Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

October is breast cancer awareness month. This is an opportunity to remind Arkansans of the importance of mammograms for early detection and lifestyle changes that could help prevent cancer. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat, and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. It is important to still get checked for breast cancer regularly, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. As long as you’re not feeling sick or having any COVID-19 symptoms, experts say it’s safe to get a mammogram. 

In 2017, there were 2,163 new breast cancer cases and 414 cancer deaths in the state. However, Arkansas is ranked as one of the lowest states (37th) for breast cancer screening, according to the CDC Wonder (2018).  

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.  

In 2017, the General Assembly passed Act 708, which ensures that insurance policies cover annual mammograms for women over 40. It also ensures that 3D mammograms or ultrasounds are covered for women with dense breast tissue. While traditional mammograms are effective for many women, the ultrasound can detect changes in women with dense breast tissue. 

Only about 5–10% of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary, meaning they’re caused by abnormal changes in certain genes passed from parent to child. 

The vast majority of people who get breast cancer have no family history, suggesting that other factors must be at work, such as environment and lifestyle. 

If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram through the Arkansas BreastCare program. BreastCare’s mission is to increase the rate of early detection of breast and cervical cancer and reduce the morbidity and mortality rates among women in Arkansas by lowering barriers to screening that result from lack of information, financial means, or access to quality services.

It is funded by the Arkansas Department of Health with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax.

For more information, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.

Arkansas Department of Health

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UA Cossatot Receives a $2.2 Million Grant from U.S. Department of Education

Democratic Party Of Arkansas Introduces Voter Protection Hotline

This year’s voting process has already experienced more turmoil than most previous elections. In response, the Democratic Party of Arkansas (DPA) announced Friday that it  created a voter protection hotline. 

Concerns about the coronavirus triggered a significant increase in requests for absentee ballots. In Pulaski county alone, around 22,000 absentee ballot requests have been processed. Accusations and fears over attempts at voter suppression across the country have made national headlines. Hannah Burdette, who oversees the hotline (501.299.5589) for the DPA, said these are some reasons an Arkansas-specific hotline is needed.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/democratic-party-arkansas-introduces-voter-protection-hotline

Democratic Party Of Arkansas Introduces Voter Protection Hotline

This year's voting process has already experienced more turmoil than most previous elections. In response, the Democratic Party of Arkansas (DPA) announced Friday that it created a voter protection hotline. Concerns about the coronavirus triggered a significant increase in requests for absentee ballots. In Pulaski county alone, around 22,000 absentee ballot requests have been processed.

Poll Watching Strictly Regulated, Local Election Officials Say

Early voting begins Monday, Oct.19, in Arkansas in advance of the Nov. 3 General Election. Along with a surge in new poll workers, we can expect more poll watchers to be present this cycle. But just who can watch and how they can watch is strictly regulated by state and county election administrators. 

https://www.kuaf.com/post/poll-watching-strictly-regulated-local-election-officials-say

Poll Watching Strictly Regulated, Local Election Officials Say

Early voting begins Monday, Oct.19, in Arkansas in advance of the Nov. 3 General Election. Along with a surge in new poll workers, we can expect more poll watchers to be present this cycle. But just who can watch and how they can watch is strictly regulated by state and county election administrators.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,264
Confirmed Cases: 1,213
Probable Cases: 51
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 537
Confirmed Cases: 495
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 413
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 341
Confirmed Cases: 334
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Voting to Determine Our Future

LITTLE ROCK – Monday is the first day for early voting, and today I’d like to talk about what will be on the ballot.

At the top of the ballot, of course, are the names of those running for president. You’ll also find the names of Arkansans who are running for the U.S. Congress and one statewide senate race. Of course, this year you will have local legislative races, school board elections, county government candidates, and perhaps, local issues to decide. In other words, we need to do a little homework before we vote. But most importantly, we all need to vote.

On the statewide ballot, we have the chance to vote on three proposed amendments to the constitution that members of the 92nd General Assembly referred to voters.

