Governor Hutchinson Appoints Jeremy Wilson to UA Board of Trustees

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Jeremy Wilson of Bentonville to the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas. Wilson replaces John Goodson, who has served since 2011. Wilson's term will expire March 1, 2031.

Wilson has over 25 years of business experience in the state and has founded or cofounded 10 companies in the past seven years. 

He is the founder of NOWDiagnostics, a leader in innovative diagnostic health testing. He currently serves as chairman of its board of directors. 

In 2012, he cofounded NewRoad Capital partners, one of Northwest Arkansas's largest private equity firms. 

Wilson has been recognized as one of Arkansas's 250 Most Influential Leaders for the past three years by Arkansas Business Publishing Group.

He is a graduate of the Walton College of Business and attended postgraduate studies through the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program. 

"I am delighted to appoint Jeremy Wilson to the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas. Jeremy recognizes the role the University currently plays in the region and throughout the state," Governor Hutchinson said. "With his experience, from the ground floor of several startups to multinational companies, he will bring an entrepreneurial mindset and innovative approach to the Board for the next decade and beyond."

"As a proud Razorback, I’m honored to be appointed to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees and have the opportunity to serve my alma mater and the entire University of Arkansas System," Wilson added. "The UA System is foundational to the culture and economics of the state of Arkansas and helping the University continue to grow this amazing legacy and its commitment to educational excellence is the honor of a lifetime. I thank Governor Hutchinson for the appointment."

The Governor added his appreciation to John Goodson for his service to the Board of Trustees. "I want to thank John for his decade of service to the UA System and his tenure as chair. He has left an indelible mark on the University of Arkansas, and I am grateful for his service."

Governor Hutchinson Announces Statewide Mask Mandate Lifted, Vaccines Open to 16-Plus

LITTLE ROCK –  Governor Asa Hutchinson announced during today's news conference he is lifting the statewide mask mandate today. He also announced that all Arkansans 16 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The decision to lift the mask mandate came after the Governor, in consultation with Secretary Jose Romero of the Arkansas Department of Health, determined that Arkansas has met the guidelines set on February 26. Businesses still have the right to require customers to wear masks, and the Governor asked that citizens respect these requirements.

"I've talked to a number of restaurant owners who will continue requiring masks within their restaurant for the safety of their employees and patrons," Governor Hutchinson said during his weekly COVID-19 update. "Please be respectful and mindful that, while the mask mandate has been lifted, many businesses will continue to require it."

The Governor also announced that vaccine eligibility is open to all Arkansans 16 and older. "We want Arkansans to get vaccinated because it is our path out of the pandemic. It is the way to get there quicker, and we want to ensure we give every Arkansan that opportunity," Governor Hutchinson said.

You can watch the Governor's full COVID-19 update HERE.

Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:

By a vote of 64-34 and 1 member voting present, the House passed SB410 on Tuesday. This bill establishes the framework for a new Medicaid expansion program called ARHOME which stands for Arkansas Health & Opportunity for Me. ARHOME would replace the current Arkansas Works program. It would continue to offer low-income families private insurance, with incentives for taking advantage of work opportunities, education, and skill development.

The House also passed the following:

HB1788-This bill would allow a municipal improvement district to enter a partnership with a private sector company to provide broadband internet service.

SB161-This bill would allow public schools to offer a hunting safety course as part of their curriculum.

HB1750-This bill states that a medical marijuana dispensary shall post signage at the check-in station of the dispensary notifying the qualifying patient of the availability of a pharmacist consultant. It also requires that information be posted on the dispensary website.

SB163-This bill creates the Arkansas Military Affairs Council Act and establishes the Military Affairs Grant Program. The council will work with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to promote and support military installations for state and local economic development.

SB397-This bill directs the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create a Higher Education Consumer Guide for prospective students and parents.

The guide would include the following information on each state-supported higher education institution:

Retention and graduation rates.

The cost of tuition. The average amount borrowed and loan default rate. Percentage of students who applied for first-time undergraduate admission and were offered admission. Average composite test scores of students enrolled.

Job placement of students within the first three years of graduation.

