Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:

The third week of the 2021 Regular Session is now underway.

This morning, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1202. This bill requires counties to post sample ballots on the Secretary of State website at least 20 days before each preferential primary and general election and at least 10 days before each general primary, general runoff, school, or special election.

The afternoon, the House passed several bills, including HB1056. This bill amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act by allowing public meetings to be held via phone or video conference during a declared emergency.

The House passed HB1009, which authorizes the Veterinary Medical Examining Board to promulgate rules for the use of telemedicine.

The House also passed HB1013, which amends Arkansas Music Appreciation Day to add James "Jim Dandy" Mangrum, Buddy Jewell, and Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm. September 1 was established as Arkansas Music Appreciation Day by the 92nd General Assembly. The legislation states Arkansas has a proud history of contributing music and musicians to the nation, including Johnny Cash, B. B. King, Glen Campbell, Charlie Rich, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Al Green, Conway Twitty, Floyd Cramer.

The House will reconvene Tuesday at 1 pm.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,316
Confirmed Cases: 1,645
Probable Cases: 671
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,301
Confirmed Cases: 900
Probable Cases: 401
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,002
Confirmed Cases: 782
Probable Cases: 220
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,614
Confirmed Cases: 1,403
Probable Cases: 211
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 86
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 862
Confirmed Cases: 669
Probable Cases: 193
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 10

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 636 new cases; 17,792 active cases; 1,084 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Sunday; 187 on ventilators, which is up 17 from Sunday; deaths added today, 44, for a total of 4,650; a total of 284,702 cases; 211,684 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,486; antigen tests, 357.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 138; Washington, 69; Benton, 66; Craighead, 33; and Jefferson, 29.

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

"While we saw a significant decline in new cases, our testing was also lower. An additional 44 deaths and a slight increase in hospitalizations remind us of the challenge we continue to face with this pandemic and what happens if we don't follow health department guidelines."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

In the second week of the 2021 Regular Session, the House voted on bills addressing everything from car tags to jury duty pay.

The bills now advancing to the Senate include:

HB1028-This bill changes the length of time a consumer has to tag their vehicle. Current law gives car buyers 30 days to pay the sales tax and register a vehicle after purchase. HB 1028 would extend it to 60 days.

HB1059-This bill allows participants in a specialty court program, such as drug court, to transfer to a similar program if they move to another court district. This bill also includes guidelines for courts to establish a veterans treatment specialty court program and a DWI specialty court program. In addition, HB1059 sets to develop a domestic violence specialty court program.

Specialty courts are designed to lower the prison population by directing individuals to needed treatment programs.

HB1185-This bill allows the Department of Correction to make an administrative transfer of an inmate to the Division of Community Correction. This would not impact the length of a sentence but rather allow the department to transfer an inmate if they need behavioral or substance abuse treatment.

HB1058-This bill allows a juror to donate their per diem compensation and mileage reimbursement to an eligible nonprofit entity. The administrative office of the courts will be tasked with compiling a list of eligible nonprofits.

An eligible nonprofit should offer services in multiple counties and have as one of its primary goals the providing of:

• Crime victim assistance or counseling

• Services for abused or neglected children

• Shelter for victims of domestic violence

• Services for veterans

• Legal education for students seeking a Juris Doctor degree

HB1107-This bill amends the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to allow the Arkansas Department of Health to request physical or electronic copies of prescriptions from prescribers or dispensers when checking for accuracy.

The House reconvenes on Monday at 1 pm. You can find a list of all agendas and links to live-streams of all meetings at www.arkansashouse.org.

Drawdown and Fish Dinner Benefit Coming to UA Cossatot March 12th

UA Cossatot will host TWO drawdowns for UA Cossatot’s Colts and Lady Colts! It will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021. The first drawdown starts at 5:30 PM and the second drawdown at 7:30 PM at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium. Dr. Steve Cole and Loren Hinton will emcee the event. Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd and the entire Colts and Lady Colts teams will be in attendance to root on each ticket holder!

How does a Drawdown work?

Tickets are eliminated until only one is left. The last ticket on the board is the winner of the Drawdown prize. The last ten (10) people holding tickets are given the option to keep drawing and eliminating tickets or to split the money among themselves. All must agree to split or keep drawing until they all agree or only one is left as the winner. Winner does not have to be present to win.

Why would you want to buy a $50 Drawdown Ticket?

· With only 120 tickets being sold per drawdown, each ticket has a 1 in 120 chance of winning $2,500!

· Each ticket includes a delicious fried fish dinner for 2 (can take order to-go)

· Fun fellowship with friends and excitement to see whose ticket is drawn next (Can also watch on Facebook live from home)!

