Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught

Since the filing period began, there have been more than 540 bills filed in the House. In the Senate, 380 have been filed.

More than 120 bills so far have been signed into law.

This afternoon, the House advanced several more, including the following:

HB1353-This bill states that a medical marijuana cultivation facility or dispensary shall not use any of the following images within an advertisement:

** A cross of any color

** A caduceus

** Any other symbol that is

commonly associated with the

practice of medicine or the

practice of pharmacy.

HB1426-This bill establishes the Arkansas Fair Food Delivery Act. It states that a food delivery platform shall not arrange for the delivery of a food order from a food facility without first entering into an agreement with the food facility expressly authorizing the food delivery platform to take orders and deliver food.

HB1434-This bill creates the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council. The council will research the needs and services available to the nearly 50,000 Arkansans living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

SB136-This bill allows public utilities to recognize renewable natural gas and allow gas utilities to remove barriers to purchase the alternative fuel.

SB165-This bill brings Arkansas law into alignment with federal law to allow termination or cancellation of a residential lease when a soldier or airman is assigned to a permanent change of duty station that is located more than 50 miles from his or her primary residence or when he or she is discharged or released under honorable conditions from active military service.

The House will convene on Wednesday at 1 pm.

News from the UA Cossatot Agriculture Department

UA Cossatot and UA Fayetteville Bumpers College of Agriculture recently signed an articulation agreement for a direct transfer of UAC’s Agriculture Business Program to the Bumpers College at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville. Kelli Harris, Agri Instructor/Advisor at UAC has been working with students to transfer their Ag Business degree from Cossatot to Fayetteville for a while but this official document signing makes the process more transparent and easier for students. Students who complete the 60-hour Associate of Science degree in Agri-Business are eligible to transfer to UA Fayetteville and pay the same tuition rate that they were paying at UA Cossatot.

The Division of Professional Studies is continuing to work with the Bumpers College to develop similar agreements for Natural Resources and Animal Science.

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 45

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 15

‘Vaccinate The Natural State’ Coalition Forms

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

A coalition led by Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield will attempt to educate Arkansans about the COVID-19 vaccine and ask employers to take a pledge that they will “strongly encourage” their employees to be vaccinated.

The “Vaccinate The Natural State” initiative (www.VaccinateTheNaturalState.com) was announced at a press conference Feb. 22 led by Curtis Barnett, Blue Cross president and CEO.

Partners include the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, the Northwest Arkansas Council, UAMS and Walmart.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/vaccinate-the-natural-state-coalition-forms/

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly COVID-19 Update Tuesday (02.23.21) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.

Arkansas Legislature Advances Bills That Restrict Abortion Access

By SARAH KELLOGG & DANIEL BREEN

Members of the Arkansas Senate advanced two bills Monday that would restrict abortion access in the state.

A bill that would ban nearly all abortions in Arkansas is on its way to the House after passing the Arkansas Senate on Monday.

Senate Bill 6 would ban all abortions in the state. According to the legislation, abortions would be allowed to "save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child." The bill also allows for abortions to remove ectopic pregnancies and to remove a dead fetus caused by a "spontaneous abortion." There are no exceptions for instances of rape or incest.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-legislature-advances-bills-restrict-abortion-access

Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, presents SB6 to the Senate, which bans nearly all abortions in the state, with no exceptions for instances of rape or incest.

CREDIT ARKANSAS SENATE

Bill Seeks To Ban Transgender Girls, Women From Arkansas School Sports Teams

By DANIEL BREEN

Arkansas lawmakers have proposed a bill that would make it illegal for schools to allow transgender girls and women to play on sports teams corresponding to their gender identity.

The legislation, called the Gender Integrity Reinforcement Legislation for Sports (GIRLS) Act, is sponsored by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, and Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio. State Attorney General Leslie Rutledge introduced the bill at a news conference Monday.

"We don't want common sense to be overshadowed by so-called political correctness, and this bill would ensure the integrity of girls and women in sports," Rutledge said. "This legislation will create a space for women’s sports and will provide opportunities for women to demonstrate their skills, strength and athletic abilities against other females of the same biological stature."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-seeks-ban-transgender-girls-women-arkansas-school-sports-teams

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge speaks alongside state lawmakers Monday at the Arkansas State Capitol.

