Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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Arkansas’ legislature is considered a part-time citizen legislature. Most House members have a full-time career in addition to their legislative obligations. Members typically come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and the 93rd General Assembly is no exception.

The state’s largest industry is well represented as 7 members will bring an agricultural background to the House.

There will be six members who either currently work or previously worked in the healthcare industry. The professions include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

There will be six attorneys and 10 members who are currently teachers, professors, or former educators.

Several incoming members are small business owners. Other professions include real estate agents, engineers, consultants, a television producer, and a pastor just to name a few.

Having a diverse membership helps the House of Representatives more effectively serve the people of Arkansas. For the 93rd General Assembly, the House membership will not only be diverse in professional backgrounds but in age, gender, and race as well.

Our members will range in ages from 29 to 78. There will be 24 women and 76 men serving in the 93rd General Assembly. There will be 12 African-American legislators serving in the House.

This body will also bring a range of legislative experience. There will be 16 members serving their first full term and 10 members serving their 6th term.

Of the 100 representatives in the 93rd General Assembly, the House is proud to say we will have 12 who have served in the armed forces.

Each of us represents approximately 30,000 Arkansans. We look forward to updating you during the session. As a reminder the session begins at noon on January 11. We stream all meetings at arkansashouse.org.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 95
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 48

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 31

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Confirmed Cases: 74
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 113
Active Confirmed Cases: 62
Active Probable Cases: 51

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Saturday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 109
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 59

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 97
Active Confirmed Cases: 56
Active Probable Cases: 41

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 60
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 86
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 124
Active Confirmed Cases: 69
Active Probable Cases: 55

 
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Another of the 2021 Reasons for Attending UA Cossatot Next Spring - Family

2021 Reasons To Attend UA Cossatot This Spring.....Reason #1210.... at UAC, we are like one big family!

It's true! UA Cossatot is big enough to offer the courses you need, and yet our instructors know our students by name. We care about our students and we want them to be successful. We know that a Cossatot education will open a lot of doors for you, whether you decide to take your education and see the world, or if you decide to stay here and make our corner of the world a better place.

Enjoy your holidays. And remember....2021 is a brand new year, time for a fresh start. Visit us online at: https://www.cccua.edu/

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Judge Temporarily Halts Four Arkansas Abortion Laws

By DANIEL BREEN

A federal judge has blocked four laws restricting access to abortion in Arkansas just hours after they took effect.

U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker on Tuesday granted the request from abortion rights groups, issuing a two-week restraining order against the laws. Baker had previously put a halt to the laws in 2017, though a federal appeals court later vacated that ruling….. (Click on Link Below for More)

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/judge-temporarily-halts-four-arkansas-abortion-laws

Supporters of Planned Parenthood gather in front of its Little Rock clinic in this file photo from Feb. 2018.CREDIT PLANNED PARENTHOOD GREAT PLAINS

Supporters of Planned Parenthood gather in front of its Little Rock clinic in this file photo from Feb. 2018.

CREDIT PLANNED PARENTHOOD GREAT PLAINS

Thursday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps

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

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,893 new cases; 22,516 active cases; 1,110 hospitalized, which is up 7 from Tuesday; 174 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 38, for a total of 3,376; a total of 207,941 cases; 155,447 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,604; antigen tests, 3,697.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 272; Pulaski, 265; Benton, 260; Faulkner, 123; and Craighead, 109

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

"Today's high number of cases is concerning as we're two days away from Christmas. This is frequently a time to gather with our family in large groups, but this year that presents an increased risk of spreading COVID-19, so let’s plan with our safety guidelines in mind. Please protect yourself and your family."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 105
Active Confirmed Cases: 55
Active Probable Cases: 50

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 98
Active Confirmed Cases: 82
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 31

Another of the 2021 Reasons for Attending UA Cossatot Next Spring...Location

2021 Reasons To Attend UA Cossatot In The Spring.....Reason #1313

Location, Location, Location…Location. UA Cossatot offers classes on four separate campuses in Southwest Arkansas. De Queen, Nashville, Ashdown, and Lockesburg. And, when you include our online classes, your UAC campus could be as close as your very own living room. Convenience has always been a characteristic of our college and we invite you to join us this spring. Classes begin January 11th. To find out more, visit our website: www.cccua.edu.

U.S. Department of Justice Files Lawsuit Against Walmart for Unlawful Prescriptions Adding to the National Opioid Crisis

by Kim Souza

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Bentonville-based Walmart on Tuesday, (Dec. 22) claiming the retail giant and its pharmacists did not properly screen opioid prescriptions, and the lack of oversight contributed to the ongoing U.S. controlled substance crisis.

The complaint alleges that this unlawful conduct resulted in hundreds of thousands of violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The Justice Department seeks civil penalties, which could total in the billions of dollars, and injunctive relief, according to the release. The federal government is seeking billions in dollars in civil penalties which could be more than $67,000 per for each unlawful prescription.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/doj-files-lawsuit-alleging-walmart-contributed-to-national-opioid-crisis/

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Appropriations Plus $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Package Full of Support for Arkansas

by Talk Business & Politics staff

With over 5,000 pages of legislation, there was bound to be plenty to help Arkansans in the newly-passed stimulus and government funding bill. Congress passed a comprehensive $900 billion coronavirus relief package as well as funding for several federal agencies through September 2021 on Monday (Dec. 21). All six of Arkansas’ federally elected officials voted for the legislation.