· Door prizes

· Proceeds benefit the UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts

How do I buy a ticket?

Tickets are available online by texting the word Cossatot to 41444.

Dustin Roberts, Foundation Director, will give participants their ticket number(s) after purchase.

Cash and check is also accepted. Call or text 870-584-1172 or email droberts@cccua.edu to purchase tickets with cash or check.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 117
Active Confirmed Cases: 99
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 14

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 103
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 58
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 21

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 3,106 new cases; 20,618 active cases; 1,160 hospitalized, which is down 19 from Wednesday; 195 on ventilators, which is down 17 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 55, for a total of 4,496; a total of 279,220 cases; 205,950 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,413; antigen tests, 2,825.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 360; Pulaski, 344; Washington, 249; Sebastian, 217; and Garland, 135.

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

"The increase in new cases is disappointing & a reminder that we cannot let up in following the public health guidelines. Our vaccines are getting into the arms of Arkansans, but remember, we are totally dependent upon the supply that comes from manufacturers. Right now it is limited."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Demand Outstrips Supply As State Gets Fewer Than 38,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses a Week

By ZUZANNA SITEK

This week, two groups of people in Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout are eligible to receive the vaccine. They include people over the age of 70, as well as educators and staff at K-12 schools, higher education and daycare facilities. While there's a lot to be excited about, Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, with the Arkansas Department of Health, says the current demand for the vaccine outstrips supply as the state is receiving fewer than 38,000 doses per week.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/demand-outstrips-supply-state-gets-fewer-38000-covid-19-vaccine-doses-week

Federal Work Study Available for UA Cossatot Students

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 120
Active Confirmed Cases: 100
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 61
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 21

Tuesday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 139
Active Confirmed Cases: 113
Active Probable Cases: 26

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 65
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 23

Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 63
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 61
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 171
Active Confirmed Cases: 135
Active Probable Cases: 36

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 33

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

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 2,491 new cases; 24,740 active cases; 1,295 hospitalized, which is down 67 from Wednesday; 241 on ventilators, which is down 14 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 42, for a total of 4,228; a total of 264,511 cases; 193,321 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,294; antigen tests, 3,161.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 327; Washington, 212; Benton, 175; Garland, 127; and Sebastian, 99.

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

"Today's report shows over 800 fewer cases with higher testing than this time last week. We also saw a decrease in hospitalizations and ventilator usage. This will relieve some of the strain on our health care system as we continue to distribute vaccine doses."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,225
Confirmed Cases: 1,606
Probable Cases: 619
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 30

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,217
Confirmed Cases: 864
Probable Cases: 353
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 924
Confirmed Cases: 738
Probable Cases: 186
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,502
Confirmed Cases: 1,308
Probable Cases: 194
Total Active Cases: 164
Active Confirmed Cases: 131
Active Probable Cases: 33

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 813
Confirmed Cases: 641
Probable Cases: 172
Total Active Cases: 80
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 26

Continuing Education Classes at UA Cossatot

Our Continuing Education & Workforce Development Department has announced a wide range of classes at UAC for the Spring 2021 semester!

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Public participation is an essential part of our democracy. In preparation for the upcoming session, House and Senate leadership have agreed to a few rules so Arkansans can participate in an environment that is as safe and healthy as possible.

With limited exceptions, a mask or other cloth face covering will be required to enter committee rooms and public comment holding rooms. All individuals will be submitted to a temperature check and onsite health screening at the entrance to either the State Capitol Building or the adjacent MAC Building.

We have provided nearby space for committee rooms for members of the public to watch the live stream while they wait for their turn to testify for or against a bill. These rooms will provide ample space for social distancing.

Staff will direct you to sign up sheets and they will be available at www.arkleg.state.ar.us .

In an effort to prevent crowds in committee rooms, the rules call for revised committee agendas. These are designed to let the public know what bills will be heard on a given day. Committee agendas will be divided into three categories.

(A) Regular Agenda–bills to be considered by the committee on the date of the agenda.

(B) Consent Agenda–bills on the committee agenda for which there is no known opposition or expected public testimony and that may be taken up at any time by the committee.

(C) Deferred Bills–bills for which committee consideration has been deferred either for failure of the sponsor to appear or at the request of the sponsor.

Committee agendas will be posted at least eighteen (18) hours prior to the committee meeting.

There is limited public seating in the House chamber. Our chamber proceedings and every committee is live streamed and archived on our websitewww.arkansashouse.org.

On Monday, January 11, members will be sworn into office and officially elect the Speaker for the 93rd General Assembly.

On Tuesday, January 12, the Governor will give his State of the State address in the House Chamber.

We will continue to update you during the session.

Need Help with Energy Bills?