CREDIT DANIEL BREEN / KUAR NEWS

Tuesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 245 new cases; 4,899 active cases; 588 hospitalized, which is up 11 from Sunday; 109 on ventilators, which is down 5 from Sunday; deaths added today, 6, for a total of 5,363; a total of 315,759 cases; 242,135 recoveries; PCR tests, 1,979; antigen tests, 482.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 34; Garland, 21; Benton, 18; Pope, 16; and Sevier and White with 13 each.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"New and active cases continue to remain lower than we've seen in the past few weeks. We're distributing vaccine doses throughout the state and encourage those who are eligible to make sure they're signed up. We expect vaccine and testing numbers to increase this week with clear roads across the state."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,571
Confirmed Cases: 1,738
Probable Cases: 833
Total Active Cases: 48
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 29

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,506
Confirmed Cases: 986
Probable Cases: 520
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,117
Confirmed Cases: 847
Probable Cases: 270
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases:

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,859
Confirmed Cases: 1,594
Probable Cases: 265
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 948
Confirmed Cases: 726
Probable Cases: 222
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 11

Career Pathways Offers Financial Assistance for UA Cossatot Students

PRESS RELEASE

183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832

870-584-1124

www.cccua.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 22 February 2021

CONTACT: Ben Renfrow, Marketing Coordinator

Career Pathway’s team members: Crystal Bell-Hunter, Linda Young, and Hanna Sharp

The Career Pathways department at UA Cossatot was created in July of 2005 and still exists today to financially assist students, who are parents, in achieving their personal and professional goals while also helping them develop the skills they need to boost their resumes or job applications. Students and potential students who are parents are encouraged to contact the Career Pathways department at UA Cossatot to determine Career Pathways eligibility.

Students who qualify for Career Pathways services can receive gas vouchers, financial assistance with childcare, certain testing fees, school supplies, and even help with tuition and fees.

To qualify for Career Pathways, the student must be a parent and be a citizen of Arkansas and the United States. Annual income requirements vary upon family size to receive Career Pathways services.

The Career Pathways department at UA Cossatot includes Career Pathways Director Crystal Bell-Hunter, Career Pathways Site Coordinator Linda Young, and Career Pathways Site Coordinator Hanna Sharp.

Crystal Bell-Hunter says, “College can at times be financially stressful, especially for non-traditional students. Career Pathways is here to help with that, and we offer many services to help students continue on their path to a brighter future.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Career Pathways at UA Cossatot at 870-584-1119 or e-mail Career Pathways at careerpathways@cccua.edu.

Message from the Sevier County Water Association

Sevier County Water Association

Everyone’s pipes are starting to thaw out and we are seeing a large increase in water usage. It would be very helpful if you would check your lines for any leaks. Check outside faucets and under trailers. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Water usage in rural areas of Sevier County is up significantly and it is possible that there may be leaks that were caused by last week's sub-zero temps. The Sevier County Water Association is asking that you check for water leaks at your home and on your property.

Monday Arkansas COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 11

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

From the workers clearing our roads to the utility employees doing their best to keep houses warm, we want to extend our deepest appreciation to our essential workers this week.

The General Assembly took an extended recess due to the winter weather across our state. However, House members plan to be back at the Capitol on February 22.

In the upcoming days, the House is expected to vote on two tax relief bills which were advanced by the House Revenue and Taxation Committee on February 9.

SB236 would exempt unemployment benefits paid in 2020 and 2021 from state income tax.

In previous years, an average of 45,000 Arkansans received unemployment. Last year, due to the pandemic, more than 280,000 Arkansans received unemployment benefits. That is approximately 18% of Arkansas taxpayers and $2.6 billion in payments. Taxes are not withheld from unemployment benefits.

SB236 would ensure those Arkansans would not have to pay state taxes on those benefits they received this year and in 2020. The Department of Finance and Administration estimates the bill will have a $51 million impact on revenue for the current fiscal year.

SB236 passed the Senate with unanimous support.

Another tax relief bill before the House next week is HB1361.

HB1361 would exempt COVID-19 relief loans for small businesses, such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), from state income tax.

More than 42,000 PPP loans totaling $3.3 billion were distributed to small businesses in Arkansas last year. These loans are currently exempt from federal income tax.

The unemployment rate in Arkansas is now 4.2%. Recent reports show our state general revenue is $298.7 million or 8.4% more than this time last year.

Net available revenue is 12.3% above forecast. The results include collection increases tied to the income tax due date shift to July from April in the prior fiscal year. These reports help to guide our decision making when considering tax cut proposals.

As a reminder, you can find agendas and links to live streams for all House committee and floor proceedings at www.arkansashouse.org.

Boozman, Advocates Weigh In As Biden Plans to Reinstate Water Protection Rule

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

In the first months of his presidency, Donald Trump issued an executive order rescinding the “Waters of the United States” rule, promulagated by President Barak Obama in 2015 to protect certain streams, wetlands, and groundwater under the Clean Water Act. Now, President Joe Biden has ordered the rule to be reinstated. U.S. Senator John Boozman, (R-AR) claims it will devastate agriculture and industry. Arkansas water quality advocate, Gordon Watkins, says all U.S. waters require protection.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/boozman-advocates-weigh-biden-plans-reinstate-water-protection-rule

Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 59
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 34
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 11

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The Rare Winter Storm of 2021

LITTLE ROCK – We still have eight days left in February, and already this is the third snowiest month in Little Rock since we started keeping records in the 1800s. And it is one of the most severe snowstorms statewide as well.

