Construction on $25.2 million A-State Windgate Art Innovation Center set to begin

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Construction will begin on the $25.2 million Windgate Art and Innovation Center at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro following approval by the ASU System Board of Trustees on Thursday (March 14) at its regular quarterly meeting on the ASU-Newport campus.

The new, 38,887-square-foot Windgate Center will house spaces to support learning and creative activities for the Department of Art + Design, as well as the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Funding includes $22 million in private support from the Windgate Foundation and $3.2 million in institutional reserves. Construction is projected to be finished sometime in 2027.

System Interim President Robin Myers thanked U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., for helping to secure a $10 million federal appropriation to advance development of the A-State Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing. A-State will use the funding to invest in high-tech equipment for a multimillion-dollar facility that will support Northeast Arkansas’ position as the largest steel producing region in the country.

Construction on $25.2 million A-State Windgate Art Innovation Center set to begin

Michael Luna, M.D., Nationally Recognized Leader in Structural and Congenital Heart Disease, Joins UAMS

By Linda Satter

Michael Luna, M.D.

LITTLE ROCK — Board-certified and triple-fellowship-trained cardiologist Michael Luna, M.D., has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, as a professor.

Luna came to UAMS from the Dallas VA Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, where he was an associate professor of cardiology.

“We were very fortunate to attract Dr. Luna from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,” said J. Paul Mounsey, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UAMS Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. “He is a nationally recognized leader in structural heart disease, both in adults and children, and will be dividing his time between UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Under his expert guidance, we anticipate early access to cutting-edge, catheter-based technologies for our patients, and we are confident that we will see a major expansion of the structural heart disease service.”

Michael Luna, M.D., Nationally Recognized Leader in Structural and Congenital Heart Disease, Joins UAMS

Arkansas to begin identifying areas lacking broadband internet access

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Federal officials are asking for Arkansas residents’ help identifying which parts of the state still lack access to high-speed internet.

Arkansas is receiving more than $1 billion from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Evan Feinman, director of the BEAD program, says the state first needs to identify which areas are currently lacking access.

“Every single home and business is on a map the [Federal Communications Commission] publishes. And the FCC’s map shows whether those homes and businesses have broadband service, or don’t. The problem is, that map’s not always accurate,” he said. “What we’re doing… is offering folks the opportunity to challenge that map and make sure their home or business is properly categorized.”

Arkansas to begin identifying areas lacking broadband internet access

Ted S. Warren/AP

Carl Roath, left, a worker with the Mason County (Wash.) Public Utility District, pulls fiber optic cable off of a spool, as he works with a team to install broadband internet service to homes in a rural area surrounding Lake Christine near Belfair, Wash., on Aug. 4, 2021.

NWA 18th fastest growing U.S. metro; Benton County leads state’s growth

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Northwest Arkansas, or the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro, remained the fastest-growing metro in the state in 2023. Benton County was the state’s fastest-growing county.

On Thursday (March 14), the U.S. Census Bureau released metro area and county population estimates as of July 1, 2023.

Alison Wright, data center division head of the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI), said the metro estimates were expected with the continued growth in Northwest Arkansas. The metro was the 18th fastest-growing in the United States. Its population rose by 2.3% to 590,337 in 2023 from 576,967 in 2022. The growth rate rank was up from 24th in the previous year. Northwest Arkansas had the 32nd largest population gain in the nation at 13,370. The rank was down from 30th in the previous year.

NWA 18th fastest growing U.S. metro; Benton County leads state’s growth

Annual Farmers Market Promotion Program set to begin

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas for the 9th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program. This program, which is administered by the department and funded by the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas, helps build awareness for farmers markets and their vendors.

It provides funding assistance for the state’s farmers markets to serve their communities as consumer interest in locally grown and made products continues to increase.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program may fund the following promotional items to build community and regional awareness for a specific farmers market. The program provides signage listing names, seasons, times of operation, and location details. Local, traditional advertising is utilized along with social media campaigns.

Annual Farmers Market Promotion Program set to begin

Chairman of CIA Subcommittee, Rep. Crawford, comments on passage of TikTok Bill

Washington — Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

“The extent to which the Chinese government and the Chinese Community Party (CCP) will go to expand its malign influence within the United States is a grave threat that I’m tracking closely as chairman of the Intel Committee’s CIA Subcommittee.

“From storing Americans’ biometrics when they use TikTok filters, to accessing financial data and location information, and more, the amount of personal data the CCP has on Americans is alarming, and it is a national security threat. What’s more, allowing a Chinese owned app to maliciously operate within our borders is a gateway for foreign espionage and malicious impacts that can be weaponized at a moment’s notice.

