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Elevated inflation raises risk of fiscal stress for states
State governments face increased costs and potential budget challenges linked to historically high inflation rates. From price spikes for construction materials to labor, the rising costs of goods and services are disrupting state finances on both sides of the ledger. Every state has experienced higher costs, but prices in some states have risen more than […]
Remainder of $1M pregnancy resource center grant will be distributed this month
Arkansas’ grant for pregnancy resource centers will assist a total of 23 facilities after distributing the rest of the $1 million grant fund created in 2022, according to the state Department of Finance and Administration. The taxpayer-funded grant supports “crisis pregnancy centers,” maternity homes, adoption agencies, and “social service agencies that provide material support and […]
Organizations recruiting more women for public office
The 2022 election is barely behind us, but Stephannie Lane Baker is already thinking about recruiting candidates, specifically women, for the next election cycle. “If we are going to make progress, we have to do the work year-round…that’s how you change the face of power in Arkansas,” she said. As the executive director of Emerge […]
Attorney general candidates spar over abortion, recreational marijuana
During an Arkansas PBS debate Wednesday, Arkansas Attorney General candidates disagreed over Roe v. Wade, which affirmed a constitutional right to abortion in 1973. Democrat Jesse Gibson said the ruling was correct while Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, a Republican, said the case was not properly decided. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the case in June. […]
11 states to share in $1 billion in funding for small businesses, entrepreneurs
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announced Tuesday that an additional 11 states will receive up to $1 billion to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Funding for the programs will come from the State Small Business Credit Initiative that Democrats reauthorized and expanded in their $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan. […]
Some Arkansas counties recruit bilingual poll workers ahead of Nov. 8 election
Alex Reyes is the sole Hispanic poll worker in Yell County, where about 21 percent of the population is Hispanic. In the coming election cycles, Reyes believes more bilingual poll workers like her will be needed to help the state’s increasingly diverse population. “This is the tip of the iceberg…you’re going to need to speak […]
AG’s Medicaid fraud watchdog arrested 51, convicted 33 in fiscal year 2022
Arkansas’ Medicaid fraud watchdog saw its most active year in fiscal 2022, which ended Sept. 30, racking up 51 arrests and 33 convictions for various types of Medicaid fraud, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced Thursday. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit also brought in a record of more than $42.5 million in civil settlements, restitution and […]
Appeals court stays judge’s ruling on voter-assist law
Arkansas election officials can once again limit the number of voters interpreters can assist at the polls after a federal appeals court delayed implementation of a ruling that had ordered the state to stop enforcing a 2009 state law. The law prohibited someone other than poll workers from assisting more than six voters in casting […]
A new justice at the U.S. Supreme Court, and an Idaho wetlands case up first
When the U.S. Supreme Court opens its fall term on Monday, a few things will be different. A Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, will hear oral arguments for the first time ever. And the public will be allowed into the room for the first time since early 2020. The content of the term’s first […]
USDA more than triples funding for ‘climate smart’ agriculture
The Biden administration plans to distribute more than $3 billion to fund projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon in agriculture and forestry — a tripling of its initial commitment in February. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was set to publicly announce the expansion of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program […]
Veterans Affairs says it will provide abortions — even in Texas
“Veterans Affairs says it will provide abortions — even in Texas” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. The Department of Veterans Affairs said Friday it will provide abortions for veterans and […]
Federal funds will help connect 5,500 homes and businesses to broadband
Arkansas has received $47.5 million to connect 5,500 homes and businesses in rural areas to high-speed internet through the American Rescue Plan’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. U.S. Department of Treasury officials on Tuesday announced the approval of plans from Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Nebraska and North Dakota. The rescue plan’s capital projects fund is providing $10 […]