[WHAT] Winter weather conditions, including accumulating snow, mixed sleet and snow, and some freezing rain is forecast to spread across the state today through Wednesday, resulting in widespread travel impacts.
[WHEN] Winter precipitation will begin across northwest Arkansas later this morning, and expand towards central to southern Arkansas by this afternoon to evening, and persist through Wednesday morning (February 19).
[WHERE] Significant accumulating snowfall is expected across the northern third of the state, with mixed precipitation including sleet/snow and freezing rain over the southern two-thirds of the state.
[ADDITIONAL INFO]
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for portions of northern and central Arkansas due to heavy snow and sleet. This is where forecast confidence is highest for impactful accumulations.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the remainder of the state where lesser snow, sleet, and freezing rain totals are expected.
Hazardous cold is forecast by Wednesday morning with single digit to negative morning wind chill values forecast through Friday morning. Cold Weather Advisories are in effect for a large portion of the state tonight, and additional cold weather headlines will likely be needed through Friday morning.
Electric Cooperatives CEO eyeing new policies at state, federal levels
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
Federal energy policy is shifting with a new presidential administration and with the Arkansas legislature in session, state energy legislation is also poised to reshape the landscape.
President Donald Trump campaigned on a muscular energy policy that centered on more oil and gas drilling as well as a loosening of regulatory hurdles on energy and retreat from the climate change policies of the Biden years. State lawmakers have introduced legislation to change how electricity companies can structure their rates to better benefit economic development opportunities.
Buddy Hasten, CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, sat down recently with Talk Business & Politics Editor-in-Chief Roby Brock to discuss the current and future energy landscape. ECA and its 17 member-owners are electric distribution cooperatives serving approximately 1.2 million Arkansans.
Electric Cooperatives CEO eyeing new policies at state, federal levels
Machine learning maps animal feeding operations to improve sustainability
By Maddie Johnson
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Understanding where farm animals are raised is crucial for managing their environmental impacts and developing technological solutions, but gaps in data often make it challenging to get the full picture.
Becca Muenich, biological and agricultural engineering researcher, set out to fill the gap with a new technique for mapping animal feeding operations.
MAPPING IT OUT — Becca Muenich, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering and a researcher with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, used machine learning tools to model the locations of animal feeding operations in the U.S. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Paden Johnson)
Without proper control strategies, the waste generated by these operations can pose significant ecological harm, Muenich said, such as surface water contamination with excess phosphorus and nitrogen. Animal feeding operations are defined as facilities that feed animals for at least 45 days per year in a confined area that does not grow grass or forage. For Muenich, a water quality engineer who focuses on how water moves through landscapes and how it can pollute areas by picking up and moving toxic materials, this issue piqued her interest.
“We can’t really address something if we don’t know where the problem is,” said Muenich, an associate professor with the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas and researcher for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“We don’t have a good nationwide — even at many state levels — understanding of where livestock are in the landscape, which really hinders our ability to do some of the studies that I was interested in,” she said.
Muenich said there has been a rise in these feeding operations in response to increasing population size and global demand for livestock products.
Considering key predictors of feeding operation presence such as surface temperature, phosphorus levels and surrounding vegetation, Muenich’s team built a machine learning model that can predict the location of feeding operation locations without using aerial images. Machine learning models are a type of computer program that can use algorithms to make predictions based on data patterns.
The model was developed using data encompassing 18 U.S. states. The data was broken up into individual parcels based on ownership. Testing against a dataset of known animal feeding operations, the model predicted their location with 87 percent accuracy.
The study, “Machine learning-based identification of animal feeding operations in the United States on a parcel-scale,” was published in Science of the Total Environment in January.
Filling in the gaps
Previous attempts at identifying animal feeding operations have often relied on aerial images, Muenich said, but livestock facilities often look different between states and by animal, so she and her team aimed to employ further strategies.
MACHINE LEARNING — Muenich and her collaborators published their study in the Total Environment journal, outlining the development and results of their machine learning-based modeling. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Paden Johnson)
She explained the lack of understanding surrounding livestock locations often comes from differences in how states interpret the Clean Water Act, which requires farms classified as “concentrated animal feeding operations” to get permits through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. These facilities are a type of animal feeding operation with more than 1,000 animal units.
Despite the national regulation, states administer this permitting differently, leading to differences in available data.
For example, Muenich built a watershed model in an area with of Michigan and Ohio that included multiple feeding operations. Data was readily available through the pollutant elimination system for Michigan due to the state’s permitting requirements. The same data, however, wasn’t available for the same operations in Ohio, which set Muenich down this path of investigation.