U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, told Talk Business & Politics in an exclusive interview, the biggest takeaways for him were the measure gives states broad flexibility to help the overall economy, certain fragile business groups, and provides relief for individuals and families.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/appropriations-plus-900-billion-coronavirus-relief-package-full-of-support-for-arkansas/

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Arkansas Attorney General Leading Group In Support Of NRA In Lawsuit

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge on Tuesday announced she is leading a coalition of 16 states that have filed an amicus brief supporting the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The NRA’s lawsuit seeks to block James’s attempt in a separate lawsuit to dissolve the NRA, which has come under intense scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of funds and potential violation of rules of operation for nonprofits.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-attorney-general-leading-group-support-nra-lawsuit

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is seen in this file photo.CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is seen in this file photo.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Parents and Teachers Concerned About Student Mental Health During Pandemic

By ZUZANNA SITEK

Mental health professionals are reporting more children and adults are seeking out their services during the pandemic. We speak with parents, teachers and therapists to find out how the global health crisis is impacting students as they attend school in person, virtually and everything in between. For more information about the free and anonymous Stay Positive Arkansas program, click here.

kuaf.com/post/parents-and-teachers-concerned-about-student-mental-health-during-pandemic

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Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,975
Confirmed Cases: 1,518
Probable Cases: 457
Total Active Cases: 95
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,031
Confirmed Cases: 759
Probable Cases: 272
Total Active Cases: 97
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 51

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 739
Confirmed Cases: 604
Probable Cases: 135
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,121
Confirmed Cases: 1,010
Probable Cases: 111
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 76
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 575
Confirmed Cases: 487
Probable Cases: 88
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 28

 
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Agriculture is Another of the 2021 Reasons for Attending UA Cossatot Next Spring

Another of the 2021 Reasons to Attend UA Cossatot in the Spring.....Reason #456.... At UAC, We Believe in Agriculture!

Students interested in this field of study can now earn their associate's degree at UA Cossatot and then take their 60 credit hours to Fayetteville, where they can quickly transfer into a related agriculture program to obtain their bachelor's degree.

At UA Cossatot, agriculture students can take required general education courses and classes such as Agriculture Economics, Intro to Animal Science, and Principles of Horticulture to prepare them for their junior and senior-level coursework at University of Arkansas Fayetteville.

Students can take advantage of UA Cossatot's low tuition rate, which is $74 per credit hour, and then receive that same tuition rate after transferring. The exact tuition rate will be granted to students who live on campus at Fayetteville and those who obtain their Associate of Science degree in Agriculture Education from UA Cossatot. This opportunity is possible, due to the collaboration of universities and community colleges in Arkansas.

To find out more about our agri classes and other programs of study at UA Cossatot, please visit:

https://www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/professional-studies

Arkansas House, Senate Outline Plans To Conduct Session During Pandemic

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

While legislators prepare to debate the issues in the 93rd Arkansas General Assembly, a more critical debate is already underway: How to conduct a COVID-19 legislative session at the state capitol?

Unlike the fiscal session earlier this year, legislative leaders are already instituting changes that will keep the session accessible to the public, safe for participants, and within the boundaries of their constitutional duties.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-house-senate-outline-plans-conduct-session-during-pandemic

Arkansas legislative leaders are preparing for next year's session which will come amid the coronavirus pandemic.CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Arkansas legislative leaders are preparing for next year's session which will come amid the coronavirus pandemic.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Tuesday's COVID-19 Updates

 

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 1,457 new cases; 22,158 active cases; 1,078 hospitalized, which is up 21 from Sunday; 174 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Sunday; deaths added today, 58, for a total of 3,295; a total of 203,107 cases; 152,176 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,178; antigen tests, 1,013.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 200; Benton, 138; Washington, 101; Craighead, 93; and Faulkner, 69.

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

"Today we began receiving shipments of the Moderna vaccine (5,900 doses), with additional shipments expected tomorrow and Wednesday. We also received a second shipment of the Pfizer vaccine (18,575 doses). While this news provides hope for many, it is a continued concern to see the loss of 58 additional Arkansans (20 are delayed reports). We must still resolve to take every precaution to keep everyone safe."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 46

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 96
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 52

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 85
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 32

Medical Education Reason #1522 of the 2021 Reasons to Attend UA Cossatot this Spring

Start your journey toward achieving your dream medical career with UA Cossatot! Whether you are working toward your EMT certification, entering into the field of nursing as an LPN, or wanting to become a physical or occupational therapy assistant, the rigorous classroom and in-field experience you will receive at UA Cossatot will ensure that you are prepared to enter into your chosen field at the end of your degree or certificate experience.

In addition to classes and training on the UAC campus, medical degree programs such as Radiology Tech and RN to BSN tracks are available through collaborative programs with other state-affiliated colleges and universities. Some areas of study in the medical professions also offer opportunities for receiving additional financial aid - such as through nursing scholarships.

Do you have questions regarding UAC’s medical programs? Check us out online at: https://www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/medical-education

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Arkansas' New Republican Party Chair Hopes To Expand Its Existing Appeal

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Republican Party of Arkansas elected a new chairperson for the first time in 12 years. In early December, the party elected Jonelle Fulmer to serve as chair. KUAR spoke with Fulmer about her ideas for the future of the Republican Party in Arkansas. Below is the transcript of the aired conversation.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-new-republican-party-chair-hopes-expand-its-existing-appeal

The state's republican party selected Fulmer to serve as its chair earlier this month.CREDIT REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARKANSAS

The state's republican party selected Fulmer to serve as its chair earlier this month.

CREDIT REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARKANSAS

COVID-19 Numbers and Maps for Monday, December 21st

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 45

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 107
Active Confirmed Cases: 52
Active Probable Cases: 55

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 109
Active Confirmed Cases: 96
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 32

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