Friendship Baptist De Queen Community Thanksgiving Meal
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The 2021 Regular Session begins in less than two months. We want to take this week to update you on the ongoing budget hearings in preparation for the session.
Pre-session budget hearings have been extended. They began last month and will continue from now to November 19. This week, members were presented with the General Revenue Forecast and the Governor's Balanced Budget Proposal. The Governor's plan calls for a reduction of sales tax on vehicles priced less than $10,000. His proposal also calls for a reduction in the income tax rate for new residents moving into Arkansas.
The proposal includes recommendations for one-time funding from the $240 million expected budget surplus. Those recommendations include a transfer of $100 million to the Long Term Reserve Fund and a $30 million transfer to the Department of Commerce for rural broadband.
By law, the Governor is required to submit a balanced budget proposal. While we take the proposal from the executive branch into consideration, appropriation bills and the budget are ultimately drafted and voted on by the legislature.
The House and Senate Education Committees have recommended an increase of $99.7 million in funding for k-12 education for the next fiscal year. The committees recommended an increase of $86.9 million for Fiscal Year 2023.
Currently, state funding is $6,985 per student. The committees' recommendation increases the amount to $7,131 next year and to $7,281 in Fiscal Year 2023. The committees' proposal is also reflected in the Governor's proposed budget.
This week, the Department of Finance and Administration issued its economic forecast. For the next fiscal year, the department expects state revenue to increase by $172 million or 3% more than the current fiscal year. The short-term outlook for the Arkansas economy remains mixed. The forecast states there are noticeable lags in recovery by travel, conventions, and full-service restaurants.
Blue Darter Heritage Campaign in Lockesburg
The UA Cossatot Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign called the Blue Darter Heritage Campaign. Donations received from this campaign will go towards finishing the UA Cossatot Lockesburg Campus. 20% of all proceeds raised for this campaign will also go into a scholarship fund for UA Cossatot students who reside in the 71846 Lockesburg zip code. Naming opportunities exist for donors who want to honor Lockesburg's past and leave a heritage in the name of a family member, business, or their name. For more information about the Blue Darter Heritage Campaign, please visit the link below.
https://www.cccua.edu/news/ua-cossatot-foundation-launches-blue-darter-heritage-campaign
UA Cossatot Foundation Launches Blue Darter Heritage Campaign
The UA Cossatot Foundation has recently begun a new fundraising campaign called the Blue Darter Heritage Campaign. The Blue Darter Heritage Campaign has been established to create revenue to complete renovations to UA Cossatot's Lockesburg Campus.
Third Quarter Net Income Up 56% For Walmart, Revenue Beats Estimates
Walmart sales have grown as an essential retailer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The retail giant posted better than expected financial third-quarter results with revenue of $134.7 billion, including $1.1 billion of currency fluctuations. Walmart grew revenue by 5.2% from a year ago and outpaced analysts’ expectations of $132.23 billion.
Earnings consensus was $1.18 per share and Walmart exceeded that at $1.80 per share on a diluted basis before a 34-cent loss from the sale of the Argentine business and an 80-cent charge from unrealized losses on equity investments. Walmart’s adjusted earnings of $1.34 per share were still better than the $1.16 reported a year ago.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/third-quarter-net-income-56-walmart-revenue-beats-estimates
Third Quarter Net Income Up 56% For Walmart, Revenue Beats Estimates
Walmart sales have grown as an essential retailer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The retail giant posted better than expected financial third-quarter results with revenue of $134.7 billion, including $1.1 billion of currency fluctuations. Walmart grew revenue by 5.2% from a year ago and outpaced analysts' expectations of $132.23 billion.
