Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

In the 2019 Regular Session, the General Assembly made the first effort to reorganize state government in 50 years. We are now seeing the results of that effort through millions in savings.

The 92nd General Assembly passed Act 910, known as the "Transformation and Efficiencies Act." Since it took effect cabinet secretaries have been asked to find opportunities to improve their departments in the three ways:

1. Efficiencies

2. Improved managerial support

3. Improved delivery of services to citizens

One way departments have accomplished this is by focusing on location sharing when possible and evolving to a new work environment that is less expensive and ensures less square footage. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services reports that from July 1, 2019, to March 4, 2020, departments have realized more than $920,000.00 in savings on rent and 80,282 square feet of reduction in space.

A second way departments have improved is through budget reduction. In the balanced budget presented for year two of the biennium without additional funding, there is a $10 million reduction in the performance fund. This fund is set-aside and available to supplement department budgets as needed as a result of their annual performance reviews. Departments have also reduced the number of filled positions by 310 since July 1, 2019. This was accomplished by finding new ways to improve delivery and a commitment to shared services. No jobs were lost as a result of the transformation of Arkansas government.

Reallocation of general revenue has also helped the state maximize funding levels, with departments realizing more than $6,305,160 in savings by making a commitment to do more with less.

Finding ways to save taxpayer dollars and provide better services does not end with one piece of legislation. While the Transformation and Efficiencies Act has now shown to produce substantial savings, we will continue to find ways to do more.

Our Pre-Session Budget hearings will resume next week and continue through November 12. You can watch live at www.arkansashouse.org.

VIP Spring 2021 Registration Underway at UA Cossatot

VIP Week begins today for UA Cossatot students. Contact your advisor to enroll early!

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,351
Confirmed Cases: 1,243
Probable Cases: 108
Total Active Cases: 71
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 582
Confirmed Cases: 528
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 451
Confirmed Cases: 413
Probable Cases: 38
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 358
Confirmed Cases: 352
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 267
Confirmed Cases: 255
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3

UA Cossatot Spring 2021 Registration Opens November 2

On November 2, 2020, UA Cossatot advisors will begin helping incoming and returning UA Cossatot students enroll in spring 2021 classes. The college will be offering many courses in several different formats this coming spring to help students receive college credit with different wants, needs, and schedules.

UA Cossatot will be offering 16-week and 8-week term courses in-class and online. To enroll in spring classes, students need to contact a Student Services Advisor at 870-584-4471 or studentservices@cccua.edu. Walk-ins are always welcome during the college’s business hours from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Student Services advisors are located at the college’s De Queen, Nashville, and Ashdown Campuses.

UA Cossatot wants to ensure students that their safety is vitally important to everyone at the college. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the college has taken precautions and has guidelines in place to help provide a safe learning environment. UA Cossatot wants to encourage returning students and invite all new incoming students to pursue local education and stay here and stay safe this spring. To view the entire spring schedule of UA Cossatot classes, please visit www.cccua.edu/enroll

Cossatot Community College

Click the following links to access the PDF version of the current or upcoming semester's full course schedule. Spring 2021 Course Offerings (10.19) Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login. Just click on the "Campus Connect Course Search" link below, choose a semester from the drop-down menu, and start searching for your courses.

2020 Fall Officers are Elected to Serve in Collegiate FFA

UA Cossatot’s Collegiate FFA organization announces the fall 2020 FFA officers. These officers will serve for a term of one semester and be active leaders in UA Cossatot’s FFA.

The officers include President Kirsten Nicholas, Vice-President Lindy Price, Secretary Will McAlister, Treasurer Kayleigh Hill, and Reporter Kaydee Cowling.

The 2020 FFA scholarship recipients were also recently announced. The recipients include five students: Lindy Price, Will McAlister, Kirsten Nicholas, Cason Launius, and Samantha Mefford. These students can earn up to $500 each through service to the college and community. Some of the projects planned for this year include raising money for the FFA through the annual gun raffle, getting students certified as EIA verifiers through the Livestock & Poultry Commission, and shopping for the local angel tree during the holidays.

The collegiate FFA student organization at UA Cossatot provides agriculture students many opportunities to learn and develop their leadership and communication skills. Networking and scholarship opportunities are also available by participating in various conferences, service projects, and other activities.

For additional information about UA Cossatot’s Collegiate FFA student organization, please contact Kelli Harris at 870-584-1218 or kharris@cccua.edu.

International Travel Opportunities for UA Cossatot Agriculture Students

Historic Preservation Leads to $224 Million in Private Investments Over Last Decade

Historic preservation in Arkansas has been a significant economic engine, according to a report commissioned by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP).

Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst said Monday (Oct. 26) the report demonstrates how vital historic preservation is to the state’s economy by noting that in the last decade the Arkansas Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit has attracted nearly $224 million in private investment for the rehabilitation of historic properties.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/report-historic-preservation-leads-to-224-million-in-private-investments-over-last-decade/

Report: Historic preservation leads to $224 million in private investments over last decade - Talk Business & Politics

Historic preservation in Arkansas has been a significant economic engine, according to a report commissioned by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP). Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst said Monday (Oct.

