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.

UA Cossatot Offers Meal Plan Options

UA Cossatot will continue to offer meal plan options for students during the spring 2020 semester. By completing a Colt Bucks form, UA Cossatot students will be able to set up meal plan options through the UA Cossatot Campus Café.
The University of Arkansas Cossatot has two Campus Cafés that are located on the De Queen and Nashville Campuses. Their hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. for the spring 2020 semester.
Students who purchase a meal plan will receive a UA Cossatot Colt Bucks card. The Colt Bucks card can contain four different meal plan options.
The Gold Plan is $300, the Silver Plan is $200, and the Bronze Plan is $100. Students can also add a custom amount to fit their needs.
Students can purchase a Colt Bucks meal plan at any time. If students wish to use financial aid for a meal plan, they must complete a Colt Bucks form by January 28, 2020. Forms are available in the Business Office on the De Queen Campus and at the front desk in the Atrium at the Nashville Campus.
Students who purchase a meal plan for the spring semester are also able to use that meal plan amount in the summer of 2020 until the 2019-2020 academic year is completed on July 31, 2020.
For questions or concerns regarding UA Cossatot meals plans, please contact UA Cossatot at 870-584-1113 or 970-584-1215 or e-mail askbusinessoffice@cccua.edu.
To sign up for classes next semester, please contact Student Services at 870-584-4471

ARNEC Program Nursing Instructor Needed

FULL-TIME POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
ARNEC Program NURSING INSTRUCTOR

The Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) seeks a dynamic, innovative, and creative educator for the position of Registered Nursing Instructor to add to its ARNEC teaching team.
ARNEC is a consortium of eight Arkansas community colleges: ASU-Newport, Black River Technical College, UA Cossatot, Ozarka College, South Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, and University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Maintain a valid, unencumbered Arkansas Registered Nursing license
• Master of Science in Nursing required; Bachelor's Degree in Nursing will be considered if applicant is, or is planning to be enrolled in an accredited Master of Science in Nursing program
• Must have at least three (3) years of clinical nursing experience with five (5) years preferred; minimum of one (1) year of nursing education experience preferred
• Travel is required as part of the twelve-month faculty position
• Must be knowledgeable of the rules, regulations, principles, and policies in all fields of nursing
• Maintain educational and clinical competencies in areas of instructional responsibilities
• Must be able to pass a background check
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• To prepare and present curriculum in collaboration with faculty and the ARNEC program director
• Meet for class regularly and punctually; follow instructor guidelines as outlined in the ARNEC Faculty Handbook
• Teach needed courses and maintain a classroom that is conducive to learning
• Appropriately direct students according to ARNEC policies and procedures for conflict resolution
• Communicate professionally with all constituents of the consortium
• Demonstrate positive student rapport
Primary permanent office location will be at the college campus closest to the educator’s home.
SALARY:
Salary is in the $60,000 range; dependent upon education and experience and position includes paid vacation and sick leave, a retirement package, group health, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance options.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Friday, January 4, 2020 at 4:30 p.m., or until a suitable candidate has been selected
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit a completed UA Cossatot application, cover letter, detailed resume, unofficial college transcripts, three professional letters of reference, and a three (3) to five (5) minute video clip of a teaching presentation over the healthcare subject of your choice. Submissions may be mailed to UA Cossatot, Attn: Human Resources, 183 College Drive, DeQueen, AR 71832, e-mailed to kplunk@cccua.edu , faxed to 870-642-6864, or brought by in person.
All requested application materials must be completed and submitted within application packet to be considered.
Applications can be downloaded at https://www.cccua.edu/jobs, Employment Opportunities link, or call 870-584-1104 to request one.
UA Cossatot is an EEO/AA/ADA employer. Qualified minorities are encouraged to apply.

Happy Thanksgiving from UA Cossatot

Santa's little helpers on the Nashville campus of UA Cossatot put up the tree this morning! All campuses of UA Cossatot will be closed tomorrow at 11:00 am and will reopen Monday morning. From all of us at UAC, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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.

