Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 3

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 291 new cases; 1,908 active cases; 165 hospitalized, which is up 8 from Tuesday; 27 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 1, for a total of 5,726; a total of 335,289 cases; PCR tests, 4,677; antigen tests, 1,055.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 43; Benton, 34; and Pulaski, 28.

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

“Today's report shows lower active cases and fewer new cases compared to last week. Our vaccination efforts continue as we have doses of all three vaccines available in every county. These vaccines are safe, effective, and offer us the best path forward toward the end of this pandemic.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

A Renewed Push for Arkansas Vaccinations

By KYLE KELLAMS

Demand for vaccinations in Arkansas is slowing, even though the state is not close to the eventual goal for immunizations. Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Jose Romero are again explaining the need for more people to get shots.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/renewed-push-arkansas-vaccinations

COURTESY / ASA HUTCHINSON

SWEPCO to Seek Proposals for up to 3,550 Megawatts of Generating Capacity

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), a utility of Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power, looks to add up to 3,550 megawatts of electricity generating capacity to its energy portfolio by 2026. On Wednesday (April 28), SWEPCO submitted an informational filing that includes draft requests for proposals to add the capacity, largely comprising wind and solar resources.

SWEPCO’s filing with the Louisiana Public Service Commission follows the fall announcement to cease operations at two coal-fired plants and to upgrade another. The filing shows three draft requests for proposals “for renewable and economic generating capacity” for its customers. SWEPCO serves more than 543,000 customers in three states, including Arkansas.

Asked about the megawatt breakdown per state, SWEPCO spokesman Peter Main said that won’t be known until the resources are selected and the company files for regulatory approvals.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/swepco-to-seek-proposals-for-up-to-3550-megawatts-of-generating-capacity/

Arkansas House Fails Bill To Eliminating Early Voting On Mondays Before Election Days

By SARAH KELLOGG

A bill that would have eliminated early voting on the day before an Election Day in Arkansas failed in the state House of Representatives on Tuesday, the final full day of the legislative session.

The chamber ultimately did not pass Senate Bill 485, with 39 representatives  voting for it and 43 members voting against it. The bill would have eliminated early voting on the day before either a primary or general election. 

The bill failed three times in a Senate committee and one time in a House committee before ultimately advancing through the legislature and being brought up for a vote in the House Tuesday, where if it had passed, would have gone to Gov. Asa Hutchinson. 

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-house-fails-bill-eliminating-early-voting-mondays-election-days

Rep. Justin Gonzales, R-Okalona, presents Senate Bill 485 to the House.

CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE

Legislature Passes New Version Of 'Gun Sovereignty' Bill In Final Day Of Session

In the last moments of the 2021 Arkansas General Legislative Session, which ended early Tuesday after 1 a.m., the legislature managed to pass a bill that bans police from enforcing some federal gun laws, but addresses problems previously brought up on a similar bill that was vetoed by the governor. 

House Bill 1957, filed late Monday night, made its way through the legislature in fewer than 28 hours through a series of committee meetings, recesses and votes.

The legislation would ban all state and local law enforcement officers from enforcing any federal gun laws that conflict with the right to bear arms as outlined in both the U.S. and Arkansas Constitution. Those include any laws requiring registration, tracking or banning possession of firearms. The bill is nearly identical to Senate Bill 298, which Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoed on Friday.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/legislature-passes-new-version-gun-sovereignty-bill-final-day-session

Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, R-Hermitage, presents House Bill 1957 to the House floor.

CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE

Arkansas Forecasted Rain For the Week from the National Weather Service

Showers and isolated thunderstorms will return to portions of the region today, generally north of the Interstate 30 corridor near a stationary cool front. By this evening, the front will start to slowly push southeastward, bringing increased rain chances to Southeast Oklahoma, adjacent southwest Arkansas, and portions of East Texas. Although the overall threat for severe weather is limited, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a Marginal Risk for these same general areas, with a Slight Risk for the extreme western sections of McCurtain County Oklahoma and Red River County in Texas. Damaging winds and large hail are the main threats. Also, these same locations could see locally heavy rainfall. Localized amounts up to 3 inches will be possible, which could lead to a some isolated flash flooding. In addition to the rain, expect winds to increase today from the south to near 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect from 9 AM to 7 PM this evening, as strong winds will create hazardous conditions on area waterways.

Rain chances will continue to spread across the entire area, as a cool front slowly moves across the region Thursday into Friday morning. Although the overall threat for severe weather is limited, a few strong thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, with locally heavy rainfall possible. Some slightly cooler and drier air will filter into the area in wake of the front, but rain chances will return for the weekend, as an upper level trough moves across the region.

