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More than 400,000 people live in poverty in Arkansas, according to the Center for American Progress. (W.Scott McGill/AdobeStock)<br />

'Day on the Hill' in Arkansas calls for investment in families

Family advocates are at the State Capital for a "Day on the Hill" rally today, to voice their concerns to lawmakers about issues affecting Arkansans' …

Hot Springs received more than $6.5 million from the $2.6 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds given to Arkansas to combat COVID-19 impacts, cover budget gaps and assist hardest-hit communities.<br />(Brandon/AdobeStock)

AR city director speaks with national leaders about housing for rural areas

An Arkansas city director is back home after joining other leaders from across the country for the National League of Cities Congressional City Confer…

Since the most recent avian influenza outbreak began, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates almost 82 million birds have been affected in 47 states. (Anton Dios/Adobe Stock)

Avian flu outbreak highlights need for improved wildlife disease tracking

In the wake of the latest, highly contagious bird flu outbreak in Arkansas and across the country, Congress is considering a bill to improve the …

Arkansas ranked low in such measures as the percentage of rural, school-aged children who lack health insurance, which was nearly 6.5%. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)<br />

Rural Arkansas schools see challenges in education compared with nation

The National Rural Education Association's latest report, "Why Rural Matters 2023," finds Arkansas is a critical state - due mostly to funding for …

Black children in immigrant families are more than twice as likely to live in two-parent families <br />than Black children in U.S.-born families (69% vs. 33%, respectively). (Adobe Stock)

Report: Black births more likely to be premature in AR

Arkansas ranks near the bottom among states in the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation report on children's well-being. "Race for Results" focuses on …

A shared community activity building would provide educational services for Bentonville residents, students and members of the school district. (Allison/Adobe Stock)

Bentonville Schools tackle affordable housing for teachers, staff

The Bentonville School Board has taken a significant step to address Northwest Arkansas' pressing issue of affordable housing for teachers and staff m…

Arkansas' income tax rate drops from 4.7% to 4.4% on Jan. 1, 2024, and there are efforts to eliminate it completely. (Eyegelb/Adobe Stock)

Report outlines options to eliminate Arkansas' state income tax

Arkansas is set to reduce income tax rates for individuals and corporations starting next year. Opportunity Arkansas is advocating for the …

Food insecurity was higher than the national average in Arkansas and six other states and lower than the national average in 17 states, according to the latest USDA report. (Syda Productions/AdobeStock)

Report: Arkansas leads nation in food insecurity; urgent action urged

The number of families in Arkansas and across the nation that are struggling to put food on the table rose dramatically last year, according to the …

In the Natural State, 33% of children from birth to age 6 are eligible for a Child Care & Development Block Grant subsidy under federal rules, on average, each month. (Bernardbodo/Adobe Stock)<br />

AR Adds 260 Child Care Providers, But Funding Crisis Looms

Across the country and in Arkansas, some day care providers face the threat of closure when federal government aid initiated during the pandemic …

One of every five households in Arkansas is considered food insecure, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

Nutrition Program Would Expand Access to Healthy Foods in Rural Arkansas

September is Hunger Action Month, and an advocacy group is working to get legislation expanded to provide more healthy foods to people in rural …

A person who is blind or has a qualifying disability who applies for SSI may get special services to help them work. These services may include counseling, job training, and help in finding work.<br />(Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

SSA Expands Outreach for SSI Benefits to Rural Communities

The Social Security Administration has taken a proactive step to bridge the gap between critical financial assistance and the people who may be eligib…

In March of this year, Arkansas had enrolled 1,047,062 individuals in Medicaid and CHIP. That was a net increase of 88.03% since the start of the Marketplace and related Medicaid program changes in October 2013. (Momius/Adobe Stock)

AR Sees Medicaid Coverage Loss in Redetermination Process

In Arkansas, thousands of people have lost Medicaid coverage since April, as states recheck everyone's eligibility, a process known as "unwinding." …

The Kids Count Data Book reports in 2020-21, 15% of children from birth to age 5 in Arkansas lived in families in which someone quit, changed, or refused a job because of problems finding or affording child care. (ShunTerra/Adobe Stock)

Report: Arkansas Ranks 43rd in Child Well-Being

A new report found Arkansas consistently ranks toward the lowest 10 states for child well-being. The annual Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

More than 470,000 students are enrolled in K-12 schools in Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Department of Education Data Center. (Kawee/AdobeStock)

Group Urges Arkansas Schools Districts To Focus On Mental Health Support

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a national education advocacy group wants school districts in Arkansas to continue focusing on and investing …

Arkansas is one of nine states with levels of food insecurity above the national average from 2019-2021, according to the USDA's Economic Research Service. (disha1980/Adobe Stock)

AR Changes SNAP Requirements to Ease Hunger, Temporarily

People may still be able to qualify for SNAP food benefits if they have up to $5,500 in assets, under a bill passed by the Arkansas Legislature…