Advancing towards a better accounting of livestock can help with developing strategies that can improve environmental outcomes of livestock management while creating economic opportunities for farmers through the scaling up of technologies aimed at combating animal waste, Muenich said. Scaling these technologies in economically feasible ways requires knowledge of where livestock are most prevalent and spatially connected, she explained.
Co-authors of the study included Arghajeet Saha, formerly a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arkansas and currently an assistant scientist with the Kansas Geological Survey; Barira Rashid, Ph.D. student at the University of Arkansas; Ting Liu, a research associate with the University of Arkansas biological and agricultural engineering department; and Lorrayne Miralha, an assistant professor with The Ohio State University’s department of food, agricultural and biological engineering.
The research was supported by the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability Center under National Science Foundation award number CBET-2019435. The Data with Purpose program from Regrid, a source for nationwide land parcel data, provided data used in the research.
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
Cotton, Boozman, Thune reintroduce legislation to repeal the Federal Death Tax
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas) joined U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) and 45 of their Senate Republican colleagues today to reintroduce legislation that would permanently repeal the federal estate tax, commonly known as the death tax. The Death Tax Repeal Act would end this purely punitive tax that can hit family-run farms, ranches, and businesses as the result of the owner’s death.
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The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa).
“Families shouldn’t have to sell major portions of their businesses or farms after the death of a parent just to afford the estate tax. Breaking apart a family’s livelihood is neither fair nor good for the economy. This legislation would end the federal death tax, making it much easier to preserve a family’s legacy and way of life,” said Senator Cotton.
“Arkansas’s farm families and small businesses should have the opportunity to preserve their legacies for the next generation instead of getting hit with a penalty that jeopardizes their livelihoods,” said Senator Boozman. “They need certainty and relief from this counterproductive burden. Repealing the death tax supports our agriculture producers and entrepreneurs so they can continue to grow their operations and benefit their local economy.”
“Family farms and ranches play a vital role in our economy and are the lifeblood of rural communities in South Dakota,” said Senator Thune. “Losing even one of them to the death tax is one too many. It’s time to put an end to this punishing, burdensome tax once and for all so that family farms, ranches and small businesses can grow and thrive without costly estate planning or massive tax burdens that can threaten their viability.”
Text of the bill can be found here.
Background on the Death Tax Repeal Act:
Fully repeals the Estate Tax.
Repeals the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT) for when a grandparent transfers assets to a grandchild.
Maintains step-up basis.
Boozman, Daines Introduce Bill to Support Outdoor Recreation, Block Ban of Traditional Ammo & Tackle
WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act to prohibit the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on public lands unless such action is supported by the best available science.
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“Enjoying the outdoors through hunting and fishing is part of the fabric and culture of The Natural State,” said Boozman. “These cherished pastimes not only help Arkansans connect to the resources we are blessed to enjoy but also play an important role in wildlife management. I am proud to join my colleagues in working to ensure hunting and fishing can continue on public lands without unreasonable, unscientific restrictions.”
“The great outdoors is a staple of our Montana way of life. Montana hunters and anglers play an important role in wildlife management, and a ban on lead ammo and tackle would be unfair to our sportsmen. I’ll keep fighting with my colleagues to make sure decisions impacting outdoor recreation are guided by commonsense science, not anti-hunting groups,” said Daines.
Specifically, the legislation blocks a prohibition on the use of lead ammunition or tackle unless a decline in wildlife population in a specific unit of federal land or water is primarily caused by the use of lead in ammunition or tackle.
The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act is cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Barrasso (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), James Lankford (R-OK), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Mike Lee (R-UT), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Katie Britt (R-AL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Justice (R-WV), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).
Click here for full text of the legislation.
Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Highlighted at Research Showcase
By Kev' Moye
The Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention took center stage in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Division of Research and Innovation’s latest Showcase of Medical Discoveries.
The center in the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health aims to understand the causes of birth defects and to reduce the number of babies born with birth defects. Conducting extensive research and developing community partnerships is key to the center fulfilling its mission.
The Feb. 5 showcase spotlighted 16 of the center’s research projects.
Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Highlighted at Research Showcase
Back to the basics soil fertility training March 11 in Marianna
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Whether you’re new to soil science or been at it for years, there’s never a bad time to review the basics, and that’s what the March 11 soil fertility training workshop at Marianna is all about.