“It is the duty of Congress to ensure that Americans are protected by the appropriate regulatory laws against foreign adversaries, like the CCP. Americans go to great lengths to protect themselves from identity theft and to protect their personal information. By ensuring that TikTok cannot be owned by any company affiliated with the CCP, H.R. 7521 will protect the sensitive data and facial biometrics that the CCP is currently collecting.” 

Boozman honored for support of American manufacturers equipping armed forces

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is a 2024 recipient of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition’s Sentinel Award for his advocacy of American manufacturers that produce equipment to protect our troops and homeland security personnel.

“Senator Boozman has been a steadfast supporter of the American companies that build the uniforms, combat footwear and body armor for the warfighter” said David Costello, Executive Director of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition. “His leadership continues to ensure that our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines train and deploy in the best possible uniforms and equipment, providing them with a significant combat advantage. His work on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee supports the development and procurement of life-saving products worn by our servicemembers. The WPRC is honored to recognize his constant effort with the 2024 Sentinel Award.” 

“Protecting the men and women who defend our country with American-made gear is a win-win. I’m proud to advocate for the domestic production of essential tactical equipment and clothing by manufacturers that also create jobs in communities around the country. I look forward to continued collaboration with the industry to respond to the evolving needs of personnel who support our national security,” Boozman said.

Arkansas members of the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition include Fort Smith’s National Safety Apparel and Belleville Boot, a manufacturer with operations in DeWitt and Forrest City. 

The association annually presents its Sentinel Award in support of lawmakers who have demonstrated extraordinary support for American manufacturers that produce combat clothing and equipment for members of the Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition leaders present Boozman with the Sentinel Award.

ArDOT to receive $91 million in federal funding for highway projects

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) will receive an additional $91 million for six projects, according to a Wednesday (March 13) news release. The money comprises congressionally directed spending and community project funding.

According to the release, the money was secured by members of the state’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.; U.S. Reps. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro; Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs; and Steve Womack, R-Rogers. The money was included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriation for federal fiscal year 2024, which started Oct. 1.

Following are the amounts and projects the money will support:

• $67 million for Interstate 49 between Barling and Alma.

• $6 million for the future Interstate 57 from Walnut Ridge to the Missouri state line.

• $5 million for the Highway 10 Greenwood Bypass.

• $5 million for Highway 82 corridor improvements in Ashley, Chicot, Columbia and Union counties.

• $5 million for U.S. Highway 412 corridor improvements at Interstate 49.

• $3 million for Highway 412 corridor improvements in northern Arkansas.

ArDOT to receive $91 million in federal funding for highway projects

Severe Weather Briefing for Arkansas on Thursday from the National Weather Service

Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in eastern Oklahoma this afternoon and move into Arkansas later this afternoon and early evening. These storms will be capable of all severe hazards through later tonight.

The main changes with this briefing include:

-- An expansion of the "Enhanced Risk" area towards northeastern Arkansas

-- The introduction of a 10% Tornado Risk Area over northwestern to northern central Arkansas

Large and damaging hail remains the primary threat with storms today, though all modes of severe weather will be possible today and tonight.

Click on the attached briefing below for more specific forecast information.

Womack statement on protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act

Washington, DC—March 13, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act:

“I realize there are millions of TikTok users across the country, including our district. I want these users to understand that our goal with this bill is not to ban TikTok. Our goal is to protect users by separating apps from foreign adversaries, which in this case is the Chinese Communist Party. TikTok is accumulating mass amounts of data, gaining influence over its American users, and using it against them. This exposes us all to serious national security threats. We want TikTok to continue to operate, and it will if they choose to separate from the Chinese Communist Party. I’m proud to support this important legislation.”

Cotton, Brown, colleagues introduce legislation to stop Mexican steel surge

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) today introduced the Stop Mexico’s Steel Surge Act, legislation that would curb the unsustainable levels of Mexican steel imports into the United States.

The legislation follows letters (letter to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and letter to USTR Tai and Commerce Secretary Raimondo) Senators Cotton and Brown sent to the Biden administration addressing their concerns about the economic and national security consequences of the steel imports coming from Mexico. The bill would reinstate tariffs on Mexican steel imports and bring Mexico into compliance with the trade commitments that it continues to violate.

Senators John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) are co-sponsors of the legislation. Representatives Rick Crawford (Arkansas-01) and Frank Mrvan (Indiana-01) are introducing companion legislation in the House.

