Appropriations Plus $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Package Full of Support for Arkansas

by Talk Business & Politics staff

With over 5,000 pages of legislation, there was bound to be plenty to help Arkansans in the newly-passed stimulus and government funding bill. Congress passed a comprehensive $900 billion coronavirus relief package as well as funding for several federal agencies through September 2021 on Monday (Dec. 21). All six of Arkansas’ federally elected officials voted for the legislation.

U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, told Talk Business & Politics in an exclusive interview, the biggest takeaways for him were the measure gives states broad flexibility to help the overall economy, certain fragile business groups, and provides relief for individuals and families.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/appropriations-plus-900-billion-coronavirus-relief-package-full-of-support-for-arkansas/

Arkansas Attorney General Leading Group In Support Of NRA In Lawsuit

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge on Tuesday announced she is leading a coalition of 16 states that have filed an amicus brief supporting the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The NRA’s lawsuit seeks to block James’s attempt in a separate lawsuit to dissolve the NRA, which has come under intense scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of funds and potential violation of rules of operation for nonprofits.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-attorney-general-leading-group-support-nra-lawsuit

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is seen in this file photo.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Parents and Teachers Concerned About Student Mental Health During Pandemic

By ZUZANNA SITEK

Mental health professionals are reporting more children and adults are seeking out their services during the pandemic. We speak with parents, teachers and therapists to find out how the global health crisis is impacting students as they attend school in person, virtually and everything in between. For more information about the free and anonymous Stay Positive Arkansas program, click here.

kuaf.com/post/parents-and-teachers-concerned-about-student-mental-health-during-pandemic

STOCK IMAGE

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,975
Confirmed Cases: 1,518
Probable Cases: 457
Total Active Cases: 95
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,031
Confirmed Cases: 759
Probable Cases: 272
Total Active Cases: 97
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 51

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 739
Confirmed Cases: 604
Probable Cases: 135
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,121
Confirmed Cases: 1,010
Probable Cases: 111
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 76
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 575
Confirmed Cases: 487
Probable Cases: 88
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 28

Agriculture is Another of the 2021 Reasons for Attending UA Cossatot Next Spring

Another of the 2021 Reasons to Attend UA Cossatot in the Spring.....Reason #456.... At UAC, We Believe in Agriculture!

Students interested in this field of study can now earn their associate's degree at UA Cossatot and then take their 60 credit hours to Fayetteville, where they can quickly transfer into a related agriculture program to obtain their bachelor's degree.

At UA Cossatot, agriculture students can take required general education courses and classes such as Agriculture Economics, Intro to Animal Science, and Principles of Horticulture to prepare them for their junior and senior-level coursework at University of Arkansas Fayetteville.

Students can take advantage of UA Cossatot's low tuition rate, which is $74 per credit hour, and then receive that same tuition rate after transferring. The exact tuition rate will be granted to students who live on campus at Fayetteville and those who obtain their Associate of Science degree in Agriculture Education from UA Cossatot. This opportunity is possible, due to the collaboration of universities and community colleges in Arkansas.

To find out more about our agri classes and other programs of study at UA Cossatot, please visit:

https://www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/professional-studies

Arkansas House, Senate Outline Plans To Conduct Session During Pandemic

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

While legislators prepare to debate the issues in the 93rd Arkansas General Assembly, a more critical debate is already underway: How to conduct a COVID-19 legislative session at the state capitol?

Unlike the fiscal session earlier this year, legislative leaders are already instituting changes that will keep the session accessible to the public, safe for participants, and within the boundaries of their constitutional duties.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-house-senate-outline-plans-conduct-session-during-pandemic

Arkansas legislative leaders are preparing for next year's session which will come amid the coronavirus pandemic.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Tuesday's COVID-19 Updates

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 1,457 new cases; 22,158 active cases; 1,078 hospitalized, which is up 21 from Sunday; 174 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Sunday; deaths added today, 58, for a total of 3,295; a total of 203,107 cases; 152,176 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,178; antigen tests, 1,013.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 200; Benton, 138; Washington, 101; Craighead, 93; and Faulkner, 69.