The workshop will be facilitated by Trent Roberts, professor of soil fertility, soil testing, and Bronc Finch, assistant professor and extension soil fertility specialist, and Chandler Arel, extension crop, soils and environmental sciences, all of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
The March 11 soil workshop will include a tour of the state's soil test lab (U of A System Division of Agriculture file photo).
The event will be held at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station, 3121 Highway 1 South, Marianna, and opens with on-site check-in at 8 a.m.
Lunch will be provided to participants who register by March 4. Participants may register online.
“This is the first soil fertility workshop that we have hosted in several years,” Roberts said. “We are going to get back to basics and cover some introductory topics so that we can build on them going forward.”
Finch called the workshop “an opportunity to refresh or gain new knowledge about some of the basics principles of soil fertility.”
“We hope that this workshop will lay the groundwork for future educational activities,” Roberts said.
The event will include sessions on:
Plant essential nutrients.
Soil basics.
Soil and water conservation.
Soil testing philosophy/interpretation.
Additionally, the workshop will include a tour of the Division of Agriculture’s Soil Testing and Research Lab, located at the cotton station. Since it opened in 1976, the lab has tested an estimated 5.7 million soil samples. In 2023 alone, the lab tested a record 220,032 soil samples.
The workshop is being presented by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, the Arkansas Plant Food Association and the Arkansas Soil Testing Board.
For more information on personal finance, visit uaex.uada.edu/money. To learn more about extension programs, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
Bill to abolish library, Arkansas PBS oversight boards advances
KUAR | By Daniel Breen
An effort to disband the independent oversight boards for the state’s libraries and public television network advanced in an Arkansas legislative committee Thursday.
Senate Bill 184 would abolish the State Library Board and the Arkansas Educational Television Commission, transferring their power and duties to the state Education Department.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, told members of the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs committee the bill seeks to boost efficiency.
“These boards and commissions meet once a quarter. They have a set agenda, they meet for about an hour, hour-and-a-half or so, and rarely do they come up with things that are consequential,” Sullivan said, adding the entities the boards oversee are “very consequential to the State of Arkansas.”
Bill to abolish library, Arkansas PBS oversight boards advances
Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, leads a meeting of the Arkansas Legislative Council’s Higher Education subcommittee on Sept. 3, 2024 on Arkansas State University’s Jonesboro campus.
Gov. Sanders announces ACCESS higher ed details, seeks to remove DEI metrics
by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)
Gov. Sarah Sanders unveiled details of her Arkansas ACCESS higher education reform plan on Friday (Feb. 14). The roughly 110-page bill, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, and Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, is expected to be filed Feb. 17.
The acronym ACCESS stands for acceleration, common sense, cost, eligibility, scholarships and standardization. Sanders said higher education reform is her top priority this legislative session. She said she wants to reduce the system’s complexity so both high school seniors and middle-aged moms can access a college education.
“We all see the same issues,” she said. “The system has become too complicated, too woke, and far too often doesn’t fully prepare students for the jobs of the future. ACCESS will fix that.”
Gov. Sanders announces ACCESS higher ed details, seeks to remove DEI metrics
Gov. Sarah Sanders on Friday (Feb. 14) unveiled details of her Arkansas ACCESS higher education reform plan during a press conference at the State Capitol.
Winter Weather Briefing for Arkansas from the National Weather Service in Little Rock
Winter Storm Warning criteria is variable across the state, and now incorporates impact and vulnerability with regard to winter weather.
[WHAT] Winter weather conditions, including accumulating snow, mixed sleet and snow, and some freezing rain is forecast over most of the state Tuesday through Wednesday, and will likely result in travel impacts across the state Tuesday through Wednesday.
[WHEN] Winter precipitation is expected to expand in coverage over the state from west to east Tuesday morning (February 18), and persist through Wednesday morning (February 19).
[WHERE] Accumulating snowfall is expected across the northern third of the state, with a transition zone of mixed precipitation and freezing rain more likely through the event over the southern two-thirds of the state.
[ADDITIONAL INFO] Portions of the Winter Storm Watch have been upgraded to a Warning as of Monday morning, highlighting where forecast confidence is highest for impactful snowfall. Changes to the watch area and forecast snowfall amounts are still possible.
Winter Weather Advisories should also be expected where lesser snow amounts and higher ice accruals are forecast.
Hazardous cold is forecast through the latter half of this week, with single digit to negative morning wind chill values possible Wednesday through Friday mornings. Cold Weather Advisories will likely be needed by Wednesday morning.
Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we move through the 2025 Regular Session, the Arkansas House of Representatives has passed several bills that will impact our communities, focusing on education, healthcare, and food security. Here’s a summary of the key measures approved during the fifth week of the session:
SB59: An Act to Provide Each Public School Student with Breakfast at No Cost
This bill ensures that every student in Arkansas public schools will be entitled to one free breakfast per school day, regardless of their eligibility for federally funded meals. Funded through medical marijuana tax revenue, the bill was passed with the goal of addressing food insecurity among students. Arkansas ranked as the hungriest state in the nation in 2023 with 18.9% of households experiencing food insecurity.
SB142: Bell to Bell, No Cell Act
The House also passed SB142, which addresses the growing concern over cell phone use in schools. Known as the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, this bill mandates that public and charter schools prohibit students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day. There are exceptions, including emergency situations, and schools will be required to create policies in compliance with the guidelines set by the bill. These include allowing for the use of phones for special events, medical reasons, or for students accessing college coursework through two-factor authentication.
HB1427: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act
HB1427 represents a major step forward in supporting maternal health in Arkansas. The bill, which is a $45.3 million investment, expands access to healthcare for pregnant women. It establishes presumptive Medicaid eligibility for expectant mothers, creates reimbursement pathways for doulas and community health workers, and broadens Medicaid coverage to include remote monitoring services like ultrasounds, blood pressure checks, and continuous glucose monitoring. The bill also improves access to prenatal and postnatal care by unbundling Medicaid payments, ensuring coverage for up to 14 visits.
These bills represent a commitment to improving the well-being of Arkansas’ families, from ensuring children have access to a healthy breakfast to expanding access to critical healthcare services. As always, we encourage all Arkansans to stay informed about the legislative process. You can watch all committee meetings and House floor proceedings live at arkansashouse.org
What They are Saying: Statements of Support for Arkansas ACCESS
Jacob Oliva, Arkansas Department of Education Secretary – “Now that the early childhood and K-12 education systems have been aligned, I am excited to focus our attention toward higher education reform. For far too long, Arkansas’ higher education system has not been standardized. Through ACCESS and a heavy focus on acceleration, the system will be standardized. Not only will higher education be held accountable, but the system also will be streamlined to focus on enrollment, enlistment, and employment to ensure students have high-quality affordable options to enhance their education and training.”
Dr. Ken Warden, Commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education – “Governor Sanders’ overhaul of the higher education system is a welcomed igniter of change. From streamlining the application process and making college credits more accessible for high school students, to expanding scholarship opportunities and standardizing the course code numbering system, the legislation makes our system more user friendly and places students at the center. I look forward to working with our higher education institutions to implement the changes approved by the legislature.”
Representative Matthew Shepherd – “Arkansas students should graduate with more than just a degree—they should have the education, skills, and training necessary to thrive in the real world. I thank the Governor for her leadership with the ACCESS initiative. It will help create stronger career pathways, grow our economy, and ensure a brighter future for the next generation.”
Senator Jonathan Dismang – “One of the things I am most excited about is the slashing of bureaucratic red tape and arbitrary roadblocks that have long hindered student achievement in our state’s higher education system. Much like the LEARNS Act, ACCESS is squarely focused on the student and prioritizes their individual success.”
Senator Breanne Davis -“ACCESS is the plan we need to take Arkansas’ higher education system to the next level. I’m confident this bill will benefit Arkansas Tech University and U of A-Community College Morrilton, as they’ve been meeting demands of the work force for years, adding value to our communities and making generational change for families. I look forward to working with the Governor on getting this bill over the finish line.”
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jay B. Silveria, President, University of Arkansas System – “We appreciate the Governor and General Assembly making a commitment to prioritize higher education in this legislative session, highlighting the key role our institutions play in the educational and economic advancement of our state and its citizens. We understand our obligation to provide the state with a strong return on its investment in our programs. Governor Sanders and her team have approached Arkansas ACCESS with a spirit of open dialogue, and we are looking forward to continuing that conversation as the bill makes its way through the legislative process.”
Dr. Charles F. Robinson, Chancellor, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville – “We greatly appreciate Governor Sanders and her team engaging us on ways to improve educational outcomes for both our state’s high school and college students. We all recognize that better-educated students make for a stronger Arkansas, and we will continue to engage with the Governor on this legislation to help achieve that outcome.”
Dr. Brendan Kelly, Arkansas State University System President – “The Governor took time to personally engage with our system leadership about her vision for higher education. The Arkansas State University System is more interested in the future of higher education than in the way we’ve always done things. We look forward to advancing the conversation about deploying and implementing initiatives that result in positive outcomes and returns on investment for Arkansas.”