The 15 community action agencies across Arkansas have started taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps low income households with energy bills. There will likely be more applications than usual because many more people are struggling financially during the pandemic.

Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little, River, Nevada, and Sevier County assistance programs:

Get applications to the following services. Rent help, government cash assistance, foreclosure prevention, free food pantries and programs; medical or dental care and more. The churches in counties including Sevier or Hempstead County region, charities, non-profits in Lafayette County and government assistance programs help low income families. They also give free cars or clothes, prescription medications, school supplies, Christmas presents and help families reduce their debts.

The non-profit community action agency Southwest Arkansas Development Council, Inc. provides a number of services to low income families and the working poor. Some of the other main beneficiaries include senior citizens, the disabled, and families with young children.

https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/hempstead__howard__lafayette__.html

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 55
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 151
Active Confirmed Cases: 127
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 25

Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,183
Confirmed Cases: 1,592
Probable Cases: 591
Total Active Cases: 63
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 31

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,196
Confirmed Cases: 847
Probable Cases: 349
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 901
Confirmed Cases: 726
Probable Cases: 175
Total Active Cases: 69
Active Confirmed Cases: 58
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,442
Confirmed Cases: 1,262
Probable Cases: 180
Total Active Cases: 155
Active Confirmed Cases: 130
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 785
Confirmed Cases: 622
Probable Cases: 163
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 23

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,268 new cases; 25,534 active cases; 1,371 hospitalized, which is up 31 from Sunday; 268 on ventilators, which is up 31 from Sunday; deaths added today, 38, for a total of 4,081; a total of 256,344 cases; 187,194 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,302; antigen tests, 1,464.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 154; Washington, 149; Pulaski, 146; Sebastian, 86; and Garland, 69.

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

"Today's report of 31 additional hospitalizations will add to the load of our health care workers. The better news is the new cases are starting to slow somewhat. Let's work toward a true downward trend."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Maps and Numbers for Monday

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,179
Confirmed Cases: 1,592
Probable Cases: 587
Total Active Cases: 77
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 38

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,194
Confirmed Cases: 846
Probable Cases: 348
Total Active Cases: 59
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 899
Confirmed Cases: 726
Probable Cases: 173
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 64
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,439
Confirmed Cases: 1,259
Probable Cases: 180
Total Active Cases: 170
Active Confirmed Cases: 143
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 778
Confirmed Cases: 616
Probable Cases: 162
Total Active Cases: 77
Active Confirmed Cases: 53
Active Probable Cases: 24

Winter Weather Advisory for SW AR, SE OK and NE TX Sunday Night and Monday

...Accumulating snowfall will be possible across portions of the
area this evening through Monday morning...

.A strong winter storm will be moving through the region today
and continue into Monday morning. Rain during the day today will
transition to all snow or a wintry mix this evening and continue
into early monday morning. Accumulating snow will be possible
across the entire area with the greatest amounts across portions
of north central and northwest Louisiana, south central Arkansas
and east and northeast Texas.

ARZ050-051-059>061-070>072-LAZ020-022-OKZ077-TXZ096-097-108>112-
101700-
/O.NEW.KSHV.WW.Y.0001.210110T2000Z-210111T1400Z/
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette-
Columbia-Grant-La Salle-McCurtain-Red River-Bowie-Franklin-Titus-
Camp-Morris-Cass-
Including the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs,
Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Texarkana, Stamps, Lewisville,
Bradley, Magnolia, Colfax, Montgomery, Dry Prong, Jena, Midway,
Olla, Idabel, Broken Bow, Clarksville, Bogata, Mount Vernon,
Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Daingerfield, Lone Star, Naples,
Omaha, Atlanta, Linden, Hughes Springs, and Queen City
255 AM CST Sun Jan 10 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
8 AM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of
  up to two inches possible.

* WHERE...Portions of north central Louisiana, southeast
  Oklahoma, southwest Arkansas and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 8 AM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Difficult travel conditions are possible as roads may
  become slick, especially on bridges and elevated roadways. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

A strong winter storm will move into the region this afternoon
bringing widespread snow to the area during the evening through
Monday morning. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for this time
period. Snow accumulations 2 to 4 inches will be possible through
Monday morning. The potential for icing on bridges, overpasses
and elevated roadways will be of most concern by the Monday
morning commute as the air temperature will be below freezing.

Conditions will improve across the area by Monday afternoon.
Highs temperatures will approach near 40 degrees allowing for some
melting to occur. Areas that get the higher amounts of snow will
possibly see some refreezing Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Exercise caution on Tuesday morning due to the potential for slick
spots, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 42

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Confirmed Cases: 67
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 173
Active Confirmed Cases: 143
Active Probable Cases: 30

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 28