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,601
Confirmed Cases: 1,344
Probable Cases: 257
Total Active Cases: 97
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 55
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 728
Confirmed Cases: 617
Probable Cases: 111
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 29
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 572
Confirmed Cases: 488
Probable Cases: 84
Total Active Cases: 56
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 609
Confirmed Cases: 564
Probable Cases: 45
Total Active Cases: 174
Active Confirmed Cases: 160
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 326
Confirmed Cases: 300
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 10
Governor Hutchinson Makes Computer Science Announcement Wednesday (11.18.20) 10AM
Governor Asa Hutchinson has an announcement regarding Arkansas's Computer Science Education program at the Museum of Discovery on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 10 a.m.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps
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 1,308 new cases; 16,485 active cases; 861 hospitalized, which is up 31 from Sunday; 123 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Sunday; deaths added today, 42, for a total of 2,225; a total of 134,348 cases; 105,468 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,329; antigen tests, 620.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 161; Pulaski, 130; Benton, 70; Sebastian, 64; and Craighead, 63.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“The new cases are higher than last Monday, and this may be an indication we are in for a tough week ahead. The 42 new deaths is regrettably an all-time high in a single day. While there is good news on the vaccine front this morning, we have to work together to reduce cases, hospitalizations and save lives.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,586
Confirmed Cases: 1,341
Probable Cases: 245
Total Active Cases: 98
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 52
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 721
Confirmed Cases: 613
Probable Cases: 108
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 27
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 563
Confirmed Cases: 482
Probable Cases: 81
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 584
Confirmed Cases: 542
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 157
Active Confirmed Cases: 146
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 320
Confirmed Cases: 294
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 10
State Grant Program Introduced to Help Hospitality, Service Sectors Struggling in Pandemic
A $50 million grant program for hospitality and service sector businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic launches Monday (Nov. 16) and state government leaders expect to make grant awards in late December.
Stacy Hurst, Arkansas Secretary for Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said the grants will hopefully help those hard-hit businesses stay alive until COVID-19 is under control.
Window opens Monday for state grants to help hospitality, service sectors struggling in pandemic - Talk Business & Politics
A $50 million grant program for hospitality and service sector businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic launches Monday (Nov. 16) and state government leaders expect to make grant awards in late December. Stacy Hurst, Arkansas Secretary for Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said the grants will hopefully help those hard-hit businesses stay alive until COVID-19 is under control.
UA Cossatot Student Scholarships Thank You
Antibodies Might Provide Lasting COVID-19 Resistance
Whether one has long-term immunity to COVID-19 after recovering from the virus is unclear amid a lack of scientific evidence. Still, antibodies might be the key to develop a vaccine and prevent virus reinfection.
Two Northwest Arkansas companies have developed tests to detect the presence of virus antibodies. Fayetteville-based Namida Lab Inc. has offered antibody, or serology, tests since May. Springdale-based NOWDiagnostics Inc. has developed a 15-minute antibody test approved for clinical use in Europe while awaiting emergency use approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/antibodies-might-provide-lasting-covid-19-resistance/
Antibodies might provide lasting COVID-19 resistance - Talk Business & Politics
Whether one has long-term immunity to COVID-19 after recovering from the virus is unclear amid a lack of scientific evidence. Still, antibodies might be the key to develop a vaccine and prevent virus reinfection. Two Northwest Arkansas companies have developed tests to detect the presence of virus antibodies. Fayetteville-based Namida Lab Inc.
Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,577
Confirmed Cases: 1,335
Probable Cases: 242
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 56
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 721
Confirmed Cases: 612
Probable Cases: 109
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 32
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 558
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 567
Confirmed Cases: 525
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 155
Active Confirmed Cases: 139
Active Probable Cases: 16
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 317
Confirmed Cases: 291
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11
Meat Processing Facility Coming to Sevier County
Ground was recently broken for a new meat processing facility in Sevier County. Loren Hinton visits with Charles Morris and Walter Deshazo about their new business venture.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,571
Confirmed Cases: 1,333
Probable Cases: 238
Total Active Cases: 111
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 62
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 715
Confirmed Cases: 606
Probable Cases: 109
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 33
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 556
Confirmed Cases: 474
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 555
Confirmed Cases: 514
Probable Cases: 41
Total Active Cases: 155
Active Confirmed Cases: 136
Active Probable Cases: 19
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 316
Confirmed Cases: 292
Probable Cases: 24
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 9
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (11.17.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Campaign To Replace Arkansas Statues At U.S. Capitol Passes $500,000 Mark
The campaign to replace Arkansas’ current statues at the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall has officially reached its public fundraising phase.
