Early Soybean and Corn Planting Set to Begin
by Talk Business & Politics staff
Anecdotal reports from growers across Arkansas indicate corn producers are eager to take advantage of clear weather as it occurs. Jason Kelley, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist for the Division of Agriculture, said fields in the southern part of the state are already seeing scattered activity.
“There are areas of south Arkansas where some producers have a substantial amount of corn planted,” Kelley said. “Some might even be close to done planting, while their neighbors haven’t even begun to plant yet. A lot of this corn was planted within the last week to 10 days. Calendar-wise, that’s still pretty early. With the warm weather earlier this week, a lot of that corn is already coming up out of the ground.”
Early planting is a gamble for growers. Early planted crops often have superior yields, compared to late-planted crops. In corn, however, those yields hinge on successfully establishing a stand. In years when spring brings heavy or recurring, intermittent rainfall, stands may be less than ideal, resulting in a lower yield from early planting.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/03/early-soybean-and-corn-planting-set-to-begin/
Cold Weather May Impact Cattle Breeding this Spring
by George Jared
Record cold weather just prior to the start of spring could have a significant impact on the number of cattle produced during 2021. Cattle breeding experts with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are urging cattle producers to test the fertility of their bulls before the spring breeding season.
Charles Looney, professor of cattle improvement for the Division of Agriculture, said the unusual freeze event the state experienced in mid-February may have resulted in infertility in bulls that did not have adequate shelter.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/03/cold-weather-may-impact-cattle-breeding-this-spring/
Bill to Curtail Scams on Seniors Unveiled
Arkansas lawmakers want to make it more difficult for scammers who target senior citizens.
A bill filed this week would create a reporting system that involves financial institutions and investigative authorities.
Co-sponsor of HB 1391, Rep. Carlton Wing, R-North Little Rock, said he was inspired to file the bill after his Sunday school teacher was duped.
Wing along with another co-sponsor of the bill, Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe, and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, R-Ark., held a press conference announcing the bill’s purpose on Wednesday (March 31).
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/03/bill-to-curtail-scams-on-seniors-unveiled/
Bill Eliminating Voting The Monday Before An Election Day Fails In Committee
A bill that would have eliminated the ability for Arkansans to early vote the day before Election Day failed to advance a Senate committee on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 485 would modify the early voting period for primary and general elections to where it ends at 4 p.m. the Saturday before Election Day as opposed to 5 p.m. the Monday before Election Day.
In presenting the bill to the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee, Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, framed it as an opportunity to give election staff a day to prepare for Election Day. He also said Arkansans would be able to vote on any other day of early voting if they wanted to.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-eliminating-voting-monday-election-day-fails-committee
Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, presented numerous bills regarding voting to the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee on Tuesday.
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Arkansas Legislature Passes Medicaid Expansion Program
The Arkansas Legislature has passed a new version of its Medicaid expansion program.
The House voted 64-34 Tuesday to pass Senate Bill 410, meaning it now goes to Gov. Asa Hutchinson, where if signed, the bill will become law.
The state’s current plan, Arkansas Works, is set to sunset, or end, this year. The new plan, entitled the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me or ARHOME, would retain the current private insurance model for purchasing health plans for participants. Unlike Arkansas Works, there is no work requirement.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-legislature-passes-medicaid-expansion-program
Rep. Michelle Gray, R-Melbourne, presents Senate Bill 410 to the House.
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Arkansas Lawmakers Consider Proposed Constitutional Amendments for 2022 Ballot
The Arkansas legislature can refer up to three constitutional amendments to Arkansas voters in the 2022 General Election. We talk to Kristin Higgins from the Arkansas Public Policy Center to learn more about the process for narrowing down proposals.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-lawmakers-consider-proposed-constitutional-amendments-2022-ballot
Thursday COVID-19 Update from AR Dept of Health
In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 212 new cases; 1,695 active cases; 166 hospitalized, which is down 4 from Tuesday; 27 on ventilators, which is up 2 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 5,626; a total of 330,398 cases; 253,685 recoveries; PCR tests, 5,767; antigen tests, 1,120.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 34; Pulaski, 26; Washington, 16; Faulkner, 14; and Sebastian, 13.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“The total number of vaccine doses administered since last week has increased by over 141,000. We also have over 61,000 additional Arkansans who are fully vaccinated. These numbers are encouraging, and with all Arkansans 16 and older eligible to receive the vaccine, we hope these numbers will continue to increase.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases:
Active Probable Cases:
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:
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases:
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 4
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: 2
Active Confirmed Cases:
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases:
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.
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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.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaking to the Arkansas Legislative Council Monday, asking for a 60-day extension of his state pandemic emergency.
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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.”