The House will convene on Wednesday at 1 pm.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly COVID-19 Update (03.30.21)

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided the weekly COVID-19 update to media at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

Arkansas Minority Health Commission Accepting Applications

Arkansas Senate Passes Transgender Youth Medical Care Ban

By DANIEL BREEN

A bill banning gender-affirming medical care for Arkansans under 18 is now one step away from becoming law.

The Senate on Monday passed House Bill 1570, which bans transgender youth from obtaining gender transition care, like puberty blockers and hormone therapy. The bill, called the Save Adolescents from Experimentation, or SAFE, Act, would open physicians up to civil litigation and licensure penalties for providing gender-transition related therapies, including surgery, to minors.

Republican Sen. Alan Clark of Hot Springs, a co-sponsor of the bill, presented it on the Senate floor.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-senate-passes-transgender-youth-medical-care-ban

Advocates for transgender youth, including actress Laverne Cox (top, center), urge Gov. Asa Hutchinson not to approve HB1570 in a news conference held by the ACLU.

CREDIT ACLU / ZOOM

Arkansas Lawmakers Approve Governor’s 60-Day Extension Of Pandemic Emergency

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Gov. Asa Hutchinson asked lawmakers Monday (March 29) to approve his 60-day extension of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, and they agreed but not without lengthy debate.

On a voice vote from the Arkansas Legislative Council, state legislators extended the emergency order although several members raised objections. In essence, the legislature voted “no” on a proposal by Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville, to deny the governor the extension. After members voted down the rejection of his request, they voted to approve five executive orders related to the emergency declaration.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-lawmakers-approve-governor-s-60-day-extension-pandemic-emergency

Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaking to the Arkansas Legislative Council Monday, asking for a 60-day extension of his state pandemic emergency.

CREDIT KATV-CHANNEL 7

UAMS Doctor Discusses Ways To Prevent Colon Cancer

By KYLE KELLAMS

Colon cancer is the second-leading cancer-related cause of death in the United States. In our continuing series about aging and health, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Sheena CarlLee explains why colon cancer is also very preventable.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/uams-doctor-discusses-ways-prevent-colon-cancer

Sheena CarlLee, M.D., is an internal medicine specialist at UAMS Northwest.

COURTESY / UAMS NORTHWEST

Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 79 new cases; 1,773 active cases; 164 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Sunday; 28 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Sunday; deaths added today, 6, for a total of 5,601; a total of 330,008 cases; 253,402 recoveries; PCR tests, 1,581; antigen tests, 245.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 13; Pulaski, 9; Benton, 8; St. Francis, 8; and Craighead, 7.

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

“Our decline in active cases continues today. There are almost 2,500 fewer active cases than the report on March 1 of this year. There are also over 275 fewer hospitalizations than March 1. We continue to fight back against the virus, and the vaccine is our best tool.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases:

Governor Hutchinson Issues Statement on Signing of SB289

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement on the signing of SB289.

“I have signed into law SB289, The Medical Ethics and Diversity Act. I weighed this bill very carefully, and it should be noted that I opposed the bill in the 2017 legislative session. The bill was changed to ensure that the exercise of the right of conscience is limited to 'conscience-based objections to a particular health care service.' I support this right of conscience so long as emergency care is exempted and conscience objection cannot be used to deny general health service to any class of people. Most importantly, the federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender, and national origin continue to apply to the delivery of health care services.”

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Computer Science Advancement

LITTLE ROCK – This week I signed Senate Bill 107, which requires high school students to take at least one computer science course in order to graduate.

This is a gigantic step forward among many steps that we’ve taken to advance computer science education in Arkansas. 

For six years, we have led the nation in computer coding. This bill takes our programs up another notch. 

I’m proud of the leadership in the General Assembly, which has been key to ensuring that all of our students have access to computer science education. I am particularly grateful to Senator Jane English and Representative Deann Vaught, who sponsored this bill, which they named the Computer Science Education Advancement Act.

The law will become effective for freshmen in the fall of 2022. The bill also requires that by the fall of 2023, every public high school must employ a certified computer science teacher.