Arkansas Senate Fails Bill Allowing Legislators To Amend Voter-Approved Measures

By SARAH KELLOGG

A bill that would have allowed the Arkansas General Assembly to amend voter-approved constitutional amendments by a two-thirds vote of each chamber failed in the Senate on Monday.

Senators voted 9-17, with two members voting present on Senate Bill 75, ultimately failing the bill. It would have allowed the legislature to modify or even repeal measures "approved by a vote of the people." The legislation defines a measure as any bill, law, resolution, ordinance, charter, constitutional amendment, legislative proposal or "encactment of any character."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-senate-fails-bill-allowing-legislators-amend-voter-approved-measures

Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Little Rock, presents Senate Bill 75

Bill Allowing Arkansas Schools To Prohibit Some Ideas On Racism Fails Senate Committee

By SARAH KELLOGG

A bill that could have allowed public and open enrollment charter schools to place limitations on teaching certain aspects about racism failed in a Senate committee on Monday.

By a vote of 4-3, the Senate Education Committee did not get the five votes needed to advance House Bill 1761.

The legislation, which underwent significant changes through an amendment process, would have given schools the ability to prohibit materials, lessons or teachings on racism that fell under a list of five ideas. Those included that an individual from any race or ethnicity is "inherently" racist or that the United States as a whole is systemically racist.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-allowing-arkansas-schools-prohibit-some-ideas-racism-fails-senate-committee

Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, presents House Bill 1761 to the Senate Education Committee.

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Bill Replacing 'Confederate Flag Day' with 'Arkansas Day' Fails Senate Committee

By SARAH KELLOGG

A bill that would have replaced the state’s existing Confederate Flag Day with a newly-created Arkansas Day failed in a Senate committee Monday.

House Bill 1916 fell one vote short of the needed five in the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee to advance to the full Senate. Members voted 4-3 for it, with one member not voting. 

The bill, which passed in the House over a week ago with a vote of 80-7, would have replaced Arkansas’ Confederate Flag Day, which occurs the Saturday before Easter Sunday each year, with Arkansas Day.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-replacing-confederate-flag-day-arkansas-day-fails-senate-committee

Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville, (left) and Rep. Austin McCollum, R-Bentonville, present House 1916 to the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee.

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Vertical Farming Research to Expand in Arkansas

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

During the next 30 years, the world’s population is expected to increase by more than 3 billion people and feeding this many new people will be a challenge for farmers. One area that has seen rapid development in recent years is vertical farming and several stakeholders in Arkansas are joining forces to expand research into the practice.

Vertical farming business 80 Acres Farms has entered into a collaborative research agreement with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station to advance the science of vertical farming.

Scientists with the experiment station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will coordinate with 80 Acres Farms researchers to pursue a variety of vertical farming research topics, said Bryan Renk, director of commercialization for the division’s Technology Commercialization Office.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/vertical-farming-research-to-expand-in-arkansas/

Arkansas Senate Overrides Governor Hutchinson Veto of Gun Bill

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas State Senate voted 21-12 Monday (April 26) to override Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s veto of SB 298, a bill that would give state and local law enforcement the ability to not cooperate with federal law enforcement officials.

It restricts local or state law enforcement or public officials from enforcing or assisting federal agencies or officers “in the enforcement of any federal statute, executive order, or federal agency directive that conflicts with the Arkansas Constitution.” The measure specifically addresses federal requirements to register or track firearms, any prohibition against possession or ownership of a firearm or accessory, or the confiscation of firearms or ammunition.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/senate-overrides-gov-hutchinson-veto-of-gun-bill/

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly COVID-19 Update Tuesday (04.27.21) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide the weekly COVID-19 update to media at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Active Case and Vaccine Updates from the AR Dept of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 1

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 63 new cases; 1,805 active cases; 170 hospitalized, which is up 18 from Sunday; 27 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Sunday; deaths added today, 2, for a total of 5,720; a total of 334,769 cases; PCR tests, 1,158; antigen tests, 106.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 12; Craighead, 7; and Pulaski and Washington with 6 each.

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

“We have resumed administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine today. This is great news, and it will allow us to increase the number of doses administered in the coming days and weeks. If you haven't gotten vaccinated, schedule your appointment today.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Governor Hutchinson Announces Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations to be Resumed in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK – The administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will resume in Arkansas today, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced.

