The new year is an election year, and thanks to legislation approved during the regular session earlier this year, the primaries in Arkansas will take place on Tuesday, March 3. Traditionally, Arkansas holds its primaries in May. The legislature passed…
View From the Senate
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View from the Senate: Legislative Accomplishments in 2019
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffThe Arkansas legislature had a very productive year in 2019. During the regular session lawmakers balanced the budget of state government while cutting taxes and reducing the number of state agencies. Act 182 of 2019 is an income tax reduction…
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View from the Senate: Arkansas Trauma System Created Ten Years Ago
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffThe legislature created the Arkansas Trauma System 10 years ago, with passage of Act 393 of 2009. The trauma system directs emergency responders to the closest hospital that provides the care needed by the trauma victim. That is not always…
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View from the Senate: Arkansas Joining Fight to Diagnose and Treat PANS
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffArkansas is one of 16 states whose legislators are working to help families gain access to medical care for a debilitating disorder that can afflict children after a bout of strep throat. It is a neuroimmune disorder commonly known as…
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View from the Senate: Efforts to Expand Literacy Paying Dividends
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffArkansas has made a strong commitment to making sure that children learn to read at an early age, and the federal government has recognized our efforts with a grant of $38 million to improve literacy. The money will be sent…
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View from the Senate: Closing the Achievement Gap in Public Schools
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffAdequately funding public schools is one of the most complex, time-consuming and important duties of the legislature. Making it even more challenging is structuring the school funding formula to address the achievement gap between students from low-income families and those…
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View from the Senate: College-Going Rate Continues to Decline
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffThe Higher Education Coordinating Board heard a disappointing report about the continuing decline in the number of Arkansas high school graduates who go on to college. Â During a recent special meeting, staff from the state Higher Education Department reported…
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View from the Senate: Division of Children and Family Services Reports Progress
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffThe state’s child welfare agency has improved its performance over the past three years and continues to make progress, according to its most recent annual report. The Division of Children and Family Services recruits foster parents to care for children…
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View from the Senate: Crime Lab Opens New Facility in Northwest Arkansas
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffEarlier this month the state Crime Lab opened a new facility in Lowell, in northwest Arkansas. The opening will speed forensic testing and chemical analysis for law enforcement agencies in the region. It also will relieve pressure on the backlog…
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View from the Senate: Board Explores Contract for Private Prisons
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffThe state Board of Correction has voted to pursue an agreement with Bradley and Drew Counties in southeast Arkansas to set up a private prison. It would house 500 male inmates, as well as offenders from local county jails. The…