Senate Bill 107 will keep Arkansas in the forefront of computer science education in the nation. South Carolina is the only other state that’s done anything close to this.

We started this journey when I became governor in 2015, and we became the first state to require every high school to offer a computer science course. The growth of the computer science programs has surpassed even my most optimistic projections.

I have spoken with teachers who told me the chance to teach computer science has opened opportunities they never imagined. Gerri McCann, who taught French in the Manila Public School District, recognized the importance of coding and became certified to teach it. Eventually, she earned a master’s degree in Information Systems so that she could prepare her students for a high-tech world where computers seem to run everything.

To support teachers who want to be certified, the Arkansas Department of Education developed a bonus program that will pay up to $10,000 over five years to teachers who are certified to teach computer science.

Since 2015, we have added 550 fully certified computer science teachers and awarded over $200,000 in bonuses directly to high school teachers. 

National organizations such as code.org have recognized our progress. One of the most satisfying endorsements came last fall in an editorial in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the state’s largest newspaper, as we began discussions about the computer-science graduation requirement.

The editorial began: “When you ask most people where the technology hubs are in America, their minds probably go to Silicon Valley, New York City, or maybe Austin. [Not] many people [will] say Arkansas. Give it a few more years. Arkansas is giving students opportunities to grow their interests in computer science."

As the editorial notes, in the day when typewriters were the thing, schools required students to learn how to type. Generations of students could type before they earned a diploma. Now computer coding is our new keyboard.

The editorial pointed out that Arkansas students already are required to take things outside the English, science, math, and history core curriculum, as well as health and physical education. To require a computer science class is a great investment in the future.

The editorialist is correct when he wrote that our “hope is Arkansas students who love their home state will start building the Silicon South right here. That brings jobs. That brings revenue. That brings the future to Arkansas.” 

Arkansas Governor Hutchinson Announced on Tuesday 1 Million Vaccinations Given

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

The state of Arkansas has administered 1 million COVID-19 vaccinations, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday (March 23) during his weekly briefing.

Counting vaccinations delivered through federal programs, 1,008,575 shots have been administered out of 1,466,950 distributed – a 68.75% rate, Hutchinson said. Those numbers came from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He said his goal was 1.1 million shots administered by the end of the month.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/03/governor-1-million-vaccinations-given/

Arvest Bank Closing 31 Branches this Summer

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Fayetteville-chartered Arvest Bank said Wednesday (March 24) it would close nearly 12% of its 270-plus branch locations this summer.

The 31 branches will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30. There are 15 in Oklahoma, 12 in Arkansas and four in Missouri.

The branches slated for closure can be found at this PDF. Some are inside Walmart Supercenter stores, for example, 2110 W. Walnut St. in Rogers.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/03/arvest-bank-closing-31-branches-this-summer/

Photo courtesy Hight Jackson Associates.

House Committee Advances Bill Allowing College Athletes To Make Money Off Publicity Rights

By SARAH KELLOGG / KUAR

A bill that would allow college-level student athletes in Arkansas to make money off of their name, voice, signature, photograph or likeness passed its first legislative hurdle this week. On Tuesday, the House Education Committee by a voice vote, with no dissenting votes heard, approved House Bill 1671, which would create the "Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act."

https://www.kuaf.com/post/house-committee-advances-bill-allowing-college-athletes-make-money-publicity-rights

University of Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek (left) and head football coach Sam Pittman both spoke in support of HB1671.

COURTESY / UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

U of A Grant Aims To Get More Math and Science Teachers Into Classrooms

By KYLE KELLAMS

Finding enough qualified educators to teach science and math is a challenge across the nation. To ease the shortage, a team of University of Arkansas educators will use a $1.45 million grant from the National Science Foundation to prepare secondary math and science teachers to teach at high-need school districts.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/u-grant-aims-get-more-math-and-science-teachers-classrooms

Commerce Department Considers Calling In National Guard To Help Process PUA Claims

By ZUZANNA SITEK

The Arkansas Commerce Department is considering calling in the National Guard to help the Division of Workforce Services go through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims. Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston says the number of claims had leveled out toward the end of last year, but changes to the program in the last two stimulus bills could require additional personnel to go through applications that had already been submitted.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/commerce-department-considers-calling-national-guard-help-process-pua-claims

Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston.