During a news conference on Thursday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that through private donations, the effort to replace the existing statues of Uriah Rose, a 19th century attorney and former Arkansas Senator and Governor James P. Clark, with statues of Civil Rights icon Daisy Bates, and hall of fame musician Johnny Cash, had reached $510,000. An amount, Hutchinson said, is slightly more than halfway to the one million dollars they expect it to cost.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/campaign-replace-arkansas-statues-us-capitol-passes-500000-mark
Campaign To Replace Arkansas Statues At U.S. Capitol Passes $500,000 Mark
The campaign to replace Arkansas' current statues at the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall has officially reached its public fundraising phase. During a news conference on Thursday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that through private donations, the effort to replace the existing statues of Uriah Rose, a 19th century attorney and former Arkansas Senator and Governor James P.
Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Issues Strict COVID-19 Thanksgiving Guidance
Arkansans planning to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday during a surging pandemic are being advised by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement to safely celebrate at home instead and gather with loved ones remotely. But for those insisting on attending traditional family gatherings, ACHI recommends preparing in advance for safer holiday.
Give Thanks, Not COVID | ACHI
COVID-19 is being transmitted within all communities in the state at unprecedented and rising levels, resulting in record numbers of new infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. While the holidays bring joy and thanksgiving, we have documented transmission events that occurred at family gatherings and celebratory events.
Saturday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,565
Confirmed Cases: 1,329
Probable Cases: 236
Total Active Cases: 115
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 67
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 709
Confirmed Cases: 604
Probable Cases: 105
Total Active Cases: 71
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 30
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 547
Confirmed Cases: 470
Probable Cases: 77
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 20
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 539
Confirmed Cases: 500
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 146
Active Confirmed Cases: 125
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 312
Confirmed Cases: 290
Probable Cases: 22
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 8
Governor Hutchinson Orders Flags to Fly At Half-Staff in Memory of Officer Travis Wallace
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the United States flag and the Arkansas flag to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the memory of Officer Travis Wallace, a Helena-West Helena police officer who was killed in the line of duty last night. The flag shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff to the day of interment.
Governor Hutchinson released this statement:
“I was heartsick to hear that we have lost another police officer in the line of duty. Helena-West Helena Officer Travis Wallace was shot and killed as he pursued a suspect in a violent crime. Officer Wallace’s death is a tragic reminder that our police officers risk their lives with every encounter and every traffic stop. In his 10-year career as an officer, Travis risked his life for hundreds of people. Let us honor his memory by renewing our respect and support for all officers. I offer my condolences to Officer Wallace’s family and his fellow officers.”
The full proclamation can be found HERE.
If you would like to be notified when Governor Hutchinson orders the Arkansas and the United States flags to be lowered to half-staff, sign up for Citizens Alerts.
Governor Hutchinson Creates Winter COVID-19 Task Force
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has created the COVID-19 Winter Task Force and has appointed 19 physicians, state officials, and health care executives to advise him as the state combats the likely additional challenges of the pandemic this winter.
“We continue to see a record number of COVID-19 cases, and as winter approaches, we must take this head-on with a strategy that is medically sound and data-driven,” Governor Hutchinson said at a news conference today. “This will ensure that we are combating COVID-19 with the best resources to limit the spread and mitigate the impact of the virus while we wait for a vaccine.”
Governor Hutchinson will serve as chair, and Dr. Greg Bledsoe, Arkansas Surgeon General, will serve as vice chair. The other members of the COVID-19 Winter Task Force are:
1. Larry Shackelford, President and CEO of Washington Regional Medical Center;
2. Chris Barber, President and CEO of St. Bernard’s Healthcare;
3. Scott Street, CEO of Medical Center of South Arkansas;
4. Dr. Cam Patterson, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;
5. Rachel Bunch, Executive Director of Arkansas Health Care Association;
6. Bo Ryall, President and CEO of Arkansas Hospital Association;
7. Troy Wells, President and CEO of Baptist Health;
8. Ryan Gehrig, President of Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith;
9. Major General Kendall Penn, Adjutant General, Arkansas National Guard;
10. A.J. Gary, Director of Arkansas Department of Emergency Management;
11. Dr. José Romero, Secretary of Arkansas Department of Health;
12. Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, Arkansas Department of Health;
13. Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Arkansas Department of Health;
14. Dr. Naveen Patil, Arkansas Department of Health;
15. Dr. Keyur Vyas, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;
16. Phillip Gilmore, CEO of Ashley County Medical Center;
17. Dr. Steven Collier, CEO of ARcare;
18. Ron Peterson, President and CEO of Baxter County Regional Medical Center; and
19. Additional citizens as the Governor deems necessary.