Arkansas Geneticist Authors First Care Guidelines For Adults With Down Syndrome

For the first time ever, a group of researchers has published a set of evidence-based medical care guidelines for adults living with the most common genetic disorder in humans.

The group of 13 researchers, physicians and social workers from across the country published the guidelines for adults living with Down syndrome in conjunction with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-geneticist-authors-first-care-guidelines-adults-down-syndrome

Arkansas Geneticist Authors First Care Guidelines For Adults With Down Syndrome

For the first time ever, a group of researchers has published a set of evidence-based medical care guidelines for adults living with the most common genetic disorder in humans. The group of 13 researchers, physicians and social workers from across the country published the guidelines for adults living with Down syndrome in conjunction with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

7th Arkansas Legislator Tests Positive For Coronavirus

An Arkansas state senator has tested positive for the coronavirus, marking the 7th virus case among lawmakers in the past week.

Sen. Cecile Bledsoe tested positive Sunday for the virus. That's according to Senate President Jim Hendren.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/7th-arkansas-legislator-tests-positive-coronavirus

7th Arkansas Legislator Tests Positive For Coronavirus

An Arkansas state senator has tested positive for the coronavirus, marking the 7th virus case among lawmakers in the past week. Sen. Cecile Bledsoe tested positive Sunday for the virus. That's according to Senate President Jim Hendren. Bledsoe is the latest lawmaker to test positive in an outbreak that prompted a halt to budget hearings last week.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,341
Confirmed Cases: 1,237
Probable Cases: 104
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 578
Confirmed Cases: 524
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 447
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 36
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 354
Confirmed Cases: 347
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 266
Confirmed Cases: 254
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 612 new cases; 9,571 active cases; 649 hospitalized, which is up 16 from Sunday; 102 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Sunday; deaths added today, 21, for a total of 1,833; a total of 106,727 cases; 89,730 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,965; antigen tests, 641.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 53; Washington, 45; Craighead, 42; and Sebastian, 37; and Benton, 30.

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

"These numbers should put everyone in Arkansas on alert. We are not having a steep escalation of cases but we do see the new cases steadily increasing in the last few weeks. The increased hospitalizations and deaths are somber reminders of the current threat. United, we will have success but it takes everyone to fight hard in the coming weeks. We must do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Arkansas, especially as we head toward what could be a very challenging winter."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (10.27.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Governor Hutchinson Praises Confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson praised the Senate’s confirmation of President Trump’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett today as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. 

“President Trump chose wisely, and Judge Barrett will be an excellent addition to the Supreme Court,” Governor Hutchinson said today after the Senate confirmed her nomination. "Her originalist view of the Constitution is essential to the rule of law. I am confident she will base her decisions on the law rather than a modern interpretation designed to please a certain constituency."

Monday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,335
Confirmed Cases: 1,233
Probable Cases: 102
Total Active Cases: 69
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 44

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 577
Confirmed Cases: 523
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 447
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 36
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 354
Confirmed Cases: 347
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 263
Confirmed Cases: 253
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 2

Walmart Files Suit Against DOJ, DEA Over Opioid Meds

Walmart filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Thursday (Oct. 22), asking for clarity to pharmacists’ requirements when filling prescriptions containing opioids. The company filed the 54-page complaint in the Eastern District of Texas the Sherman Division.

In 2019, the DEA began to crack down on pharmacists and physicians looking to curb the massive use of the potent drugs and the highly addictive nature of opioids used to manage pain. The complaint claims the government’s recent actions attempt to make up for years of “profound failures” to limit the number of opioid drugs being produced and sold on the market and stop “bad actors” from prescribing them without cause. The suit claims the DEA was given years of reports naming suspicious activity from doctors across the nation who manage to have their licenses still because the regulatory continued to renew them.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/walmart-files-suit-against-doj-dea-over-opioid-meds/

Walmart files suit against DOJ, DEA over opioid meds - Talk Business & Politics

Walmart filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Thursday (Oct. 22), asking for clarity to pharmacists' requirements when filling prescriptions containing opioids. The company filed the 54-page complaint in the Eastern District of Texas the Sherman Division.

UAMS Study Shows That 3.5% of Arkansans Have Had COVID-19

A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) seroprevalence study shows that 3.5% of Arkansans have had COVID-19, roughly the same percentage of population of the 104,135 known cumulative cases reported Friday (Oct. 23) by the Arkansas Department of Health.

UAMS researcher Dr. Joshua Kennedy associate professor in the College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, along with Craig Forrest, Ph.D., and Karl Boehme, Ph.D., associate professors in the College of Medicine Department of Microbiology and Immunology, have spearheaded an effort to analyze blood samples from Arkansans.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/uams-study-shows-that-3-5-of-arkansans-have-had-covid-19/

UAMS study shows that 3.5% of Arkansans have had COVID-19 - Talk Business & Politics

A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) seroprevalence study shows that 3.5% of Arkansans have had COVID-19, roughly the same percentage of population of the 104,135 known cumulative cases reported Friday (Oct. 23) by the Arkansas Department of Health.

