relief

U.S. Supreme Court to review Biden student debt relief plan in February

BY: - December 1, 2022

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court said Thursday it will hear oral arguments in February over a legal challenge by six Republican-led states to the Biden administration student borrower relief plan. Until the arguments are heard and the court issues a ruling, the $400 billion Biden plan is on hold due to a nationwide injunction […]

Sen. Jonathan Dismang and Rep. Michelle Gray

Lawmakers authorize nearly $19 million in school relief funds in final review

BY: - October 17, 2022

An Arkansas Legislative Council subcommittee approved the appropriation of $18.8 million in federal relief funds to 12 school districts Monday. This is the panel’s ninth and final round of review of school districts’ spending plans since July, when the council strongly recommended that schools use American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund […]

Republican Sen. Jimmy Hickey of Texarkana (left) chaired Thursday's PEER subcommittee meeting. He and Sen. Keith Ingram (D-West Memphis) are seen here at another meeting in August. (Dwain Hebda/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas legislative panel approves $64 million in school relief funds 

BY: - October 6, 2022

An Arkansas Legislative Council subcommittee authorized the disbursal of $64.4 million in federal relief funds to 25 school districts Thursday. This is the panel’s eighth round of review of school districts’ spending plans since July, when the council strongly recommended that schools use American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund money to […]

Smiling teacher teaching girl studying on digital tablet in classroom

Legislators authorize $65 million in recovery funds for school districts

BY: - September 13, 2022

Another $65.6 million in federal relief funds will be disbursed to 23 school districts following approval by an Arkansas Legislative Council subcommittee Tuesday. This was the fifth round of plans reviewed by lawmakers. The Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review panel began reviewing districts’ use of American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund […]

Arkansas income tax rate changes explained

BY: - August 16, 2022

The Arkansas General Assembly last week convened in special session primarily to enact tax relief.  The law, which easily passed the House and Senate, was billed by proponents as relief for taxpayers in a time of high inflation. Several also referenced the $1.6 billion surplus the state ended with in fiscal 2022. Opponents argued that […]