UA Cossatot Foundation to Participate in Giving Tuesday

December 3 is #GivingTuesday, a global movement in the busy holiday season to give back.
Giving back on #GivingTuesday can take many different forms. It can be a traditional monetary donation to a favorite charity or volunteering time to a local non-profit.
#GivingTuesday originates from social media, hence the hashtag. Many organizations in Southwest Arkansas take advantage of #GivingTuesday. One of those organizations is the UA Cossatot Foundation.
“We are so excited for this year’s #GivingTuesday! There will be several options in which the community can give time or money to benefit college students in Southwest Arkansas,” said UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts.
Local businesses are participating in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday celebration by collecting donations on site and wearing “I Gave” t-shirts. These businesses include Tres Agaves, Mary Pops, Simple Simons of De Queen, Miscellania JB, Dr. Randy Walker’s Office, La Media Luna, Diamond Bank of Ashdown, and Nashville Family Dentistry.
Community members also participated by being highlighted in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday video and sharing what they believe in. The video can be accessed by visiting the UA Cossatot Foundation’s Facebook page.
In addition to collecting donations for scholarships and innovative college programming, the UA Cossatot Center for Student Success will host a Feed the Funnel meal packing party with the help of The Pack Shack. Over 10,000 meals will be assembled on December 3 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the UA Cossatot Adams Building on the De Queen Campus. The college’s Center for Student Success will distribute the meals to college students in need through their food pantry.
To make a donation on #GivingTuesday, please visit the UA Cossatot Foundation website at www.cccua.edu/give or text the word “Cossatot” to 41444.

Cossatot Community College

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals (Black Friday and Cyber Monday). Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Each year, on the Tuesday immediately following Thanksgiving, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

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!

Red Ribbon Week is Held at UA Cossatot

The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to raise awareness of living a drug-free life. UA Cossatot celebrated Red Ribbon Week from October 25 through October 31.

Students from all four of UA Cossatot's Campuses took part in Red Ribbon Week. The UA Cossatot students who participated were both secondary and post-secondary students.

Special events and activities were held throughout the week, such as mock traffic stops, local police visits, and guest speakers. Students could pick up a red ribbon wrist band at the college's Educational Resource Center, where informational literature about drug prevention was also available.

UA Cossatot Campus Police Officer, Jason Curtis gave several presentations during Red Ribbon Week. Curtis said, "Red Ribbon Week is a great time to teach students about the effects and consequences of using drugs. During my presentation on Tuesday, we talked about drug abuse and alcohol abuse, and students were able to use impairment goggles to simulate one aspect of being intoxicated. Using the goggles, we tried to perform everyday activities such as accepting a cup from someone and picking up dropped coins. We also had a display box with simulated drugs for the students to look at."

UA Cossatot's other Campus Police Officers, Monte Stringfellow and Hector Cortez, participated in Red Ribbon Week by assisting with events, presentations, and information. The college also received help from the surrounding counties during Red Ribbon Week.

Wayne Baker, with the De Queen City Police Department and Deputy Chet Stubbs, with the Sevier County Police Department, created mock traffic stop situations on the De Queen Campus. They provided information and also answered questions.

At the Nashville Campus, Kyle Jones, with the Arkansas State Police, created similar scenarios where students could learn and observe. He also gave field sobriety demonstrations. Mark Barnes and Blake Eudy, with the Nashville Police Department, discussed consequences and sentencing that occur due to illegal drug use. The college also had special guest speakers from the Howard County Drug Court come and tell their stories on how drugs and alcohol have affected their life.

Red Ribbon Week concluded with a "Red out Day" where everyone at the college was encouraged to wear red to show their support.

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.

UA Cossatot Basketball Coach Brad Phillips at Nashville Rotary

Colts basketball coach Brad Phillips was the guest speaker at the Nashville Rotary Club on Wednesday.

Thank you Bank of Lockesburg for being a UA Cossatot Colts Sponsor

The UA Cossatot Colts wish to say "Thank You!" to the Bank of Lockesburg for their support of Colts / Lady Colts basketball!

Raising Awareness on Sexual Assault Programs on UA Cossatot Campuses

Fall Drive Viewing Fall Foliage in Southwest Arkansas

What a wonderful weekend it was to enjoy the fall colors in southwest Arkansas. This video was taken yesterday at Cossatot Reefs Park below Gillham Lake Dam. Hope there are some leaves remaining after all the wind and rain today and tonight! And watch for more tourism videos coming soon to our ed88radio.com website!

