Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
Social Security and OIG Hold Annual ‘Slam the Scam’ Days
The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have once again joined forces to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during the second annual ‘Slam the Scam’ Day on March 4. Social Security scams - in which fraudsters mislead victims into making cash or gift card payments to fix purported Social Security number problems or to avoid arrest - are the #1 type of government imposter fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security. The agency has made concerted efforts to address this issue, including partnering with other Federal and State agencies to identify and pursue scammers, increasing employee and public outreach and education, raising awareness through marketing in post offices nationwide, and maintaining a Social Security/OIG work group to maximize resources and ensure a cohesive response.
“I am deeply troubled that crooks are deceiving Americans and using fear tactics to trick people into providing personal information or money,” said Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul. “I urge everyone to remain vigilant, hang up on these fraudsters, and go to oig.ssa.gov to report any attempted scam.”
Criminals are sophisticated and there are many variations of this fraud scheme. For example, scammers may call or email saying they are from Social Security and that the person’s Social Security number is suspended or was used in a crime. The caller identification may be spoofed to appear as a legitimate government number. They may text or email fake documents in attempts to coerce people to comply with their demands.
In recent twists, thieves even use real Social Security and OIG official’s names and send pictures of fabricated government ID badges. Social Security will never tell you that your Social Security number is suspended, contact you to demand an immediate payment, threaten you with arrest, ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone, ask for gift cards or cash, or promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information or money.
“We are working with the Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies across the United States to combat Social Security imposter scams—but our best weapon in this fight will always be awareness,” said Inspector General Gail S. Ennis. “I want to thank the many agencies and organizations that have joined us in our effort this year to alert Americans to hang up on suspicious calls, and talk to their family and friends about phone scams.”
Social Security employees do occasionally contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, someone who is already receiving payments and requires an update to their record, or a person who has requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.
For more information, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/antifraudfacts/.
Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching!
There are some open scholarships for this semester! Applications and details can be found here: https://www.cccua.edu/pay-for-college/scholarships. Deadline to apply is Friday, March 12.
Also, the 2021-2022 Online Scholarship Application is open now until April 1. Now is the best time for students to apply for scholarship for the upcoming semesters. Many students have started the application but need to finish. The Online Scholarship Application can be found here: https://cccua.awardspring.com/
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we wind down the 8th week of the 2021 Regular Session, more than 270 bills have been signed into law.
Next week, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee will begin hearing proposals for constitutional amendments. According to Joint Rules, the House and Senate can each recommend one amendment, but it must be approved by a majority in both chambers. A 2/3 vote is required by both chambers to introduce a third proposed constitutional amendment.
This week, the House passed more than 50 bills, including the following:
HB1061-This bill creates the No Patient Left Alone Act. The bill outlines visitation rights for hospital patients, including children, patients with disabilities, hospice care, long-term care patients, and members of the clergy.
SB6-This bill would ban abortions except those performed to protect the life and health of the mother.
HB1568-This bill creates a legislative study on the possible use of election technology to increase transparency and security.
SB137-This bill states that a local government shall not adopt any ordinance or policy that would prohibit a customer's right to purchase, use, connect, or reconnect to a utility service.
HB1437-This bill concerns “Publish for Pay websites” or privately-owned websites that request a fee to remove a booking photograph from the website. The bill states the person responsible for removing the booking photograph from the website shall remove the picture within five business days of receipt of a written request and not require payment of a fee for removing the booking photograph. It also states the website must post contact information.
HB1457-This bill creates “Paisley’s Law”. It allows parents of a stillborn child to claim an income tax credit in the amount of $500.
HB1488-This bill allows employees to file a Workers’ Compensation Claim for COVID-19 if the employee can prove they contracted the virus at their place of employment.
HB1407-This bill modifies the method of calculation of the stabilization tax and caps the tax at .2% for 2022.
HB1409-This bill caps the taxable wage base for employers at $10,000 for 2022.
HB1433-This bill outlines transportation funding for the 2020-2021 school year for districts that need more than the foundation funding provided to all public schools.
HB1464-This bill adds a provision to the Arkansas Code that allows parents to challenge instructional material, events, or activities in public schools.
HB1389-This bill creates the Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship Program. This scholarship will be funded by the State Forestry Fund.
SB287-This bill expands eligibility for the Governor’s Scholars Program and the Arkansas High Technology Scholarship Program to migrants from the Compact of Free Association Islands (Marshallese) and to an individual or child of a person who holds a Federal Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document (work permit).