Text of the bill may be found here.

“Mexico’s violation of its 2019 agreement with the United States has released a surge of steel products into America that’s hurt our workers and made us less secure. It’s past time for more negotiation. This legislation will stop Mexico from continuing to surge steel into our market,” said Senator Cotton.

“Ohio steelworkers can’t wait any longer for Mexico’s cheating to stop. Workers are losing their jobs and Ohio companies are losing business now,” said Senator Brown. “When Mexico breaks the rules they agreed to, the Administration needs to hold them accountable. This bill would take the action Ohio workers desperately need to level the playing field with Mexico.”

“Mexico’s practice of steel dumping is a flagrant breach of our trade agreement and has caused significant harm to our steel industry. We cannot allow bad actors to take advantage of trade agreements by attacking one specific American industry. It’s time to put our foot down and put tariffs in place to prevent Mexico from flooding our markets and causing further damage to American steel manufacturers,” said Congressman Crawford.

“It is imperative that we do everything we can to defend American steelworkers against unfair trade practices.  I am proud to collaborate with my House and Senate colleagues on this initiative to ensure that our domestic steel industry can compete on a level playing field,” said Congressman Mrvan.

The Stop Mexico’s Steel Surge Act would:

• Reinstate a 25 percent Section 232 tariffs on Mexican steel imports for no less than one year and empowers the president to impose quotas or tariff rate quotas on specific goods where there have been major surges.

• The administration may only lift these tariffs once the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative certify that Mexico has adopted policies bringing it into compliance with the 2019 agreement and are confident that Mexico will maintain these policies.

Release: Reps. Hill, Caraveo, and Senators Schmitt, Duckworth introduce the Taiwan and America Space Assistant act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), alongside Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), today introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act of 2024 – otherwise known as the TASA Act – to help address current gaps in our nation’s ability to further cooperate with and support Taiwan’s efforts in space. 

“With the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) still in its infancy, our bill would allow NASA and NOAA to cooperate with Taiwan on civilian space activities, including satellite, space exploration, and atmospheric and weather programs. Allowing our agencies to collaborate with TASA demonstrates to China the strength of American and Taiwanese cooperation and the United States’ commitment to working with our partners in the region. As Taiwan builds up their space agency, American support and partnerships encourages Taiwan to continue investing in their own space capabilities,” said Rep. Hill. 

“The Taiwan Space Agency has demonstrated a clear long-term commitment to space exploration, and the United States should welcome those efforts through bilateral cooperation. The TASA Act would allow NASA and NOAA to work in concert with the Taiwan Space Agency while also demonstrating to Indo-Pacific regional allies – as well as the United States’ top competitor, China – that we remain focused on advancing national security through international partnership. Both the U.S. and Taiwan stand to gain key insights by working together in the realm of space exploration, cooperating on weather programs, and collaborating to develop the next generation of satellite technology,” said Rep. Caraveo. 

“As the world and technology have advanced in recent years, space is now at the forefront of ensuring our national security and strengthening our coalitions abroad. Taiwan’s location in the Indo-Pacific is vital to the United States’ national defense and the safety of other countries in the region. U.S. cooperation with Taiwan in the space domain – especially for advancements in satellite capabilities and operations – affords the United States the ability to gain key insight into space functions in the region while also further expanding our lines of communication with an important ally. The TASA Act would allow the United States to exchange expertise with Taiwan, share in technological findings in space exploration and satellite operations, and take important steps towards securing international partnerships against the malign influences of China, our chief adversary,” said Sen. Schmitt. 

“With the constant expansion of new, innovative technology for space exploration and satellite operations and the United States’ leadership in this sector, it’s as crucial as ever that we work with our partners in the Indo-Pacific to advance and prosper. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act of 2024 alongside my colleagues to help our nation work with Taiwan to utilize new technologies and improve our work in the space domain," said Sen. Duckworth.

Further Background:

• As it currently stands under the U.S. government’s “One China Policy,” NASA does not have the authority to work with the Taiwan Space Agency for various space endeavors. TASA would not only give NASA that authority, but it would also instruct NASA to work with Taiwan in areas of mutual benefit, including satellite programs, space exploration programs, and atmospheric and weather programs.

• The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) is a relatively new organization and was created on January 20, 2022. The creation of TASA marked a prioritization of Taiwan’s involvement in the space domain—coupled with an announcement in 2019 of $25.1 billion over the next decade to grow the nation’s commercial space capabilities.