Issue 1 asks voters to indefinitely extend a half-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to the maintenance of roads, bridges, and highways. Voters approved the tax in 2012. Without voters’ approval to extend it, the tax will expire at the end of 2022.

Issue 2 restructures term limits for state legislators. Current law limits legislators to sixteen years in the Senate, the House, or in combination. The proposed change would limit service to twelve consecutive years. A former legislator would be able to serve again after a four-year break.

Issue 3 changes the way the citizens and legislators refer proposals to constitutional amendments for a statewide vote.

Since the founding of our nation, we have elected forty-five presidents. Since Arkansas became a state, we have elected forty-six governors. The freedom to vote and elect our leaders is a hard-won right and privilege that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. At all levels of our nation – city, county, state, and federal – the ballot box is an equalizer that gives every citizen a voice in governing.

Millions of Americans have written the history of our nation by participating in our elections. The voting booth links us to the past as we determine our future. I know that sometimes the lines are long, and voting can be inconvenient. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, voting may be even more difficult. But don’t let that stop you from voting.

The leaders of Arkansas’s major political parties are united in their determination to ensure that every registered voter can safely and securely cast a ballot on November 3. Arkansans may not agree on everything, but I know we agree that every vote counts.

This year, you can vote by absentee ballot, you can do early voting starting Monday, October 19, or you can do it the traditional way by voting in person on Election Day.

Horatio High School Teams Having a Benefit Raffle for Side by Side ATV

Issue 1 Asks Voters to Approve Permanent Sales Tax to Support Roads

Issue 1, which was referred to the voters by the Arkansas General Assembly, proposes amending the Arkansas Constitution to make permanent a half-cent sales tax that currently helps fund the state's four-lane highway system, county roads and city streets. Proponents say every county will receive funding from the tax, so all Arkansans will benefit. Opponents say there are cost-saving measures that can be taken before extending a sales tax that was supposed to be temporary.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/issue-1-asks-voters-approve-permanent-sales-tax-support-roads

Issue 1 Asks Voters to Approve Permanent Sales Tax to Support Roads

Issue 1, which was referred to the voters by the Arkansas General Assembly, proposes amending the Arkansas Constitution to make permanent a half-cent sales tax that currently helps fund the state's four-lane highway system, county roads and city streets. Proponents say every county will receive funding from the tax, so all Arkansans will benefit.

Friday's COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,246
Confirmed Cases: 1,208
Probable Cases: 38
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 532
Confirmed Cases: 489
Probable Cases: 43
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 404
Confirmed Cases: 376
Probable Cases: 28
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 325
Confirmed Cases: 318
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 253
Confirmed Cases: 246
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 1

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,278 new cases; 8,424 active cases; 594 hospitalized, which is up 7 from Wednesday; 106 on ventilators, which is down 7 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 11, for a total of 1,645; a total of 96,524 cases; 82,529 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,786; antigen tests, 1,094.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 83; Benton, 76; Washington, 65; Craighead, 61; and Sebastian, 55.

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

“I expected the number of new cases to increase as we enter the last part of the week. This has been the pattern, but the cases reported today set a new record high. Our increased testing efforts allow us to find cases already present and react to them. Each one of us must be proactive in our individual efforts to help slow the spread of this virus.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

SLIDESHOW - Pumpkin Carving Contest Underway for Students at UA Cossatot Campuses

Arkansas Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging State's Virus Mandates

An Arkansas judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a group of Republican legislators seeking to invalidate a mask mandate and other restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen on Wednesday ruled that the directives issued by Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson's administration are within the governor's authority under state law and legislative rules.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-judge-dismisses-lawsuit-challenging-states-virus-mandates

Arkansas Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging State's Virus Mandates

An Arkansas judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a group of Republican legislators seeking to invalidate a mask mandate and other restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen on Wednesday ruled that the directives issued by Republican Gov.

VIDEO: De Queen Youth League Basketball Registration

Gaytha Bakenhus and Joslynn Frachiseur stopped by Ed 88 to talk about youth league basketball registration.

