Postpartum Medicaid Coverage Proposal Fails in Senate 😞
A bill to extend Medicaid coverage for new moms from 60 days to a full year didn’t make it through the Senate Public Health Committee. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders opposed it, calling it "duplicative." While some lawmakers saw it as a necessary fix for a coverage gap, it didn’t have enough support to pass. 🙅♀️
Key Quote: "They actually fall through the cracks because they're not eligible to enter into ARHOME for coverage." — Sen. Breanne Davis
School Funding Gets a Boost 📚💰
The Senate just approved a $391 increase in per-student funding for the 2025–2026 school year, pushing the amount to $8,162. The bill also includes money for school employee health insurance. It’s all about making sure schools can improve and support their staff! 🙌
Key Quote: “This increase in funding ensures Arkansas continues investing in quality education for our students.” — Sen. Jane English
State Library Board Bill Rejected 📚❌
A controversial bill to dissolve the State Library Board and put its responsibilities under the Department of Education didn’t make it past the House committee. While some argued it was necessary for more control over library content, opponents warned it could reduce access to important resources. 📉
Key Quote: "Libraries should be free to make their own decisions about appropriate materials and programs for their communities." — Adam Webb, Arkansas Library Association
Fluoride Bill Clears the Senate 💧
The Senate passed two bills that could change how fluoride is handled in Arkansas’ public water systems. One bill would repeal the statewide mandate, while another lets local communities decide through a vote. The debate over fluoride is heating up! 🥶
Key Quote: “It’s a good local control bill that allows local water districts to determine whether to fluoridate.” — Sen. Clint Penzo
Pulaski County School Board Drama 🤯
Tensions boiled over at a school board meeting when two board members had a heated confrontation before an executive session about the superintendent search. While no charges were filed, it’s clear there’s some serious tension on the board. 😬
Key Quote: “I am done being disrespected by you.” — Tina Ward, Board Member
Pulaski School Board Pays Rep. Joy Springer 💼
The Pulaski County School Board approved a payment to Rep. Joy Springer for her role as a legal assistant in an ongoing desegregation case that’s been going on for decades. The district is also working on millions of dollars in school repairs. 🛠️
Key Quote: “The basic needs of students should come before amenities.” — Marie Hollowell, Little Rock NAACP President
White Supremacist Gang Member Pleads Guilty 🚔
The final defendant in a major meth trafficking case tied to the Aryan Empire gang pleaded guilty this week. This case, which started in 2016, has led to over 50 arrests and shows the continued effort to break up this dangerous network. 💪
Key Quote: “This case represents the last chapter of a long, hard-fought investigation.” — Prosecutor
Arkansas Job Gains, But Unemployment Up 💼⬆️
Arkansas saw job growth in most metro areas in February, though the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.6%. While some areas are thriving, Jonesboro and Texarkana are seeing declines. 📉
Key Quote: "Central Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas continue to lead the way in job growth." — Arkansas Economic Expert
Walmart's Optimism Amid Tariff Concerns 📈
Walmart is staying upbeat despite uncertainties over tariffs. The retail giant expects steady sales growth for fiscal year 2025 and is focused on boosting its online business and Walmart+ subscriptions. They’re confident that even in challenging times, they’ll continue to thrive. 💡
Key Quote: “We’ll focus on keeping prices as low as we can and managing our inventory and expenses well.” — Doug McMillon, Walmart CEO
Historic Flooding Threatens Arkansas Delta Crops 🌧️
Historic rainfall has caused serious flooding in the Arkansas Delta, submerging crop fields just before planting season. Many farmers are worried about replanting crops and repairing the damage. 🌾
Key Quote: "We’ll probably need to re-pull beds that have been freshly pulled." — Jeremy Ross, Soybean Agronomist