• Taiwan is rapidly trying to build out an organization that can domestically produce and launch its own satellites.

• The TASA Act will create a vital partnership for the U.S. and NASA in the Indo-Pacific and allow Taiwan to gain essential knowledge and expertise from NASA to further its space capabilities.

• Specifically, the TASA Act would:

  • Allow for extended cooperation between the Taiwan Space Agency and NASA

  • Allow for extended cooperation between the Taiwan Space Agency and NOAA

  • Provide an avenue for the voluntary exchange of personnel from NASA and NOAA to the Taiwan Space Agency to further advance Taiwan’s space capabilities.

  • Extend cooperation in areas of satellite program development, space exploration, as well as atmospheric and weather programs.

Cost of I-49 segment between Barling and Alma rises to $1 billion

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Federal legislation that delivered $83 million for a foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith also brings to Arkansas $67 million to help complete Interstate 49 between Alma and Barling. Every dollar will be needed. The cost for the almost 14-mile segment has ballooned to $1 billion.

State officials in October 2022 ceremonially broke ground on the 13.7-mile segment that will connect a segment of I-49 in Barling north to the I-40 interchange in Alma. That section will include a bridge over the Arkansas River and have interchanges at Highway 22, Gun Club Road, Clear Creek Road and I-40. The bridge across the Arkansas River will be east of Trimble Lock & Dam and the U.S. 59 bridge. There are 180 miles of the I-49 route to build in Arkansas between Alma and Texarkana.

The MilCon-VA bill recently approved by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden included the $67 million for the work between Alma and Barling. The bill, pushed by U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., was primarily focused on providing additional funds and programs for veterans’ health care but included money for other projects.

Cost of I-49 segment between Barling and Alma rises to $1 billion

Arkansas Board of Corrections to probe changes to special counsel contract

KUAR | By Hunter Field / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Arkansas’ prison board will investigate when and how changes were made to a legal contract without the knowledge of state procurement officials.

State legislators, prison leaders and financial officials were perplexed Tuesday about unusual language inserted into an agreement between the Arkansas Department of Corrections/Board of Corrections and the Hall Booth Smith law firm that could subject the state to liability.

State Procurement Director Ed Armstrong discovered the addition in the middle of a legislative meeting, prompting the prison board to commit to investigating who made the changes to the agreement and when.

Arkansas Board of Corrections to probe changes to special counsel contract

Michael Hibblen/Little Rock Public Radio

The Arkansas State Capitol.

Report: Signs of recovery emerge in freight industry

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

The freight industry is cautiously optimistic this year following a challenging 2023, according to a new report. Still, some industry metrics are signaling the beginnings of a recovery amid a lingering freight recession.

FreightWaves and Trimble recently released the Q1 2024 Carrier Rate Report that highlighted existing market conditions and expectations for the year.

“This new phase is characterized by a market gradually regaining its footing, underscored by positive developments in rate dynamics and broader economic factors,” the report shows. “A critical development in the current landscape is the closing gap between dry van truckload spot and contract rates, to a level of balance not observed since the last holiday season. This trend confirms the progress made toward supply and demand equilibrium.”

Report: Signs of recovery emerge in freight industry

Pharmacy Students Learn, Make Lasting Memories on International Rotations

By Benjamin Waldrum

A hallmark of the fourth and final year of school for UAMS College of Pharmacy students is experiences, where they work alongside pharmacists providing care for real patients. These are primers for the pharmacy world once their education is complete. Some pharmacy students take that a step further, doing elective experiences thousands of miles away in Taiwan, Thailand, and Italy.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that enables College of Pharmacy students to gain worldly knowledge and experience that they can take back to better serve patients at home.

“Students learn about different facets of international pharmacy practice while being immersed in the culture of their host country,” said Seth Heldenbrand, Pharm.D., the College of Pharmacy’s associate dean of experiential education. “These are extremely valuable experiences for our students, and they put in a similar amount of work as they would for any other student experience.”

Pharmacy Students Learn, Make Lasting Memories on International Rotations

College of Pharmacy students visiting Rome in 2023. The once-in-a-lifetime experiences bring pharmacy students thousands of miles away to improve their knowledge. Image by Joseph Brill

New instructors cultivate poultry youth programs

By Jessica Wesson
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences are taking steps to further connect the state’s youth with the thriving Arkansas poultry industry.

NEW IN POULTRY — Andrew Bolton joined the Cooperative Extension Service as an instructor in November 2023.