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

"Today we began receiving shipments of the Moderna vaccine (5,900 doses), with additional shipments expected tomorrow and Wednesday. We also received a second shipment of the Pfizer vaccine (18,575 doses). While this news provides hope for many, it is a continued concern to see the loss of 58 additional Arkansans (20 are delayed reports). We must still resolve to take every precaution to keep everyone safe."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 46

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 96
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 52

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 85
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 32

Medical Education Reason #1522 of the 2021 Reasons to Attend UA Cossatot this Spring

Start your journey toward achieving your dream medical career with UA Cossatot! Whether you are working toward your EMT certification, entering into the field of nursing as an LPN, or wanting to become a physical or occupational therapy assistant, the rigorous classroom and in-field experience you will receive at UA Cossatot will ensure that you are prepared to enter into your chosen field at the end of your degree or certificate experience.

In addition to classes and training on the UAC campus, medical degree programs such as Radiology Tech and RN to BSN tracks are available through collaborative programs with other state-affiliated colleges and universities. Some areas of study in the medical professions also offer opportunities for receiving additional financial aid - such as through nursing scholarships.

Do you have questions regarding UAC’s medical programs? Check us out online at: https://www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/medical-education

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly COVID-19 Update Tuesday (12.22.20) 230PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, live at 2:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Arkansas' New Republican Party Chair Hopes To Expand Its Existing Appeal

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Republican Party of Arkansas elected a new chairperson for the first time in 12 years. In early December, the party elected Jonelle Fulmer to serve as chair. KUAR spoke with Fulmer about her ideas for the future of the Republican Party in Arkansas. Below is the transcript of the aired conversation.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-new-republican-party-chair-hopes-expand-its-existing-appeal

The state's republican party selected Fulmer to serve as its chair earlier this month.

CREDIT REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARKANSAS

COVID-19 Numbers and Maps for Monday, December 21st

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 45

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 107
Active Confirmed Cases: 52
Active Probable Cases: 55

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 109
Active Confirmed Cases: 96
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 32

Annual Sevier County Banquet and Awards Ceremony to be Rescheduled Amid COVID-19

NEWS RELEASE

De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce   Contact: 870-584-3225

December 17th, 2020                                                               DQchamber@gmail.com 

 
DE QUEEN, AR- Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that the annual awards banquet slated for Spring 2021 is being postponed with a new date to be announced at a later time.

Held in February each year, the chamber banquet typically takes place at De Queen High School with tables reserved for members and guests, a meal served, a silent auction, and an awards presentation for recognized organizations, volunteers and businesses. In years past the ceremony has also included performances by The De Queen High School Jazz Band, a live emcee and serving provided by The De Queen High School cross country team. 

The decision to postpone the banquet came during a specially called Board of Directors meeting held this week on Tuesday, December 15th. With COVID case reports continuing to rise in Sevier County and the surrounding areas, the Chamber Board has agreed to prioritize the safety of the community by postponing the event until large gatherings can be held without concerns of COVID-19 exposure. 

Though the event will be pushed back on the calendar, banquet attendees can still expect a fun theme, table decorating contest, silent auction, meal and awards to be distributed as usual. The 2021 Banquet theme will also be announced as the rescheduled date draws closer.

Questions can be referred to 870-584-3225, DQchamber@gmail.com or message the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

As always, The Chamber board of Directors appreciates the support of all members and community representatives.  More information about the annual membership banquet will be released as details become available.

De Queen/Sevier County 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 67 - 315 W. Stilwell Ave. 

De Queen, Arkansas 71832

870-584-3225

National Anthem Auditions for Basketball Games at UA Cossatot

For more information or to sign up for an audition slot time, please contact Kaytlynn Franklin at kfranklin@cccua.edu or 870-584-1344.

Photos L to R: Haylie Melendez, Jare De La Rosa, Tanesha Van Horn

All UA Cossatot Campuses Closed for the Holidays Through January 4th

In observance of the Holiday Season, all campuses of UA Cossatot closed Friday and will remain closed until January 4th. The Spring 2020 semester begins January 11th. From everyone at UAC, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Arkansans may see an increase in the amount of their paychecks next year. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) announced this week that the income tax withholding tables will change effective January 1, 2021.