Dr. Russ Jones, Arkansas Tech University President – “Arkansas Tech University looks forward to working with the Governor and other institutions of higher learning on the Arkansas ACCESS plan. I commend the Governor for her strong commitment to strengthening higher education.”
Dr. Summer DeProw, Chancellor, University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College – “Governor Sanders is showing that she and her team clearly understand student success and the importance of postsecondary education. The Arkansas ACCESS bill provides structural encouragement for students to stretch themselves through weighted high school GPAs, opportunities for alternative funding models for workforce training and concurrent courses and calls for collaboration to streamline the process for applying to college. UA-PTC looks forward to learning more about the Arkansas ACCESS bill over the next few weeks.”
Chris Heigle, President, Arkansas Northeastern College – “The Arkansas Access bill is a big step forward for students in our state. It expands options for high-achieving students, makes the process of getting into college smoother, and strengthens scholarships for veterans and first responders. One of the most important aspects of the legislation is how it elevates career and technical education, recognizing these programs as both valuable and academically rigorous. A common application will help remove unnecessary hurdles, making it easier for students to access higher education. This legislation also provides the foundation to begin adjusting the productivity formula to better reflect the real impact of workforce-focused education, ensuring institutions are measured in a way that truly captures their value. Governor Sanders’ focus on workforce-aligned education will have a lasting effect, helping students succeed and strengthening Arkansas’ economy. This bill puts students and institutions in a better position to contribute to the state’s future.”
Dr. Bentley Wallace, Chancellor of Arkansas State University, Mountain Home – “We value the Governor’s focus on and interest in advancing effective higher education with meaningful results. Ultimately, we all have a common interest in doing what’s best for educating and training students who will contribute to the growing Arkansas economy.”
Dr. Jennifer Methvin, Chancellor of Arkansas State University-Beebe – “We share the Governor’s focus on accessibility to higher education at every level. We look forward to seeing the proposed legislation to understand how the ideas develop into programs and solutions.”
Patricia Levesque, Executive Director of ExcelinEd in Action – “Following the passage of the LEARNS Act in 2023, leaders in Arkansas continue to make education a top priority. The Arkansas ACCESS Act is another seminal piece of legislation designed to transform the K-12 and higher education systems to better serve students as they look to enter the workforce. By raising expectations, creating accelerated pathways to college and career, expanding access to higher education and industry-valued credentials, and aligning the K-12 and higher education systems to better serve students, Arkansas is poised to reap the benefits for generations to come.”
Former Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker dies at 81
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
Former Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker died in Little Rock on Thursday (Feb. 13) at the age of 81 after battling an illness.
Tucker, a Democrat, was a former Arkansas governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, U.S. Congressman, and prosecuting attorney. He was a major player in Arkansas politics from the 1970’s through the 1990’s and was nearly elected U.S. Senator in an epic race against the late David Pryor in 1978.
Tucker served as the 43rd governor of Arkansas from 1992-1996. He was elected Lt. Governor in 1990 and elevated to governor when then-Gov. Bill Clinton was elected U.S. President. Tucker won re-election in 1994, but was snared in the Whitewater scandal and resigned from office in 1996.
Griffin and 16 other AGs fight to stop Biden Era attempt to categorize gender dysphoria as a disability
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following update explaining a lawsuit he joined in September 2024 challenging an unlawful Biden administration rule that categorized gender dysphoria as a disability and allowed the federal government to withhold funds for those with disabilities from anyone who disagrees with the rule. Recent reporting has erroneously implied that the lawsuit seeks to repeal Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
What is Section 504?
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (1) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in federally funded programs and (2) requires employers to reasonably accommodate disabilities.
• States have to comply with Section 504 or the federal government can withdraw federal funds—like K-12 school funds, Medicaid dollars, etc.
• Federal law says that “gender identity disorders” are not disabilities under Section 504 or under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What prompted the lawsuit?
• In May 2024, the Biden administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a rule that—contrary to federal law—includes “gender dysphoria” as a disability under HHS regulations.
• The rule’s gender mandate could require schools and universities to allow boys to use girls’ bathrooms and showers, even to live in girls’ dormitories; require schools and universities to allow males to compete in girls’ and women’s sports; and require teachers and students to use wrong-sex pronouns.
• If states do not comply with the HHS rule’s gender mandate, the Biden administration’s rule would jeopardize their federal funding.
What is the lawsuit trying to do?
