used in cooking and frying foods. Margarine is a product made from soybean oil. Salad dressings and mayonnaise are made with soybean oil. It is also used for animal feed for farm animals.
And don’t forget about the rice. Whether mixed with broccoli and cheese or butternut squash, this side dish most likely began its journey on an Arkansas farm. More than 40% of all rice in the United States is grown in our state.
Arkansas farmers may have contributed to your dessert menu as well, especially when it comes to the pies.
We are one of 15 states to grow pecans. There were more than 15,000 acres of pecans harvested in Arkansas last year. And while we are proud to be home to many pumpkin patches across the state, we do not produce enough to support every supermarket. Arkansas pumpkins however can be found at your local farmers markets or pumpkin patch.
With 42,500 farms in our state, farmers are the backbone to our economy. Arkansas consistently ranks in the top one-third of the nation for agricultural cash farm receipts.
Rain or shine, our farmers work early mornings and late nights.
So this holiday season, thank a farmer. And look for the “Arkansas Grown” label at your local supermarket as another way to show your appreciation.
Christmas and Candlelight at Historic Washington State Park
Join the staff of Historic Washington State Park for its 32rd Annual Christmas and Candlelight which will be held December 7 & 14, 2019. The park will be open from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. both days, but to enjoy the thousands of luminaries and special music you may want to wait until later in the afternoon to pay a visit. Tour locations and homes will be adorned in 19th century style decorations including natural handmade wreaths and swags tailored by park staff and volunteers the week of the event. Evening programming and tours begin at 1:00 P.M., lighting of the luminaries will take place at dark, and music from groups and choirs throughout the region will begin at 5:00 P.M.
William’s Tavern Restaurant will serve a Christmas Buffet for both lunch and dinner so you don’t have to miss out on that tasty tradition no matter what time you arrive for the event. Whether you choose to stroll the boardwalks or take a ride on the horse drawn surrey, you don’t want to miss bringing in the Christmas Season the old fashion way at Historic Washington State Park. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children (6 -12) plus tax. Begin your own Christmas tradition by joining Arkansas’s Premier Historic State Park only eight miles off I30 from Hope Arkansas. For more information contact Historic Washington at 870-983-2684, or HistoricWashington@Arkansas.com.
Arkansas Tourism Official Site | Arkansas.com
This area of the state is literally and figuratively at the center of it all. Commerce, business, tourism, outdoor activities, upscale and downhome cuisine - it's all here. Visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site where nine students made history in 1957 or explore the life of a leader at the Clinton Presidential Center.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week we want to remind you of an important deadline approaching all Arkansans.
On October 1, 2020, anyone who boards a domestic flight or enters a federal building will either need a REAL ID driver’s license (DL) or Identification Card (ID) or will need to provide a regular identification and additional accepted forms of identification.
Arkansas is taking part in the federal nationwide initiative to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, which will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.
The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 adopted the recommendations of the 911 Commission. The REAL ID Act prohibits the federal government from accepting driver's licenses or identification cards issued by states that do not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act. This includes but is not limited to commercial air flights and federal buildings.
You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by having a duplicate license issued at a REAL ID office. The following Revenue Offices issue the REAL ID: Arkadelphia, Batesville, Bentonville, Conway, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Forrest City, Fort Smith (6515 Phoenix Avenue), Greenwood, Harrison, Hot Springs (200 Woodbine), Jonesboro, Little Rock (Three State Police Plaza Drive), Little Rock (1900 W. 7th Street), Little Rock (9108 North Rodney Parham), Monticello, Mountain Home, Paragould, Russellville, Searcy, Sherwood, Springdale, Texarkana, West Memphis, and White Hall.
An individual applying for Real ID must provide more documentation than an individual applying for a regular driver’s license or State ID.The federal government requires Arkansans to confirm proof of residency, legal presence and identity and Social Security number through the following documentation:
Passport or birth certificate
Two proof of address documents such as utility bills or bank statements
Social Security card
Name change linking documents, example: Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Court Order
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) recently launched a website, www.ar.gov/REALID, allowing Arkansans to list the documentation that will be presented at the Revenue Office to obtain a REAL ID. The website confirms the documents meet all requirements or specifies which document is missing.
The cost to obtain a REAL ID does not differ from the cost to obtain or renew a license or ID.
Close to 250,000 Arkansans have obtained a REAL ID, which is approximately ten percent of active licenses and IDs in the state. Make plans to get yours soon!
Arkansas Representative DeAnn Vaught Receives 2019 Business Matters Leadership Award.
Arkansas State Chamber President & CEO Randy Zook presents State Rep. DeAnn Vaught with a 2019 Business Matters Leadership Award.
State Rep. DeAnn Vaught (R-Dist.4 – Horatio) received an Arkansas State Chamber/Associated Industries of Arkansas 2019 Business Matters Leadership Award on Wednesday, November 13 at the Arkansas State Chamber building in Little Rock. Vaught was recognized with the award for supporting positive business initiatives during the 92nd General Assembly.