A new report revealed a steady decline of enrollment and completion among Black learners across all sectors of higher education since 2011, threatening decades of economic gains and the vitality of Black families. (Daniel Ernst/AdobeStock)

Arkansas College Works to Retain Black Students In Higher Ed

A new report from the Lumina Foundation called "Level Up" report showed a steady decrease in enrollment and completion rates among Black students nati…

More than 1,600 U.S. species are already listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, including 37 species in Arkansas. (David McGowen/AdobeStock)

Bipartisan Bill Could Save 377 Species of Wildlife in Arkansas

Bipartisan wildlife legislation that was recently reintroduced would provide unprecedented conservation funding to states across the U.S. The …

Arkansas would expect to receive $246 million over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state. (SeanPavonePhoto/AdobeStock)

AR Mayor Focuses on Infrastructure and Revitalization Projects

An Arkansas mayor joined city leaders from across the country for the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in the nation's capital …

In Arkansas, more than 400,000 people face hunger, and 138,410 are children, according to Feeding America. (Oksana Kuzmina/AdobeStock)

March is 'School Breakfast Month' in Arkansas

Better health and educational outcomes are being touted as Arkansans recognize March as School Breakfast Month. Research has proven providing …

The District of Columbia and 35 states have enacted

Telehealth Benefits Rural Arkansans with Internet Service

Telehealth services have increased access to health care for many people living in rural Arkansas, but it requires a good internet connection…

The Sales and Use tax in the Natural State has stayed the same, at 6.5%, since 2013, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. (Zimmytws/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Analysis: The Longer-Term Effects of AR's Lower Tax Rates

Arkansans will owe the state fewer tax dollars this year, due to tax cuts that have just gone into effect. The General Assembly met for some special …

More than 444,000 Arkansans are not always sure where their next meal is coming from, according to Feeding America, and more than 138,000 of them are children. (Monkey Business/AdobeStock)">

Report: Group Works to Alleviate Arkansas Food Deserts

A recent report shows Arkansas has a "food desert" issue in urban and rural communities. Gov. Asa Hutchinson formed the Arkansas Gov.'s Food Desert …

In 2021, the rate of people without health insurance in Arkansas was 9.2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Joyfotoliakid/Adobe Stock)

Health Centers Clash with 'Big Pharma' Over Drug Savings Program

A case involving "Big Pharma" and Community Health Centers serving low-income and uninsured patients began with opening statements this month…

Arkansas' CHIP program is called ARKids First. There's no charge for children's participation in ARKids-A. For ARKids-B, there are copayments required for some services. (Anatta_Tan Adobe/Stock)

'ARKids First' Coverage Helps Arkansas Children Thrive

A program that ensures that thousands of Arkansas children have health coverage turns 25 this week. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) …

In Arkansas, nearly 500,000 people face food insecurity, with almost 150,000 of them children, according to Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

Ark. Grants to Help Address Food Insecurity in Pulaski County

A new initiative in Arkansas' most populous county focuses on increasing healthy options at food pantries to help families experiencing challenges as …

Arkansas is short more than 50,000 affordable rentals for extremely low-income households, according to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition. (Adobe Stock)

Second Round of American Rescue Plan Dollars Heads to Arkansas

Arkansas is poised to receive its second round of American Rescue Plan funds, more than $786 million, to help residents still facing the pandemic's …

Arkansas joins Nebraska as the only two states to reject the latest offer of federal rental-assistance funds for low-income households. (Adobe Stock)

Arkansas Rejects Most of Latest Federal Rental-Assistance Funds

Arkansas is declining most of the $146 million made available in a second round of Emergency Rental Assistance from the federal government. Critics …

More than half of all unenrolled adults report that the cost of a college degree is a major factor in why they have not continued their education. (Adobe Stock)

'Emotional Stress' Impacting College Students, Report Finds

In the wake of disruptions and losses due to COVID-19, research showed the majority of college students in Arkansas and beyond who left school over …

Economic stability can play a role in staying healthy. In Arkansas, the median annual income for Black women who work full-time was $28,018, compared to white women, who made $33,943 in 2016. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Black Women's Health in AR in "Critical State"

Black women's health in Arkansas and beyond is in a dire situation, according to a new report, which showed more collaboration is needed to address …

The Sentencing Project report found that, despite the number of young people arrested declining over the last 10 years, the number of referred youths who were detained increased slightly. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Officials Severely Undercount Number of Incarcerated Kids

Although youth incarceration rates in the U.S. are on the decline, a report from The Sentencing Project reveals the number of young people being …

The Treasury Department reported that in December, the final month of the expanded Child Tax Credit, payments went to 350,000 families in Arkansas. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Guaranteed Income Can Help Improve Child Brain Development

By Katie Fleischer Broadcast version by Emily Scott Reporting for the Ms. Magazine -Arkansas News Service Collaboration It's no secret that extra …

In a new survey, Arkansas Medicaid applicants said they've experienced such issues as no one answering the phone or calls being dropped, trouble navigating the website, and long wait times for support. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arkansans Face Barriers to Medicaid Enrollment