The snow and cold temperatures forced utility companies to employ rolling power outages to reduce the strain on our energy system around the state, and as a result, thousands of homes and businesses lost electricity for a limited amount of time. In addition, low pressure in a supply line cut off natural gas service to 2,300 residents of Pea Ridge, which left many of them without heat.

This record-breaking storm illustrates the degree to which states depend upon each other in a natural crisis, whether it’s an event such as the historic flood of 2019 or a bone-chilling winter storm such as this one. Arkansas was one of more than a dozen states that has endured several days of subfreezing temperatures, and all of this put pressure on energy supplies across the region.

In an effort to reduce the load on the grid before the rolling outages, Entergy, SWEPCO, and other power companies encouraged customers to use only the lights necessary, to set thermostats at sixty-five degrees to sixty-eight degrees, and to delay laundry, dishwashing, and baths until the weather relented.

Peter Main, a spokesman for Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), noted in a newspaper interview that energy doesn’t come just from “the power plant next door.”

He said, “What we do in Arkansas helps other states, and what folks do in North Dakota helps Arkansas. It's a matter of small adjustments by each individual.”

How bad was this storm? Gurdon had the most snow in Arkansas with twenty-one inches. Fayetteville set a record with a low temperature of twenty degrees below zero. Little Rock’s fifteen-inch snowfall tied a record from 1918, but the capital city’s low temperature of one-degree below zero wasn’t the coldest ever. Fort Smith’s low of eight-degrees below is its seventh coldest recorded temperature.

The weather has kept many of our road crews away from home for the entire week, and we are grateful for their service. The crew in Maumelle has been working in two shifts and sleeping in the city’s bunk house. Power company linemen have been tromping through snowy woods and climbing ice-covered poles to repair lines. Our police officers have been rescuing drivers and working dozens of accidents at great risk.

As disruptive as this storm has been, it also produced beautiful sights and sounds that we don’t often enjoy in Arkansas. There is something special about the beauty of snow-covered hills and trees. The paved streets have been empty; the traffic is on hills all over the state, and we see our kids – the young ones and the adult ones as well – slide down hills on red Flexible Flyers and brown cardboard boxes.

This rare winter storm soon will be history, and I know it has caused a hardship for many, but I hope that it has produced some warm memories as well.

Secondary Roads Across SW Arkansas Still Have Patchy Ice; Drive With Caution

https://idrivearkansas.com/

Photos were taken Thursday Evening,02/18, and Friday Morning, 02/19, by Jon Bunyard
Photo 1: 9th Street, De Queen, Friday Morning
Other 2 Photos at Bellah Mine Thursday Evening

Lt. Gov. Griffin Discusses Decision To Run for AG Instead of Governor

By PAUL GATLING

Roby Brock speaks with Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin about his decision to run for Arkansas attorney general instead of the governorship. Griffin made the announcement earlier this month after Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she'd be joining the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, which also includes current Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/lt-gov-griffin-discusses-decision-run-ag-instead-governor

COURTESY / LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,549
Confirmed Cases: 1,737
Probable Cases: 812
Total Active Cases: 63
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,500
Confirmed Cases: 982
Probable Cases: 518
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,112
Confirmed Cases: 844
Probable Cases: 268
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,846
Confirmed Cases: 1,582
Probable Cases: 264
Total Active Cases: 59
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 943
Confirmed Cases: 724
Probable Cases: 219
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 13

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 253 new cases; 7,323 active cases; 625 hospitalized, which is up 23 from Wednesday; 107 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 5,323; a total of 314,445 cases; 239,586 recoveries; PCR tests, 2,155; antigen tests, 820.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 42; Benton, 37; Sebastian, 20; Pulaski, 16; and Garland and Independence with 10 each.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Our vaccine numbers have slowed over the past few days, and we anticipate these numbers to increase once the roads clear up throughout the state. We hope that vaccine uptake will continue among those who are eligible. I ask that, once it's your turn, you roll up your sleeve and help protect your community."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

Snow Pics in Southwest Arkansas Following the Last Two Winter Storms

Photos by Jon Bunyard - Ed 88

With An Additional 2 1/4 inches, Total Snow/Sleet Accumulation Was 9 3/4 Inches in De Queen

The Winter Storm Warning for Southwest Arkansas has expired and the National Weather Service says we can expect a slow warming trend for the next several days with high temperatures back up into the lower 60’s for the middle part of next week.