Arkansas County Clerks See Uptick In Absentee Ballot Requests, But Feel Prepared For 2020 Election

With the general election less than two weeks away, Arkansans currently have three ways to vote: on Election Day, Nov. 3, during early voting which runs until Nov. 2, or with an absentee ballot, where the deadline to apply to receive one by mail is Oct. 27. 

On the Arkansas absentee ballot application itself, voters must choose between three options for requesting a ballot.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-county-clerks-see-uptick-absentee-ballot-requests-feel-prepared-2020-election

Arkansas County Clerks See Uptick In Absentee Ballot Requests, But Feel Prepared For 2020 Election

With the general election less than two weeks away, Arkansans currently have three ways to vote: on Election Day, Nov. 3, during early voting which runs until Nov. 2, or with an absentee ballot, where the deadline to apply to receive one by mail is Oct. 27.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,327
Confirmed Cases: 1,229
Probable Cases: 98
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 41

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 568
Confirmed Cases: 515
Probable Cases: 53
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 446
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 35
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 350
Confirmed Cases: 343
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 262
Confirmed Cases: 252
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Making a Difference with Crisis Intervention And Stabilization Units

LITTLE ROCK – Recent events around the nation have led to discussions about law-enforcement practices. Today I’d like to talk about the progress Arkansas has made with crisis intervention training for police officers and the Crisis Stabilization Units that offer an alternative to jail for people who are suffering a mental-health crisis.

Our innovative approach was driven by a 21-percent increase in the number of inmates over a three-year period from 2012 to 2015. By 2017, the Arkansas Department of Corrections was at capacity, and hundreds of more inmates were in county jails awaiting transfer to the prison system.

In 2017, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 423, which called for Crisis Intervention Training for law-enforcement officers and created a pilot program of four Crisis Stabilization Units. Arkansas is the only state to create this kind of partnership of state government, counties, and law enforcement agencies.

The Crisis Intervention Training equipped officers to deescalate violent situations and to recognize the difference between someone whose behavior was criminal and those who were suffering a mental-health crisis. For those suffering a mental-health incident, the stabilization units offered treatment and a bed in a health clinic instead of a night in jail.

Since the first stabilization unit opened on March 1, 2018, the four units have treated nearly 5,000 people in mental-health crisis; nearly 1,500 were diverted by police. Over 500 police officers have received intervention training. At the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, more than 500 new recruits have received the 16 hours of training. Nearly 2,300 veteran officers have received online intervention training.

But the numbers don’t reflect the real-life impact of this initiative. I have heard many stories about the people who have benefited from this forward-thinking approach, including this incident in Fort Smith, which illustrates the value of cooperation among teams as well as the stabilization units. Two crisis intervention officers were summoned to a hospital where police were observing a woman curled into the fetal position with her hair pulled over her eyes. She had no identification and couldn’t speak to the officers. Animal control officers were caring for her dog, which was with her when police found her. At the suggestion of a crisis intervention officer, the officers caring for her dog found the dog had a chip and learned the woman’s name. When the officer at the hospital called her by name, the woman began to answer then the officer sat with the woman and spoke her name. The lady officer immediately began looking at her and she explained that the officers were there to help. The woman slowly began speaking and answering questions. Officers took her to the crisis stabilization unit, where the staff treated her, and she later thanked officers for their help.

The President of the United States has asked the U.S. Attorney General to study successful programs such as ours, and our report is on its way to the Administration.

We have neglected the mental-health challenges in our nation for far too long. The Crisis Stabilization Units provide help to those who suffer from mental illness, and the training reduces risk of injury to our officers and the people they encounter.

Program To Provide Food Boxes To Arkansas Students, Families

Arkansas students receiving school-based food assistance could be getting some extra help thanks to a new program by the Arkansas Food Bank.

The food bank announced the Emergency School Pantry Program, which is a partnership with five other food banks in the state, and will provide food boxes for 36 weeks.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/program-provide-food-boxes-arkansas-students-families

Program To Provide Food Boxes To Arkansas Students, Families

Arkansas students receiving school-based food assistance could be getting some extra help thanks to a new program by the Arkansas Food Bank. The food bank announced the Emergency School Pantry Program, which is a partnership with five other food banks in the state, and will provide food boxes for 36 weeks.

State Collaboration Forms to Locate Missing Students During Pandemic

Thousands of Arkansas students have gone missing from public school since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared eight months ago, designated as "no shows." We learn the latest preliminary data and about a new Arkansas Department of Education collaboration launched to help locate, and keep students engaged in their districts. 

https://www.kuaf.com/post/state-collaboration-forms-locate-missing-students-during-pandemic

State Collaboration Forms to Locate Missing Students During Pandemic

Thousands of Arkansas students have gone missing from public school since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared eight months ago, designated as "no shows." We learn the latest preliminary data and about a new Arkansas Department of Education collaboration launched to help locate, and keep students engaged in their districts.