COURTESY / ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Thursday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 231 new cases; 2,128 active cases; 172 hospitalized, which is down 1 from Tuesday; 43 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 13, for a total of 5,560; a total of 329,177 cases; 252,612 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,154; antigen tests, 1,026.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Sebastian, 42; Washington, 29; Pulaski, 26; Benton, 17; and Baxter, Crawford, and Faulkner with 7 each.

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

“We continue to see some of the lowest numbers we've seen since the early days of this pandemic. This trend can continue if we all do our part. If it's your turn, get vaccinated today for a healthier community.”

Active Cases Data for Sevier County

Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 9

Active Cases Data for Howard County

Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases:
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County

Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Polk County

Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Pike County

Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1

Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:

The House approved a resolution that will provide for an extended recess of the 2021 Regular Session. HCR1015 would allow the General Assembly to recess on April 30 and return when census data becomes available to complete congressional redistricting. Currently, census data is expected to be released in September.

The House also voted in favor of the following bills on Monday:

HB1678-This bill allows the State Board of Education to issue a teaching license to a university professor or an assistant professor.

HB1313-This bill addresses damage, destruction, or vandalism to buildings and objects on the State Capitol Grounds and at the Governor’s Mansion. It states damage to public buildings or objects of respect is a Class A misdemeanor if the damage is under $500. It becomes a Class D felony if the value of the damage exceeds $500.

HB1505-This bill makes leaving the scene of an accident with injuries a Class D felony. If there are serious physical injuries or death of a person, the offender would be charged with a Class B felony.

SB339-This bill states restaurants holding a valid alcoholic beverage permit may sell alcoholic beverages in a sealed container to be consumed off-premises. This is currently allowed under an executive order due to the health emergency. SB339 would allow the practice to continue after the emergency.

SB341-This bill prohibits collective bargaining by public employees. The bill states public employees do not include law enforcement officers, firefighters, or public transit system employees.

SB354-This bill states that interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by a school shall be expressly designated as one of the following based on biological sex:

(1) "Male", "men's", or "boys”

(2) "Female", "women's", or "girls"

It also states a student who is deprived of an athletic opportunity or suffers harm as a result of a violation of this law can seek injunctive relief and monetary damages.

The House will convene on Tuesday at 1 pm.

Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases:

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

In the 10th week of the 2021 Regular Session, the House passed several bills focusing on improved education.

Once enacted, these bills would increase funding for our public schools, raise teacher salaries, and require every high school student to complete a computer science course.

HB1677 raises the foundation funding amount for public schools from the current $6,899 per student to $7,182 per student for the next school year. It increases the amount for the 2022-2023 school year to $7,349 per student. The bill also outlines enhanced funding amounts for school districts where a large majority of students qualify for the national school lunch program. This bill will now be considered by the Senate Education Committee.

This week, the House also addressed teacher salaries. While the 92nd General Assembly worked to improve the minimum teacher salary, our teachers continue to make less than those surrounding states when it comes to the average salary. The current average salary for teachers is $49,822.

HB1614 seeks to raise the average salary by creating the Teacher Salary Equalization Fund. The bill outlines a statewide target average of $51,822 for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. This bill would direct the Department of Education to disperse money from the Equalization Fund to districts whose average teacher salary falls below $51,822.

The House voted 97-0 in favor of HB1614. The bill is now before the Senate Education Committee.

Meanwhile, another education bill is making its way to the Governor’s desk.

The House passed SB107, which requires students entering the ninth grade class of 2022-2023 to earn one credit in a computer science course before graduation. SB107 states that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, a public school district shall employ a computer science teacher at each high school.

The House also passed two other education bills this week, HB1451 and HB 1594.

HB1451 allows a public school district to adopt a bilingual program or a dual-immersion program approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

HB1594 allows the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to grant a teaching license to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who have completed the necessary requirements.

You can find summaries of other legislation passed this week as well recorded meetings, links to live streams, and committee agendas at www.arkansashouse.org.