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas is the leading voice for business at the State Capitol and serves as the primary business advocate on all issues affecting Arkansas employers. The State Chamber/AIA’s mission is to promote a pro-business, free-enterprise agenda and contest anti-business legislation, regulations and rules.
Channel 6 Shreveport Weather Video Cam on Ed 88 Radio Tower
Ed 88.7 was off the air briefly Tuesday afternoon while a Channel 6 weather camera was installed on our tower on the UA Cossatot De Queen campus.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
On Monday morning, House members were informed of the passing of one of our fellow representatives.
Representative John Walker was elected to the House in 2010 and was serving his 5thterm when he passed at the age of 82.
He represented District 34 which includes southwest portions of Little Rock. His public service career stretched far beyond the halls of the Capitol.
Walker attended Yerger High School in Hopeuntil 1952 and continued his education at Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas, where he graduated in 1954.
He was the first African American undergraduate student admitted to the University of Texas after the Brown decision in 1954 but was not allowed to attend for racial reasons. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Arkansas AM&N at Pine Bluff (now University of Arkansas Pine Bluff) in 1958 with a degree in sociology. Dr. Martin Luther King was the keynote speaker at his graduation.
Representative Walker earned his master’s degree from New York University and in 1964, he received a law degree from Yale Law School.
He embarked on his public service as an attorney soon after. Walker’s first work was as an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) in New York. In 1965, he opened the first integrated law firm in Arkansas, where he consistently worked to provide equal educational opportunities. Between 1965 and now, Walker has personally been involved in most of the reported racial discrimination cases in the state.
In 2017, Rep. Walker sponsored legislation Act 566, An Act to Create the Helping Our People Excel (H.O.P.E.) Act of 2017 which allowed the state to opt out of federal prohibitions on public assistance for those with drug convictions.
A service for Rep. Walker was held in the rotunda of the Capitol on Thursday. During the service, House Speaker Matthew Shepherd gave these words, “His sheer presence made our House stronger and our state better. Rep. Walker was one of those statesmen who spoke from experience rather than ego. He could vigorously oppose legislation in committee or on the floor, and immediately following adjournment would visit with those same members with whom he was in opposition to. He was also someone who encouraged others.”
We mourn the loss of Rep. Walker and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Childhood obesity is a serious problem across the country. Surveys indicate 1 in 5 children are now obese.
Several studies have shown that students will eat more fruits and vegetables when they have easy access to a variety of high quality fresh items. And one way to provide more healthy options is through Farm-to-School programs.
October is National Farm-to-School Month. Farm-to-School programs connect Arkansas’s growers and local food producers to learning environments in the community.
The three main farm-to-school practices are local food procurement, nutrition education, and school gardens.
Students, farmers, and communities all win when they participate in this program.
Students win as they are provided access to nutritious, local food. Students also see educational opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons, and farm field trips.
Farmers win as the program can provide a significant financial opportunity as school purchasing dollars are re-directed to the local economy.
And communities win as it provides opportunities to build family and community engagement. Buying from local producers and processors creates new jobs.
Top products for the farm to school sales in Arkansas are apples, watermelon, berries, sweet potatoes, and lettuce.
In the most recent legislative session, we sought to strengthen the program with Act 506. This legislation establishes a Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program and creates a Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator Position within the Arkansas Agriculture Department to administer the program. This expansion will help children to develop healthy eating habits even earlier.
In Arkansas, 47 school districts are using farm to school practices. That's an impact on 95,605 students. But there are thousands more who could still benefit.
Making local food purchases does not require any extra paperwork on the part of the farmer or the school. The best way to get started is to find out who is interested in farm to school in your area. You can do so by visiting www.farmtoschool.org.
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Use the quick guide to search through our resource database. You can search by topic, setting, or keywords in order to find exactly what you are looking for. Choose a filtering mechanism above to get started. View all resources Farm to school is taking place in all 50 states, D.C.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
On average, an Arkansan with a bachelor’s degree will earn $700,000 more in a 30 year career than those who drop out of college. The gap climbs to $1.5 million for those with a doctorate.
This information is included in the 2018 Economic Security Report which was presented this week to the Arkansas Legislative Council Higher Education Sub-Committee.
The report makes clear that the cost to obtain any certificates or degrees at an Arkansas public postsecondary institution is significantly lower than the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in additional average career earnings.
Not including living expenses, the estimated cost in Arkansas for an associate’s degree is $10,000. The estimated cost for a bachelor’s degree $30,000.
Each level of educational achievement provides a boost in earnings power. In fact, the report shows a significant difference in earnings just the first year. On average, first year earnings for Arkansans with a bachelor’s degree are $31,800. Average first year earnings for high school graduates are $11,900.
Employment rates are also impacted by levels of education. First year full-time employment rates for college dropouts is 29%. The rates climb to 44% for Arkansans with a Certificate of Proficiency and 58% for those with an associate’s degree.