VIDEO: Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves

Arkansas Farm Bureau Supports Meat Inspection Expansion in State

Arkansas Farm Bureau officials said the strong response to a new $5 million grant program for expanding and upgrading Arkansas meat processing facilities highlights the need for reviving a state meat inspection program. Last month, the General Assembly allocated funds from the federal CARES Act to create the grant program, which generated 45 applications requesting more than $30 million in funds.

The grant program is designed to increase meat packing capacity in Arkansas in order to provide Arkansas families, restaurants and schools with more high-quality, locally produced protein products. The program will be administered through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/arkansas-farm-bureau-supports-meat-inspection-expansion-in-state

Arkansas Farm Bureau supports meat inspection expansion in state - Talk Business & Politics

Arkansas Farm Bureau officials said the strong response to a new $5 million grant program for expanding and upgrading Arkansas meat processing facilities highlights the need for reviving a state meat inspection program. Last month, the General Assembly allocated funds from the federal CARES Act to create the grant program, which generated 45 applications requesting more than $30 million in funds.

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,240
Confirmed Cases: 1,206
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 527
Confirmed Cases: 488
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 402
Confirmed Cases: 375
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 319
Confirmed Cases: 313
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 251
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 0

Julie Gomez 2020 Academic All-Star from UA Cossatot

The 32nd annual ACC Virtual Conference took place this week. UA Cossatot student Julie Gomez was chosen as our 2020 Academic All-Star. We are very proud of Julie! Julie is currently pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice at UA Cossatot. Upon her transfer to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she plans to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Leslie Daniels of Youthbuild the Speaker at De Queen Lions Club Tuesday

Leslie Daniels, Case Manager of UA Cossatot’s Youthbuild, was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s noon meeting of the De Queen Lions Club. Enrollment is underway for Youthbuild. For more information on Youthbuild check out the website:

https://www.cccua.edu/community-workforce/adult-education/youthbuild

Cossatot Community College

YouthBuild provides training for the construction trades. Our program is a career and technical skills leadership program for youth age 16-24 who have dropped out of school. Students may earn stipends while they learn in the classroom and at the work site.

UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA Gun Raffle November 19th

It’s that time of year and the UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA members are out selling gun raffle tickets to raise money for scholarships and other FFA activities. We had to change up the raffle a little bit this year due to COVID-19 and we are disappointed that we won’t be able to have the chili supper. Tickets are available for $5 each or get 5 tickets for $20. See the flyer below for more information! We appreciate everyone’s support!

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Statewide Drug Take Back Day Scheduled for October 24

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Statewide Drug Take Back Day Scheduled for October 24

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is encouraging Arkansans to clean out their medicine cabinets and bring any unused or expired medications to one of the State's more than 250 Prescription Drug Take Back Day drop-off locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Decisions regarding our state budget show the priorities we make as a state. The budget-making process has a direct impact on everything from classrooms to health care.

Budget hearings will begin Tuesday, October 13, 2020, and are scheduled to conclude November 12, 2020. The Joint Budget Committee sits with the Arkansas Legislative Committee as voting participants in the hearings, creating the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget Committee.

The hearings will begin with requests from licensing boards and commissions. The second week members will review recommendations from the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Public Safety.

On week 3, Higher Education Institutions, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Transformation and Shared Services will have proposals reviewed.

The courts, constitutional offices, and the Agriculture Department will be reviewed in the 4th week.

On November 10, members will be presented with the General Revenue Forecast and the Governor’s Balanced Budget Proposal. The latest revenue reports show general revenue is now $227.4 million or 15.0 percent above this time last year. The forecast provided at the budget hearings will tell us if we can expect continued growth in the months ahead.

The final week of hearings will then continue with proposals from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education.

Members can begin pre-filing legislation for the 2021 Regular Session on November 16. The Regular Session begins January 11, 2020. You can find a list of daily meetings and watch the proceedings live on our website at www.arkansashouse.org.

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