Melisa Laelan
Expanded safety-net access for Arkansas’ Marshallese community inches forward
Arkansas’ Marshallese community could gain access to additional federal programs if Congress approves the renewal of an amended compact discussed by a U.S. House subcommittee on Thursday. Arkansas Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman chairs the committee overseeing the renegotiation process, which was extended when the two countries could not agree on terms prior to a […]
Arkansas Marshallese community concerned about ongoing treaty renegotiation with U.S.
The compact that allows Arkansas’ Marshallese community to live and work here expires at the end of the month, and a new agreement isn’t likely before the Sept. 30 deadline. And while U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, the Arkansas Republican who chairs the committee overseeing the renegotiation, said there’s no need to panic yet, the uncertainty […]
New report urges legislative action to provide SNAP benefits to Arkansas’ Marshallese community
A report released Thursday advocates for extending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to the thousands of Marshallese migrants who lawfully reside in Arkansas and struggle with food insecurity. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families worked with the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese for more than a year on the report, which recommends granting Marshallese migrants […]