“Vaccinations are the most important tool we have to neutralize COVID-19,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “The resumption of the J&J distribution allows us to say with confidence that the vaccine is as safe as the first two. This will reenergize our campaign to persuade everyone to be immunized. Vaccinations are the only way we can bring this global pandemic to an end. Now that the pause is lifted, the J&J vaccine will be available through many pharmacies and Arkansas’s local public health units. Don’t wait any longer to get your shot.”

For additional information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Department of Health website HERE.

(Photo: Reuters)

Certified Nurse Midwives in Arkansas Given Broader Medical Authority

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

The Arkansas General Assembly has granted full practice authority to Certified Nurse Midwives, under Act 607. CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses nationallly certified as specialists in prenatal and postpartum care, as well as women's health. We hear legislative testimony rationalizing why such authority has been delivered, and gather reaction from a long-time Arkansas birthing rights legal advocate.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/certified-nurse-midwives-arkansas-given-broader-medical-authority

COURTESY / KATIE OPRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, the Joint Budget Committee advanced two bills outlining the proposed budget for the next fiscal year.

The Revenue Stabilization Act prioritizes and categorizes state spending. It is typically one of the last bills passed every session. This year, the RSA is outlined in two identical bills SB702 and HB1949.

The proposal disburses $5.84 billion in general revenue. While fully funding our obligations, it decreases overall state spending by $50 million.

Proposed increases can be found in Medicaid, corrections, and State Police. The budget also includes the largest percentage increase in educational adequacy in 15 years.

The state’s long-term reserve fund is expected to reach over $700 million by the end of this fiscal year. This savings helps the state to secure lower interest rates and bond ratings.

This week, the House also passed a bill to reduce the sales tax from 6.5% to 3.5% on used cars priced from $4,000-$10,000.

HB1912 passed both chambers and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Other tax measures passing the House this week include HB1719 and HB1456.

HB1719 creates the Reboot Pilot Program. It would provide income tax credits for employers who hire former felony offenders who were released from his or her first term of incarceration in the last year. The maximum amount of this credit is $3,000.

HB1456 creates an income tax in an amount equal to 50% of an eligible railroad track maintenance expenditures. The maximum amount of the credit is $5,000 per mile of track.

On Thursday, the House voted in favor of SJR10. This is a proposed constitutional amendment which, if approved by voters, would allow the General Assembly to call a special session upon the submission of a written proclamation with signatures from at least 2/3 of both the House and Senate membership. Currently, only the Governor can call for a special session.

The House also voted in favor of HR1048. This resolution would allow the House to consider a third proposed constitutional amendment, SJR14, the Arkansas Religious Freedom Amendment.

The House previously passed HJR1005 would require statewide ballot initiatives to receive 60% of the vote before becoming law.

Proposed constitutional amendments approved by the General Assembly will be on the November 2022 ballot.

The House expects to enter an extended recess beginning Tuesday, April 27, and return in the fall to address congressional redistricting. The Governor has also indicated he intends to call a special session in the fall to address additional tax cuts.

You can find all House agendas and links to live streams at www.arkansashouse.org.

Governor Vetoes Gun Bill Over Concerns with Federal Law Enforcement Cooperation

by Talk Business & Politics staff

Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoed SB 298, the Arkansas Sovereignty Act of 2021, over concerns it would hinder local and state law enforcement cooperation with federal law enforcement entities. It is Hutchinson’s third veto of the session.

“The partnership between state and local law enforcement officers is essential for the safety of Arkansas citizens. This bill will break that partnership and put the safety of Arkansans at risk,” the governor said.

Citing several legal precedents on gun laws enumerated in the bill, Hutchinson also said its implementation would have the effect of giving opportunities for violent criminals to circumvent prosecution.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/governor-vetoes-gun-bill-over-concerns-with-federal-law-enforcement-cooperation/

Sen. Cotton Talks Foreign Policy, D.C. Statehood, Supreme Court Expansion and His Political Future

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Still coy on running for President in 2024, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., offered a wide range of opinions in an interview Sunday (April 25) on foreign and domestic policy issues and the 2022 and 2024 election cycle.

Cotton, the state’s junior senator, was re-elected to a six-year term in November 2020. He was active on the campaign trail for fellow Republicans in 2020 and expects to travel broadly to support GOP candidates in 2022. He’s still not willing to discuss speculation that he may be a Presidential candidate in 2024.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/sen-cotton-talks-foreign-policy-d-c-statehood-supreme-court-expansion-and-his-political-future/

Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 2

Sunday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 2