The Department of Poultry Science recently hired two new poultry science instructors, hoping to bolster statewide recruiting efforts.

Andrew Bolton

Andrew Bolton joined the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the Division of Agriculture, as an instructor in November 2023. In his new role, Bolton manages poultry youth activities across the state through 4-H and similar poultry youth programs. 4-H is designed to prepare young people to meet the challenges in their communities and provide youth with the skills to lead for a lifetime. 

“Andrew has an impressive background as a high school ag teacher and Pulaski County extension agent. Both experiences have prepared him well for this role in our program,” said David Caldwell, poultry science department head and director of the Center for Excellence for Poultry Science.

Bolton’s duties include coordinating the 4-H Poultry Chain distribution, conducting the 4-H poultry BBQ contests, poultry judging contests and assisting with in-school poultry projects.

“This is a vitally important position for stakeholders and youth throughout the state, and we clearly expect that Andrew’s leadership of these programs will allow them to be impactful and productive,” Caldwell added. “We are very glad he decided to join our program, and I look forward to working with him in the coming months and years.”

Bolton said he is excited to be part of a program that gave him his start in agriculture.

“I got my start in agriculture raising broilers for the state fair and judging poultry in FFA, so it’s exciting to get back to having a hands-on role in those events,” he said.

Bolton received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education from the University of Arkansas.

RECRUITMENT CHIEF — Joshua Gilstrap joined the department on Jan.1. He is responsible for student recruitment and retention in the academic department for Bumpers College. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

Joshua Gilstrap

Joshua Gilstrap joined the department on Jan.1. He is responsible for student recruitment and retention in the academic department for Bumpers College.

“Having a robust undergraduate enrollment is very important for assisting our industry stakeholders with employment and staffing needs,” Caldwell said. “We are confident that Josh’s approach will allow us to meet our enrollment goals as a department.”

Gilstrap will work alongside Arkansas FFA and agriculture education teachers to conduct poultry judging contests and workshops for students. His other duties include high school visits, hosting prospective students on campus and developing the University of Arkansas Poultry Judging Team.

“He’s had a distinguished career as an agricultural education teacher in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, and he has extensive experiences with FFA programs with a specific emphasis on poultry CDE competitions like poultry judging,” Caldwell said. “Josh’s main responsibilities involve directing programs for new undergraduate student recruitment. His experience leading high school FFA programs makes him uniquely qualified for this role with us, and we are already seeing new momentum within our recruitment program.”

Gilstrap said he is eager to give back to the poultry industry because of its impact on his life.

“As an agricultural teacher, I always enjoyed training teams and teaching about the poultry industry,” Gilstrap said. “I am excited to continue to help the next generation learn and grow into the industry leaders of the future.”

Gilstrap received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Arkansas and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Southern Nazarene University.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Arkansas commission members clash over abortion monument funding

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

A state commission continues its work to develop a “Monument to The Unborn” on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol. Recently, confusion has sprung up over how to keep the monument funded and maintained.

In a meeting Tuesday, artist Lakey Goff, was determined to work out the logistical problems with the monument, while architect and Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission member Tony Leraris says the problems are bigger than she realizes.

Last year, the state legislature passed a law to put a memorial for aborted fetuses on the Capitol grounds. The memorial is supposed to celebrate the effective end of legal abortion in Arkansas after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Per the law, the monument is required to be funded through private donations, but says the Secretary of State can use other money from “maintenance and repair of monuments” if no other funds exist. It’s unclear how this would work since the state doesn't have a set fund for monument maintenance.

Arkansas commission members clash over abortion monument funding

Courtesy Photo/Capitol Arts And Grounds Commission

Artist Lakey Goff feels funding for the concave wall of plants will come, while members of the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission were skeptical.

UAMS recognizes four phenomenal women during National Women's History Month 2024

Every year, UAMS recognizes outstanding women during National Women’s History Month. We are excited to share that four of our team members are part of these Phenomenal Women! In celebration of International Women’s Day, we want to congratulate them for all their hard work and commitment toward a better state of health for all Arkansans. #InspireInclusion

WTAS: Statements of Support for Governor Sanders’ Maternal Health Plan

Public Officials:

U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) – “This is another positive step Arkansas is taking, under the Governor’s leadership, to improve the health of Natural State moms and babies. This is a problem we have the will to solve. More coordination can help us get there and save lives.”

State Rep. Denise Garner (District 20) – “My colleagues and I are excited to have an opportunity to collaborate with Governor Sanders, the state agencies, multiple  stakeholders, and each other on this most important,  non-partisan issue. All women, but especially those at high risk, deserve all of us working together to make certain quality healthcare is readily accessible.”