Some Arkansans who are eligible for Medicaid have trouble applying for it, according to a new report. Community advocates want administrators and …

Due to the adoption of the child-nutrition waivers, an estimated 90% of Arkansas school districts were able to continue to provide meals to kids during the pandemic shutdown, according to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Extend Child-Nutrition Waivers Past June 30

Children's advocates are sounding the alarm about the expiration of a program they say has been key to keeping low-income children fed during the pand…

At least 20% of eligible workers nationwide don't claim the Earned Income Tax Credit each year. (Adobe Stock)

173,000 Workers in Arkansas Eligible for Tax Credit Under Expansion

A newly expanded tax credit program for low-income people means more Arkansans are eligible than ever, and advocacy groups hope to spread the word…

The average eliminated medical debt for Arkansans was approximately $1,500 per household. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Help Erase Medical Debt for 24,000 Arkansans

Philanthropic groups have collaborated to erase more than $35 million in medical debt for Arkansas residents. Over the last few months, the groups …

Some 74% of the new COVID cases being diagnosed in Arkansas are among unvaccinated residents, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. (Adobe Stock)

AR Governor Seeks $4.7M for More Hospital Beds in Omicron Surge

As COVID hospitalization in Arkansas hit their highest levels of the pandemic, Gov. Asa Hutchinson is asking the state Legislature to allocate funds …

Chronic wasting disease has been found in deer, elk and moose in at least 26 states. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Could Provide Funds to Manage CWD in Arkansas Deer Herds

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk is a growing problem in Arkansas, and conservation groups hope bills making their way through Congress …

Conservationists say the Recovering America's Wildlife Act could support improvements to water quality in the Ozarks, including the Buffalo National River. (Adobe Stock)

Wildlife Act Could Boost AR Conservation, Advocates Say

ST. JOE, Ark. -- More than a decade of restoration efforts in a section of Northern Arkansas' Ozark National Forest have led to 40 new species of …

Arkansas' rental-assistance program has distributed funds to more than 3,200 households in the state. (Adobe Stock)

AR Makes Policy Changes to Get Rental Assistance to Residents More Quickly

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas has made some changes to its state rent relief program to make it easier to distribute assistance to residents…

Arkansas's Board of Apportionment, which draws state House and Senate lines, consists of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general. (Adobe Stock)

AR Advocates Want to Ensure Community Voice Heard During Redistricting

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas has less than a month until it receives user-friendly census data to help draw state and congressional district maps…

The grant from the U.S. Department of Education for Arkansas' workforce training program also covers support services for students, such as day care, transportation and internet access. (Adobe Stock)

AR Offers Career Training for Job Seekers Affected by COVID-19

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A training program in Arkansas is helping people jumpstart new careers after feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19. The …

Last school year, 68 out of the 262 public school districts in Arkansas reported not having a single teacher of color on their staffs. (Adobe Stock)

"Teach Plus" AR Fellowship Aims to Increase Educator Diversity

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Twenty educators from across Arkansas will meet throughout the next year to learn how to advocate for education policy changes…

Arkansas True Grass's proposed amendment would have the state's Agriculture Department regulate the recreational marijuana industry. (Adobe Stock)

AR Group Gathers Signatures to Get Recreational Marijuana on Ballot

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas marijuana activists are pushing to get a recreational-cannabis amendment on the 2022 ballot. Arkansas True Grass …

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is also asking the Arkansas Legislature to reconsider Act 977, which bans state and local officials from mandating COVID-19 vaccinations. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Ask AR Lawmakers to Lift Mask-Mandate Ban in Schools

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- COVID-19 has given a whole new meaning to the term "Extraordinary Session," as state lawmakers are in Little Rock again today to …

Data from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy show President Joe Biden's proposed tax changes would affect fewer than 1% of taxpayers nationwide. (stanciuc/Adobe Stock)

Most Rural Voters Want to See Tax Hikes for Wealthy, Corporations

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The latest poll by Americans for Tax Fairness finds rural voters overwhelmingly support the idea of corporations and the wealthy …

The Hernando de Soto Bridge, which crosses the Mississippi River between Arkansas and Tennessee, is now closed indefinitely. (Adobe Stock)

I-40 Bridge Crack Puts Spotlight on Nation’s Infrastructure

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Lawmakers are expected to make headway on President Joe Biden's $2.3 trillion dollar infrastructure proposal this week, as …

The Recovering America's Wildlife Act proposes allocating nearly $1.4 billion across all 50 states, and another 97 million a year for tribal nations.(Adobe Stock)

As More Venture Out in AR, Groups Work to Protect Habitat, Wildlife

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansans are turning to nature in record numbers during the pandemic, and supporters of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act (…

Last fall the Arkansas Legislature approved $10 million in CARES money for rent assistance, but demand continues to skyrocket. (Adobe Stock)

Record Number of AR Evictions Expected If Moratorium Isn’t Extended

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Under the latest stimulus package passed by Congress, renters in Arkansas are protected from eviction until January 31. However…

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AR: Budget Policy & Priorities