• 17 state attorneys general, including our office, sued to block Biden’s illegal HHS rule.
• The lawsuit does NOT seek to end Section 504’s disability protection for anyone covered under that statute. It simply seeks to overturn Biden’s unlawful gender mandate.
• The lawsuit states that Section 504 did not allow the Biden administration to impose this gender mandate on the threat of taking away states’ federal funding.
• If the states win this lawsuit, no one’s disability accommodations would be taken away—the regulations would go back to what they were before May 2024.
What is the current status of the lawsuit?
• The lawsuit has been stayed while the Trump administration reconsiders the rule.
What about the claims that Count 3 of the lawsuit seeks to repeal Section 504?
• The Biden administration says that Section 504 not only gives HHS the power to impose the gender mandate, but that this 52-year-old statute required the gender mandate all along.
• We argue that the Biden administration is wrong about this. Federal law is clear that gender dysphoria is not a disability, and states cannot be forced to treat it as such in order to comply with Section 504.
• If Section 504 did somehow impose these gender-mandate obligations on states 50 years down the line, then the whole law wouldn’t be constitutional under the Spending Clause (which requires states be given clear conditions on federal funding). A ruling “declaring Section 504 unconstitutional”—in the context of this lawsuit—means that HHS could not revoke state funds it oversees (e.g. Medicaid funds) for the states’ failure to comply with the gender mandate.
• Again, the states DO NOT argue that Section 504 is actually unconstitutional, because we say that Section 504 DOES NOT allow for this gender mandate and CANNOT be interpreted the way the Biden administration tried to interpret it.
• This statute has been on the books for 52 years. If we wanted to try and get rid of it like some people have claimed, we could have sued anytime. But we didn’t do that. We sued only after the May 2024 rule with the gender mandate.
• When President Trump took office, we agreed to stay the case while the administration reassesses the rule. Why would we have done that if our goal was to have the entire statute struck down? It makes no sense.
What relief is the lawsuit seeking?
• The requested relief was to enjoin federal government officials from withholding money from states for failure to comply with the unlawful gender dysphoria rule.
• The lawsuit does not seek to repeal Section 504.
Conclusion
The Biden administration’s unlawful rule poses a legal threat to Section 504, and if enforced, it would potentially harm truly disabled students by punishing schools that refuse to conform to the unlawful final rule regarding gender dysphoria. It is the final rule classifying gender dysphoria as a disability that is being challenged by the lawsuit, NOT Section 504 itself.
Westerman, colleagues reintroduce Focus on Learning Act
Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06), Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03), and Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-08) reintroduced the Focus on Learning Act, bipartisan legislation requiring the U.S. Surgeon General to complete a study that considers the effects of cell phone use among students aged K-12 and how it impacts their mental health and academic performance. Congressman Westerman released the following statement:
“For too long, we’ve seen how technology has continued to develop, meanwhile leaving our teachers, school administrators, and students behind to fend for themselves. Educators across the country will be the first to tell you how cell phone use causes major disruptions in the development of young people’s minds and creates barriers to an effective educational experience. Students across the country are suffering under the weight of social media algorithms specifically created to become addictive – and they are working. Students are our future,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman, “and it’s time for Congress to put our nation’s young people first and cultivate the healthiest and best possible learning environment for our students. The Focus on Learning Act is an excellent first step to address this important issue.”
"As a dad, I know that cell phone use in school is harming our kids' mental health and undermining their academic success," said Congressman Jason Crow. "That’s why I’m introducing the Focus on Learning Act so that we can better understand how increased phone use is impacting learning and give our kids the best opportunity to succeed.”
“The reality is that cell phone use is up, test scores are down, and our nation is facing a youth mental health crisis,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “Cell phone use in schools needs to be examined as we work to address these concerning issues facing our kids. We must be guided by the science and the facts, and the Focus on Learning Act is an important step toward ensuring that our students are receiving world-class education and we are creating learning environments where they can thrive.”
“As a father, I know that cell phone use in our schools is taking a negative toll on young Americans. We must do all we can to ensure our kids are successful, which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Focus on Learning Act,” said Congressman Pete Stauber.
“Widespread use of cell phones in schools are at best a distraction for young Americans; at worst, they expose schoolchildren to content that is harmful and addictive. Our legislation will make schools remain centers of learning,” said Senator Tom Cotton.
Background:
• Since 2012, test scores have steeply declined nationwide, presumably correlated with the increased presence of cell phones in schools.
• Recent studies show that three-quarters of U.S. teens feel more happy/peaceful when they are away from their phones.