It was a beautiful weekend for checking out the fall colors. Hope there are some leaves left after the next two nights! Enjoy the colors filmed below DIERKS Lake Dam. And look for mire tourism videos coming soon to our ed88radio.com web page.

8th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast at UA Cossatot in De Queen

UA Cossatot Employees Graduate from ACC Leadership Class XI

UA Cossatot has announced that two of the college's employees have graduated from the Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) Leadership Class XI. The two graduates include the college's Coordinator of the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrostro and Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, Tommi Cobb. The graduation took place on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at 6:15 P.M. in Little Rock, Arkansas.

ACC is known for collaborating with educational institutions to help improve the ability of member colleges, like UA Cossatot, to meet the needs of their students. They also help meet the needs of their local businesses and industry leaders. In 2008, ACC organized and established an ACC leadership Institute.

The Institute is designed to provide instruction and guidance to current and future leaders of community colleges in Arkansas. Training in leadership, higher education administration, and advocacy training are provided to each member chosen to take part in the ACC Leadership Institute.

This event is open to ACC members who are nominated by their institution's President/Chancellor. Out of all of the ACC community college members in the state, approximately twenty-four people are chosen to attend this annual, multi-session event.

Buenrrostro and Cobb were chosen by UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole to participate in this educational experience. Both UA Cossatot employees attended the graduation reception along with Dr. Cole, leadership alumni, and the new leadership class who will graduate next year.

YOUTH SUICIDE: A SILENT EPIDEMIC

YOUTH SUICIDE: A SILENT EPIDEMIC, presented by Brittany Palermo, at the Barbara Horn Civic Center at UA Cossatot in Ashdown

Cossatot Honors Sponsors Prior to Tuesday Night's Game in Lockesburg

The Colts held on for a 90-86 win over Central Baptist College JV on Tuesday on a night that Cossatot honored all of the sponsors who made the newly redone court possible in Lockesburg. Dee Williams of Star City led five Colts in double figures with 22. Troy Spivey had 11 and Marion McFadden, Ladrakkus Thomas, and Nashville's Jamarta Gilliam each had 10 for the Colts who are now 2-0 on the season. Prior to the game UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole honored the Colt sponsors including Husqvarna, Coca Cola of Nashville, AEP SWEPCO, and the Jackson family of Lockesburg. Next time out for the Colts and Lady Colts will be this Friday and Saturday when they compete in the Southern Shreveport Classic.

Little River County 4-Hers Selling Poinsettias

Little River County 4-Hers are selling floral quality poinsettias in 6” foil wrapped pots for $12 each.

This is the 3rd year they have held this fundraiser to support educational programs and camps for our youth.

Orders of 30+ will be only $11 per pot.

There are 3 colors to choose from: red, white or mauve pink

You can order by contacting the County Extension Office at 870-898-7224 or e-mail Roxie at rjones@uaex.edu, Bethany Barney at bbarney@uaex.edu, or Jennifer Sansom at jsansom@uaex.edu

UA Cossatot Provides Lunch at Disabled Youth Hunt

On Friday, November 1, 2019 UA Cossatot provided lunch for the participants of the 2019 Disabled Youth Hunt. This event took place at the Starch Creek Hunting Club where the college served grilled hamburgers and dessert.

In 2004, Little River County Judge, Mike Cranford founded the Southern Sportsmen Foundation. In 2008 the foundation began an annual deer hunt for disabled youth.

The primary objective of this event is to take people with severe mobility impairments or life-threating illnesses on hunting trips. The Southern Sportsmen Foundation’s mission involves providing more quality outdoor and hunting opportunities to everyone.

The college prepared a lunch for everyone present and also provided the participants with a backpack and other UA Cossatot merchandise. UA Cossatot has been involved with the Disabled Youth Hunt for the past sixteen years and plans to continue that in 2020

Little River County Health Coalition The Silent Epidemic: Youth Suicide November 11th

Join us Thursday, November 7th at 11am, in the Civic Center or on Facebook Live through UA Cossatot’s radio station Ed 88 as Brittany Palermo discusses The Silent Epidemic: Youth Suicide. The Civic Center is located on the UA Cossatot Ashdown Campus, 1411 N. Constitution Ave. Parking is conveniently located near both the front and rear entrances to the center.