DFA says this change is not a tax increase or cut, but with the law change that reduces the top personal income tax rate from 6.6% to 5.9% next month, the withholding change will put that reduction in paychecks beginning January 2021. Without this change, many Arkansans wouldn’t see the bulk of their tax cut until they received it in their tax refund in 2022.

This is the second change DFA has recently implemented to the withholding tables. The first adjustment took place March 1, 2020. The March 2020 adjustment put $15 million each month into the pockets of Arkansans via increased paychecks. The January 2021 adjustment will place an additional $7 million each month into paychecks.

The law that reduced the tax rate was Act 182 passed by the 92nd General Assembly.

We anticipate the 93rd General Assembly will address further tax cut proposals.

Several pieces of legislation addressing future tax cuts have been filed in advance of the 2021 Regular Session.

The latest revenue report shows revenues are 11.4% higher than this time last year. Five months into the fiscal year, revenue is now $283.3 million above forecast.

This week, we also learned that the state’s unemployment rate remained stable at 6.2% between October and November. The national unemployment rate is at 6.7%.

We will continue to monitor the employment rates and revenue reports as we prepare for the next legislative session. The 2021 Regular Session begins on January 11.

Arkansas Job Numbers Decline in November; Jobless Rate Stays at 6.2%

by Talk Business & Politics staff

Similar declines in the state’s available work force and the number of employed kept Arkansas’ November jobless rate at 6.2%, unchanged from October and well below the 3.5% in November 2019.

The number of employed in Arkansas during November was an estimated 1,244,877, down 71,264 jobs, or 5.4% lower, compared with November 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. November employment was down 2,746 jobs compared with October. The year-over-year job losses are up compared to the 67,353 between October 2019 and October 2020.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/arkansas-job-numbers-decline-in-november-but-jobless-rate-stays-at-6-2/

Supreme Court To Hear Arkansas Medicaid Work Requirement Case

By DANIEL BREEN

An upcoming case going before the U.S. Supreme Court could permanently halt Arkansas’ first-in-the-nation work requirement for some Medicaid recipients.

The requirement mandates that people receiving health insurance through the state’s Medicaid expansion program, called Arkansas Works, report 80 hours of work per month to an online portal. By the time the requirement was put on hold in April 2019, roughly 18,000 Arkansans had lost coverage for failing to comply with the requirement.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/supreme-court-hear-arkansas-medicaid-work-requirement-case

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson outlines the work requirement for certain Arkansas Works Medicaid recipients at a press conference on March 6, 2017.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

After Record Year, Arkansas State Parks Reduce Operations Due to COVID-19 Surge

By DANIEL CARUTH

Following a record year as more people jumped at the chance to spend time outdoors during the pandemic, Arkansas State Parks is cutting back hours and operations at its visitor centers, museums, restaurants and two marinas in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/after-record-year-arkansas-state-parks-reduce-operations-due-covid-19-surge

Renters, Advocates Demand Action From Governor As Congress Hashes Out New Aid Package

By ZUZANNA SITEK

With the CDC moratorium on eviction set to expire Dec. 31, activists gathered at the governor's mansion in Little Rock and the governor's home in Rogers this week to demand action from the state in the form a state moratorium and financial assistance to renters. At the same time, renters, landlords and advocates wait anxiously for the U.S. Congress to pass another stimulus package that includes rental and utility assistance and a moratorium extension, as well as direct payments to taxpayers.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/renters-advocates-demand-action-governor-congress-hashes-out-new-aid-package

A small group of protesters gathered outside Governor Asa Hutchinson's home in Rogers on Wednesday evening.

COURTESY / CLINT SCHNEKLOTH

Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,951
Confirmed Cases: 1,510
Probable Cases: 441
Total Active Cases: 96
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 48

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,016
Confirmed Cases: 750
Probable Cases: 266
Total Active Cases: 111
Active Confirmed Cases: 52
Active Probable Cases: 59

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 722
Confirmed Cases: 591
Probable Cases: 131
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,107
Confirmed Cases: 1,000
Probable Cases: 107
Total Active Cases: 121
Active Confirmed Cases: 106
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 554
Confirmed Cases: 471
Probable Cases: 83
Total Active Cases: 83
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 29