• As research is being conducted in scholarly settings, there’s a gap in data on the real-time effects of cell phone usage in classrooms and its impact on the learning and mental health of students.
Focus on Learning Summary:
• Requires the U.S. Surgeon General to complete a study on the effects of cell phone use in K-12 classrooms on students’ mental health and academic performance.
• Authorizes $5 million annually for the next five years for a pilot program that provides students with secure containers to store cell phones during school hours.
• The pilot program will allow exceptions for students with health conditions, disabilities, and non-English speakers.
• Participating schools will have a communication system in place to allow teachers, students, and administrators to communicate with local emergency responders in case of an emergency.
• U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Katie Britt (R-AL) are cosponsors of the Senate companion Focus on Learning Act.
Read bill text here.
Boozman, Kennedy, Moran Champion Bill to Protect Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights
WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), John Kennedy (R-LA) and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to ensure veterans do not lose their Second Amendment right to purchase or own firearms when they receive help managing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
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Because of the VA’s interpretation of current law, the VA sends a beneficiary’s name to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) whenever a fiduciary is appointed to help a beneficiary manage his or her VA benefit payments. The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act would prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting a veteran’s personal information to NICS unless a relevant judicial authority rules that the beneficiary is a danger to himself or others.
“Veterans must not be required to forfeit the Second Amendment without a careful, constitutional process. Attempting to deprive former servicemembers of firearms for protection or recreation simply because they require assistance managing the benefits they have earned is bureaucracy at its worst. Our legislation would correct this injustice and preserve these law-abiding patriots’ rights,” said Boozman.
“Our veterans should not receive less due process rights than other Americans just because they served our country and asked the federal government for a helping hand. Under the VA’s interpretation of the law, however, unelected bureaucrats punish Louisiana and America’s veterans by forcing them to choose between their Second Amendment rights and getting the help they need as they manage their financial affairs. I’m proud to introduce the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to stand up for veterans’ constitutional rights by ending this unfair practice,” said Kennedy.
“Veterans should never be forced to choose between receiving assistance from VA to manage their benefits and their fundamental Second Amendment rights. Our nation should be encouraging veterans to utilize VA services, not discouraging them by denying them due process. The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act makes certain that the rights of those who have served are protected, and that veterans are not penalized for receiving support that they have earned and deserve,” said Moran.
The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jim Banks (R-IN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).
Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act is endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Black Veterans Empowerment Council, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, AMAC Action, Turning Point Action, Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, National Disability Rights Network and the National Association for Gun Rights.
Click here for full text of the legislation.
Registration opens Feb. 24 for spring edition of Walk Across Arkansas
By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — For Arkansans looking to achieve their fitness goals or develop new healthy habits this spring, Walk Across Arkansas offers an eight-week, group-based exercise program that helps get people moving.
HEALTHY MOVEMENT — Walk Across Arkansas, supported by the Cooperative Extension Service, is a free, eight-week, group-based exercise program where participants work as teams to log daily minutes of physical activity. (Division of Agriculture graphic.)
The free program is offered each spring and fall by the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Participants can sign up in teams of up to 30 people, and they log their total number of minutes spent being physically active each day.
“We encourage participants to get creative with the types of exercise they engaged in, not just walking,” said Heather Wingo, extension health program associate for the Division of Agriculture. “If you’ve been curious about yoga, strength training, or taking a Zumba class, this is a great time to try that out. Any moderate to vigorous physical activity counts, as long as you get your heart rate up.”
Individuals can participate in the program alone, but Wingo encourages Arkansans to participate alongside their peers.
“This program is free and encourages friendly competition between groups of friends, family members, co-workers or church members,” she said. “Anyone who wants to work together towards their physical activity goals would benefit from Walk Across Arkansas.”
Registration for the spring 2025 session opens Feb. 24. Participants can register and log exercise minutes at walk.uada.edu/walk/. The competition starts March 10 and ends May 4.
Health benefits
During the fall 2024 Walk Across Arkansas session, 160 teams of 1,757 individuals from 39 counties reported more than 1.9 million minutes of physical activity.
Wingo said past participants have reported that through Walk Across Arkansas, they had more energy, slept better, strengthened their relationships and lost weight or inches. They also reported lower stress levels and improved their blood pressure and blood panels.