In most cases, what you study matters more than where you study. For those with an associate’s degree, science technology and health professionals make the most in average first year earnings. For those with bachelor’s degrees, engineering students make the most in average first year earnings.
Studies of health professions are the most popular over all degree areas in Arkansas as well as being the most popular choice for Certificates of Proficiency, Technical Certificates, and First Professional degrees. The most common Bachelor’s degree programs are in Business, Management, and Marketing.
Although each graduate’s success will reflect a variety of factors such as the local job market, where they choose to live, and what area they chose to study, the Economic Report provides valuable information as students and parents consider education and career choices. We have posted the report on our website: www.arkansashouse.org.
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
Public Retirement & Social Security Programs - Joint Public Retirement & Social Security Programs - Joint meets at 1:30 PM at ASU-Mt Home, The Sheid Building, 1600 South College Street, Mountain Home ASU-Mt Home, The Sheid Building, 1600 South College Street, Mountain Home Meets at 1:30 pm
Arkansans to Demonstrate “Shakeout, Don't Freak Out” This Week
NORTH LITTLE ROCK— This week thousands of Arkansans will participate in the Great Central United States ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. This year’s annual drill is set for Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 a.m. The theme for this year’s drill is to “ShakeOut, Don’t Freak Out”.
To date, more than 192,000 of Arkansans are registered for the 2019 ShakeOut Drill. Last year more than 208,000 Arkansans participated.
Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the ShakeOut Drill is a “day of action” providing an opportunity for people to take extra steps to become more prepared for earthquakes and other disasters. The self-led drill encourages participants to practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On”. For most people, in most situations the recommended earthquake safety action is to:
· DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
· COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
· HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops (remain on your knees and covering your head and neck with your other arm and hand).
Citizens in Arkansas are not immune to earthquakes—the state is home to several active seismic zones capable of producing damaging earthquakes, including the New Madrid seismic zone.
The ShakeOut is free and open-to-the-public, and participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies. To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to join the drill by registering to participate at www.shakeout.org. Once registered, participants receive regular information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.
It’s important to remember that even though the official drill is being held this Thursday, there is no wrong time, nor is it too late to become more prepared. If you can’t participate this Thursday, go ahead and register and schedule a drill for yourself, your workplace or any other type of organization any day of the year!
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills
Most participants are in one of the Official ShakeOut Regions listed below (with current registration totals). People and organizations in other countries can also register. All regions participate on October 17, 2019 unless specified. To learn more, select your region below or choose from this list:
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
A 2017 study titled “Indicators of School Crime and Safety,” published by the United States Department of Justice and the United States Department of Education, reported that 20% of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied at school during the previous school year.
The same study also reported that about 33% of students who reported being bullied at school indicated that they were bullied at least once or twice a month during the school year.
The persistence of school bullying has led to instances of student suicide across the country, including Arkansas.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying is when someone hurts or scares another person repeatedly. It can include name calling, inflicting physical pain, exclusion, public humiliation, hurtful pranks and defacing property.
The Arkansas legislature began passing anti-bullying legislation in 2003. This year we strengthened those laws in an effort to reduce the instances of bullying in our schools.
In 2019, the General Assembly passed Act 1029, an Act to Amend the State Anti-Bullying Policy.
It requires parents of the victim of bullying be notified as soon as reasonably practicable. It requires schools to investigate and write a report on the complaint within 5 school days. The act also requires the school notify the parent or legal guardian of the student who is determined to have been the perpetrator of the incident of bullying.
In addition, it requires the superintendent to annually update the school board on the number of incidents of bullying reported and the actions taken.
Act 1029 states the Department of Education shall require 2 hours of professional development for licensed public school personnel in bullying prevention and recognition of the relationship between incidents of bullying and the risk of suicide.
This General Assembly also passed Act 190 which requires school counselors to spend at least 90% of his or her working time providing direct and indirect services to students.
The legislature will continue to study the issue of bullying but there are things we can all do.
Help children understand bullying. Talk about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Tell kids bullying is unacceptable. Make sure they know how to get help.
And finally we can all model how to treat others with kindness and respect.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Civil War Weekend at Historic Washington State Park
Event: Civil War School Day at Historic Washington State Park
(November 1, 2019)
9:30 to 4:00
Civil War Weekend
(November 2 & 3, 2019)
9:00 – 5:00
Living history reenactors portraying marching soldiers and civilian refugee camps once again fill Washington, helping guest understand the conflict that no one thought would last so long.
Washington and Hempstead County raised 18 companies of soldiers who left loved ones behind, waiting, and wondering about them.
Tour various stations of soldiers, civilians, and historic homes that show the many aspects of life during the American Civil War.
Skirmishes will begin at 2:00pm Saturday and 2:00PM on Sunday.
CW Day Admission: $10 adults, $6 children (plus tax). Admission will get you into the skirmish along with all historic homes and museums
For more information, contact the park at 870-983-2684.