HB1462-This bill allows state-supported two-year and four-year institutions of higher education to designate a staff member as a homeless and foster student liaison.
There will be some changes to committee schedules beginning next week to accommodate hearing bills and proposed amendments. You can find updated schedules and links to live streams on our website www.arkansashouse.org.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 8
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 2
Governor Hutchinson Signs Stand Your Ground and Voter ID Bills Into Law
Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed a “Stand Your Ground” bill into law Wednesday (March 3) despite his belief that it’s not necessary, but he hopes the Legislature also will pass a hate crimes bill as a complementary measure.
The Arkansas governor spoke about the legislation during a “Pen and Pad” session in his office with reporters.
Act 250 by Sen. Bob Ballinger, R-Ozark, states that a person no longer has a duty to retreat before threatening or using deadly physical force if they are lawfully present, have a reasonable belief that they or another person faced death or serious physical injury, and did not provoke the confrontation.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/03/gov-hutchinson-signs-stand-your-ground-and-voter-id-bills-into-law/
Trump Endorses Tim Griffin for Arkansas Attorney General
by Roby Brock
Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Lt. Governor Tim Griffin in his bid for Arkansas Attorney General.
Trump issued the following statement on Friday (March 5), saying Griffin was his choice in the 2022 race.
“Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, who is running for Attorney General, is a highly respected Army Veteran who will always fight for the great people of Arkansas. Tim will be tough on Crime, defend our Second Amendment, loves our Military and our Vets, and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the brave Men and Women of Law Enforcement. Tim Griffin has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/03/trump-endorses-tim-griffin-in-ag-bid/
Arkansas Legislature Votes To Pass Abortion Ban, Awaits Action From Governor
The Arkansas Legislature on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that would ban nearly all abortions in the state.
By a vote of 76-19, the Arkansas House passed Senate Bill 6, which bans the legal practice of abortion with few medical exceptions and no exceptions for rape or incest. Anyone found guilty of performing or attempting to perform an abortion could face a fine of up to $100,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both a fine and prison sentence.
The Arkansas House voted to ultimately pass SB6. It's undetermined whether Gov. Asa Hutchinson will sign it into law.
CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE
With Jury Trials Delayed Until May, Defendants and Victims Await Justice
There have been very few Circuit Court jury trials held across Arkansas in the last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there have been brief windows of time when those types of in person proceeding were allowed, the Arkansas Supreme Court has suspended all felony jury trials through the end of April. The year long delay is having an impact on everyone involved in local judicial systems.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/jury-trials-delayed-until-may-defendants-and-victims-await-justice
STOCK IMAGE
After Bracing for Winter Storms, Arkansans Now Brace for Upcoming Utility Bills
After back to back winter storms two weeks ago dropped temperatures to as much as negative 20 degrees along with several inches of snow, Arkansans are now bracing for their upcoming utility bills. Energy company representatives told lawmakers in a hearing this week that high demand and short supply dramatically drove up the price of natural gas and all modes of energy production performed less than optimally during several days of brutal weather.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/after-bracing-winter-storms-arkansans-now-brace-upcoming-utility-bills
Ozarks Electric Cooperative crews clean off panels at a Fayetteville solar facility, which is used to power the city's wastewater treatment plants.
COURTESY / OZARKS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Saturday's COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 48
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 37
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 8
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 3
In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 570 new cases; 4,296 active cases; 359 hospitalized, which is down 13 from Thursday; 86 on ventilators, which is up one from Thursday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 5,283; a total of 324,326 cases; 248,050 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,421; antigen tests, 1,200.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 88; Washington, 55; Sebastian, 44; Benton, 43; Garland, 33.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“It is noteworthy when the number of new COVID cases increases, but we have encouraging news as well. The number of hospitalizations continues to fall. Vaccinations are up by 16,955; 51% of Arkansans older than 70 have received the 1st shot, and 29% are fully vaccinated.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Easing Restrictions
LITTLE ROCK – In a news conference last week, I announced that I was renewing the state of emergency through March 31. I also announced that we would be keeping the mask mandate through March 31, as well.
In the days before March 31, we will consider whether we can convert the mask directive to a guidance, which is just that – guidance. Adherence is voluntary, and there is no penalty for a violation. We must meet one of two benchmarks in order to lift the mask mandate. If we are testing an average of 7,500 a day with PCR and antigen tests and have a daily positivity rate of less than 10 percent, we will convert from a mask directive to guidance that strongly encourages masks but doesn’t require them. At the end of the month, if we haven’t met the threshold of 7,500 tests, then we can look at the number of hospitalizations. If the number of COVID patients in hospitals is less than 750 statewide, that will allow us to lift the mask mandate.