Anyone can participate in Walk Across Arkansas. Division of Agriculture employees must use a personal email address, not their work email address, to register. Visit walk.uada.edu/walk/ to learn more and register or contact your local county extension agent.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X 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 on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
Womack, Castor reintroduce bipartisan Local Radio Freedom Act
Washington, DC—February 13, 2025…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) reintroduced the Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution to reaffirm Congress’ longstanding support for local radio stations that serve communities across the country. The legislation has more than 100 original cosponsors.
Congressman Womack said, “Local radio is integral to my life, as it is for many of those in Arkansas and across America. It’s the heartbeat for communities, allowing free access to local sports, news, and entertainment. But most importantly, it’s a lifeline when disaster strikes. The Local Radio Freedom Act opposes charges that could threaten the viability of these local businesses that many people rely on.”
Congresswoman Castor said, “The radio is a top, trusted choice for receiving local news, weather alerts, traffic updates, community opportunities, and so much more. It is particularly important for my home state of Florida, where it provides critical information to residents and visitors during storms and after times of crisis via the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network. That is why I am a proud sponsor of the Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution that reaffirms Congress's support for local radio stations and opposes new fees or taxes on local, free broadcast radio.”
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, “NAB is grateful to Reps. Womack and Castor for leading the effort to ensure local radio remains a viable source of trusted information in communities across the country. Americans depend on the local news, traffic updates, severe weather alerts, entertainment and sports they can freely access through local stations. Imposing a new performance fee on top of the hundreds of millions that local stations already pay in copyright and streaming fees, would severely hinder our ability to provide these free and essential services to our listeners.”
Details:
The global recording industry continues to push for Congress to impose a new, one-sided, and destructive performance fee on America’s local radio stations, while making no effort to engage constructively with broadcasters on consensus approaches that benefit both sides.
The legislation they have promoted would subject all radio stations to such a fee, putting everyone’s local stations and their communities at risk.
This resolution declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charges that create economic hardships for locally owned radio stations.
Representative French Hill announces new Director of Military and Veterans Affairs in Little Rock
David Witte
LITTLE ROCK, AR - Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today announced that David Witte has joined his staff in Little Rock in the role of Director of Military and Veterans Affairs.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Concordia University, a Master of Divinity from Liberty University, and a Master of Arts in Public History from the University of Arkansas - Little Rock. He most recently worked as Deputy District Director for Military and Veterans Affairs in the office of Congressman Bruce Westerman. Prior to that, David was a District Representative in the office of former Second District Congressman Tim Griffin. David also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Arkansas National Guard as a Domestic Operations Chaplain.
"David's years of experience and service to our country make him an outstanding addition to my team," said Rep. Hill. "I look forward to working with him to assist and improve the lives of the men and women who have selflessly served our country."
Boozman, Cramer Introduce Bill to Protect Legal Industries from Debanking
WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to introduce the Fair Access to Banking Act to protect access to financial services and ensure banks operate in a safe, sound manner. The legislation requires that lending and financial services decisions be based on impartial, risk-based analysis – not political or reputational favoritism.
“Financial services are vital to the success of all businesses and should be based on sound data and risk management –– not as a means to target certain industries or political issues,” said Boozman. I am proud to support legislation that curtails unfair efforts to block lawful businesses’ access to banking due to political beliefs or affiliations and instead restores reliance on proper analytical criteria.
“When progressives failed at banning these entire industries, what they did instead is they turned to weaponizing banks as sort of a backdoor to carry out their activist goals,” said Cramer. “Financial institutions are backed by taxpayers, for crying out loud! They should be obligated to provide services in an unbiased, risk-based manner. The Fair Access to Banking Act ensures that banks provide fair access to services and enacts strict penalties for categorically discriminating against legal industries and individuals.”
Specifically, this legislation penalizes banks and credit unions with over $10 billion in total consolidated assets, or their subsidiaries, if they refuse to do business with any legally compliant, credit-worthy person. It also prevents payment card networks from discriminating against any qualified person because of political or reputational considerations. The bill requires qualified banks to provide written justification for why they are denying a person financial services. Further, the Fair Access to Banking Act would penalize providers who fail to comply with the law by disqualifying institutions from using discount window lending programs, terminating status as an insured depository institution or credit union, or imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation.
The bill is based on President Trump’s Fair Access Rule, which was introduced during his first administration and required financial institutions to make individual risk assessments rather than broad decisions regarding entire industries or categories of customers. The Biden administration paused the rule’s implementation in early 2021.
The Fair Access to Banking Act is endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, The Digital Chamber, Blockchain Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Online Lenders Alliance, Day 1 Alliance, GEO Group, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors and the National Mining Association.
The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS).
Click here for full text of the legislation.