State Rep. Ryan Rose (District 48) – “I was grateful to join Gov. @SarahHuckabee last week as she unveiled her plan to support moms and babies across AR. We are prioritizing maternal health to save lives and build a culture of life in our state. Proud to be part of this crucial initiative!”

State Rep. Mary Bentley (District 54) – “Another great executive order from @SarahHuckabee. Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies! Let’s do this Arkansas.”

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Regional Director Caitlin Connors – “THIS! So grateful for the leadership in serving moms and protecting babies. This is how we establish a culture of life. Thank you, @SarahHuckabee” 
 

Arkansas Hospital Association Executive Vice President Jodiane Tritt: “Maternal health – and women’s health, more generally – is of utmost importance to Arkansas hospitals. We enthusiastically support the governor’s interest and focus on this critical issue, and we look forward to continuing to work with her team, and all other stakeholders, to be part of the solution to the dire set of challenges our state is facing. Our hospitals take their role in improving maternal outcomes seriously, and they will amplify all efforts the administration makes to help Arkansans be more informed about the health care services and resources available to them.” 

Organizations:

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America: “‘Our state agencies will take immediate steps to enroll all eligible women in the programs we already have available. Too many women simply don’t know the resources we offer – this is a major step toward fixing that.’ Thank you, @SarahHuckabee, for this huge step towards building a culture of life in Arkansas.”

Arkansas Children’s: “As Governor Sanders has stated healthier moms have healthier babies.  Arkansas Children’s cares for the sickest of babies born in Arkansas. We are committed to advancing child health outcomes throughout the state and the region. We look forward to working with Governor Sanders to improve the health of children and their mothers.”
 
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield: “We look forward to continuing our work with state officials and other stakeholders to improve the mental health and the medical treatment of Arkansas women before, during and after their pregnancy.  We appreciate Governor Sanders’ commitment to this very critical issue.”
 
Arkansas Pharmacists Association: “The Arkansas Pharmacists Association applauds Governor Sanders’ plan to support moms and babies across Arkansas. Pharmacists are well positioned, accessible and ready to help!”

St. Bernards Healthcare: “Maternal health care impacts generations! From prenatal to postpartum care (and beyond), we thank Gov. @SarahHuckabee and team for this EO as we continue to make moms and babies a top priority.”

Arkansas Minority Health Commission: “The AMHC was honored to be present yesterday for the executive order announcement & signing aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. TY, @sarahhuckabee, Surgeon General Chandler, Sec. Mallory & everyone involved. Healthy Moms + Healthy Babies = Healthy Arkansans. #amhc“

American Academy of Pediatrics, Arkansas Chapter: “ARAAP is excited about @SarahHuckabee announcement of a Strategic Maternal Health Plan. Healthy moms mean healthy children and families, and pediatricians are thrilled to be part of this work to address maternal health.”

Excel by Eight: “Thank you to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for signing an executive order to create the Arkansas Strategic Committee for Maternal Health! Excel by Eight looks forward to working alongside this steering committee to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies across the state.”

Arkansas Hospital Association: “Today marks a significant step towards prioritizing maternal health in AR! The AHA proudly supports the new EO championed by @SarahHuckabee, and we will continue to collaborate with her and her team in bringing positive change to maternal health care! #arkhospitals” 

Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health: “Governor@SarahHuckabee continues to follow through on her commitment to Arkansas moms and families, announcing the creation of a new state#maternalhealth working group.”

Heartland Forward: “We applaud Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders and the new executive order issued aimed at tackling the state’s maternal and infant health crisis. This is a commendable step towards the overall goal of healthy moms and healthy babies. The creation of the Arkansas Strategic Committee for Maternal Health and the immediate actions outlined in the order demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing this critical issue. By fostering collaboration between policymakers, health care professionals and community stakeholders, we can implement effective solutions that improve accessibility, affordability, adoptability and quality in health care. Through initiatives like this, we can create a healthier, more prosperous future for all residents of the heartland.”

Baptist Health Arkansas: “Baptist Health supports proactive and aggressive action that will produce positive outcomes for Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies in Arkansas. We look forward to coordinating and collaborating with the Strategic Committee for Maternal Health.”

Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health: “Today’s announcement by @SarahHuckabee ‘demonstrates that mothers and families here in Arkansas are a top priority for this administration and their voices are being heard,’ according to @aimforar executive director@ashleybearden.”