I also announced that since our COVID-19 numbers have been moving in the right direction, the secretary of health and I decided we could safely take some steps toward more normal lives. This includes converting all restrictions on businesses to less-restrictive guidance.
I have heard good reports since our announcement. Eric Buckner, who owns 10 Fitness gyms, said older clients have been returning. He said, “It’s nice to see some of our long-time members we haven’t seen in a while.” Eric also said the mask mandate has been helpful because it gave small businesses authority to enforce it. He said, “We wouldn’t have been able to stay in business without the mandate. It was a common-sense directive to keep people safe without destroying a business.”
Since the announcement, some restaurants have seen their business pick up overnight. Candy Wilkerson, owner of Capitol Smokehouse in downtown Little Rock, closed for seven weeks in the spring. She has chosen to remain at 66 percent capacity for now. She said the pandemic has been a struggle but that the Smokehouse is starting to come back.
We can’t keep the directives in place forever, and this cautious approach offers flexibility for our small businesses. We are able to loosen up a bit because Arkansans have followed the directives. We have vaccinated nearly 10 percent of our 3 million population, and as more people get the vaccine, our number of cases will continue to fall. We are not in the end zone. I encourage you to follow the Health Department guidelines and get your vaccine as soon as you can.
If the numbers start to rise again, we may have to renew the state of emergency on March 31. I encourage you to continue all the things you’ve done to put us at this point so we don’t have to go back. Let’s keep working together to push the pandemic out of the Natural State.
VIDEO: Sevier County Medical Center Board Met Thursday
The Sevier County Hospital Board met Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 1:30 PM in the Community Building in Herman Dierks Park in De Queen.
On the agenda:
1. Prayer
2. Approve Minutes from Last Meeting
3. Financial Update
4. Construction Updates
5. Air Evac Meeting (March 5th)
6. Vizient Update
8. New Administrator Interview Committee and Dates
9. Foundation Update
10. Other Business
11. Adjourn
Ed 88 live-streamed the event on the Ed 88 Facebook page.
Thursday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 404 new cases; 4,278 active cases; 397 hospitalized, which is down 19 from Tuesday; 91 on ventilators, which is up 11 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,261; a total of 323,353 cases; 247,492 recoveries; PCR tests, 5,251; antigen tests, 1,197.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Sebastian, 44; Pulaski, 36; Benton, 34; Washington, 26; and Saline, 17.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"Today's report shows fewer new cases, active cases, and hospitalizations than this time last week and an increase in the number of vaccine doses administered of over 115,000. It's critical that we work together to ensure we continue our progress."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 44
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 18
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 6
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 5
Maya Fant, A Student Ambassador of UA Cossatot
Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught
More than 1,000 bills have been filed since the session began and more than 200 have been signed into law. Tuesday marked the 51st day for the 2021 Regular Session.
This afternoon, the House passed the following:
** HB1061-This bill creates the No Patient Left Alone Act. This bill states that it is in the interest of the state and its citizens that a patient be allowed at least one support person who is permitted to be physically present with the patient on a daily basis at reasonable times throughout his or her hospitalization, visit to the office of a healthcare professional, or institutionalization. The bill outlines visitation rights for children, patients with disabilities, hospice care, long-term care patients, and members of clergy.
** SB169-This bill states that a municipality, county, or other local public health authority shall not adopt or enforce an ordinance, order, resolution, policy, or rule that prohibits or regulates the occasional outdoor sale of nonalcoholic beverages from a stand on private property by a minor.
** HB1544-This bill affirms the right of a municipality to declare the municipality a pro-life city by resolution. It provides a framework for a city’s resolution and ways for a city to promote the status.
** SB20-This bill sets forth provisions for a quorum court to appoint a replacement when the county elected official has been suspended from office.
The House will convene on Wednesday at 1 pm.
De Queen Lions Club Takes a Look at New TV/Video Program at De Queen School
Lion Jeff Holcombe introduced special guests to De Queen Lions Club on Tuesday. Beau McCastlain and De Queen students: Jackie Pham, Jera Cotten and Joe Bush are members of the De Queen School’s TV/Video program.
Seth Tollett New Member of De Queen Lions Club
New member, Seth Tollett, was inducted into the De Queen Lions Club Tuesday at the noon meeting. Tollett was sponsored by De Queen mayor, Jeff Brown, and was sworn in by Lion Jon Bunyard.