4th District State Representative
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DeAnn Vaught
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April 12, 2024
The 2024 Fiscal Session is now underway.
The House and Senate convened for a Joint Session on Wednesday to hear an address from Governor Sanders.
The Governor told members she would sign a budget that funds critical services for Arkansans while slowing the growth of government.
The Governor’s proposed budget calls for a 1.76% spending increase. The proposed increases prioritize education. Additional funding is also proposed for public safety and human services.
On the second day of the session, the House passed HB1003, the General Appropriation Act for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.
The House also passed HB1001 which allows for session expenses. There is no increase in either appropriation.
Fiscal sessions are limited to only the consideration of appropriations unless 2/3 of both the House and Senate vote in favor of a resolution substantially describing a bill for introduction.
The Governor is also requesting the legislature to approve a temporary pay plan for state employees which would authorize a one-time 3% increase and raise the minimum pay to $15/hr by July 1.
A resolution requesting the introduction of that legislation has been filed and assigned to the House Rules Committee.
Several resolutions requesting the introduction of legislation regarding digital asset mining have also been assigned to the House Rules Committee.
We will continue to update you throughout the Fiscal Session.
You can find the daily agendas for committees and House floor proceedings as well as links to the live-stream of meetings at arkansashouse.org.
April 1, 2024
The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, has captured the attention of Arkansans and visitors alike. The path of totality will stretch over 100 miles across The Natural State, extending from the southwest to the northeast. In some locations, lucky observers will experience over four minutes of total darkness. It is expected that 53 of Arkansas’ 75 counties will fall within the path of totality, including major cities like Little Rock, Hot Springs, Texarkana, Conway, and Jonesboro.
With the potential to mark the largest tourism event in state history, Arkansas agencies are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has strategically scheduled a “construction holiday” from April 4 to April 9, ensuring smooth travel with no lane closures or active construction zones. Collaborating closely with the trucking industry, ARDOT aims to minimize the presence of oversized trucks on the roads, enhancing safety for all travelers.
Meanwhile, the Arkansas Department of Education is harnessing the eclipse as a teachable moment, integrating it into science lessons and distributing one million eclipse glasses to libraries statewide. This proactive approach not only fosters scientific curiosity but also promotes safe viewing practices among students and the general public.
In the realm of healthcare, the Arkansas Department of Health stands vigilant, leveraging its trauma communication system to swiftly address any emergencies. Collaborating closely with hospitals and first responders, the agency is working to ensure prompt access to medical facilities, should the need arise. Emphasizing the paramount importance of eye safety, the department underscores the necessity of approved solar viewing glasses, cautioning against direct sun-gazing without proper protection.
As anticipation mounts, Arkansans are encouraged to prepare themselves with essential supplies, including water, food, medications, and first aid kits, in readiness for potential service delays.
For those eager to join in the festivities, a wealth of information on local events and safety guidelines awaits at Arkansas.com/eclipse.
March 11, 2024
March 4, 2024
February 12, 2024
January 29, 2024
The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and the council’s subcommittees met this week at the Capitol. These meetings were previously scheduled for the week of January 15 but were postponed due to the winter weather across the state.
ALC members were presented with an update from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) regarding damage from the winter storms.
ADEM officials said 10 water systems around the state requested assistance from the agency. All but one of those systems is back up and running. As of Friday, the water system in Helena-West Helena was currently not operational. ADEM says the agency has coordinated resources to send pallets of water to the area and is currently working with vendors in hopes of providing mobile shower and laundry units soon.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) updated members of the Highway Commission Review and Advisory Subcommittee on the road conditions throughout the state. ARDOT reports the agency has been working to repair numerous potholes on highways due to freezing temperatures and subsequent rain. Arkansans can report potholes directly to the agency by using the iDrive Arkansas app.
In other agenda items before ALC, members approved an emergency rule to allow the implementation of two educational grant programs.
The Literacy Tutoring Grant is designed to help struggling readers in K-3 with personalized tutoring. Families can invoice up to $500 per school to pay for tutoring services for children reading below grade level. Payments will go directly to providers.
The High Impact Tutoring Grant Program is designed to help school districts with high impact tutoring during the school day to help struggling students at all grade levels.
The Department of Education will be releasing information soon on how parents and schools can utilize these grants.
The Game and Fish and State Police Subcommittee of ALC continued its study on our state’s firearms laws. This week, they heard a summary on concealed carry laws. Their next meeting will be February 12 and will focus on hunting laws and Arkansas State Police concealed carry regulations. The public is welcome and there will be time for public comment.
ALC reviewed the most recent General Revenue Report which showed net available general revenue is down 5% from this time last year but 6.7% above forecast. Pre-Fiscal Session Budget Hearings are scheduled to begin March 6.
The Arkansas Legislative Council will meet again on February 16.
January 19, 2024
Public education stands as the primary expenditure within state government. This month, the House and Senate Education Committees began working on the Educational Adequacy Study. This study will serve as a recommendation to the legislature to determine funding for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years.
This in-depth process involves assessing the entirety of public education to ensure equal opportunities for students, covering aspects from teacher salaries to technological requirements. Arkansas employs a specific formula, the matrix, to calculate per-student funding, which is set to increase from $7,618 to $7,771 for the 2024-2025 school year.
The committees will later examine facilities funding and partnership programs in February, followed by a review of teacher-related aspects such as recruitment, retention, salaries, and professional development in June.
The culmination of this study results in a final report due on November 1, serving as a crucial guide for funding decisions in the subsequent year.
At the most recent meeting, committee members reviewed student achievement data. Reports revealed that in 2022, 30% of Arkansas 4th-grade students scored proficient or above in reading, slightly below the national average of 32%. Additionally, 28% of Arkansas 4th-grade students and 35% nationally scored proficient or above in math.
The House and Senate Education Committees approved an emergency rule to implement literacy tutoring grants and High Impact Learning Grants.
The literacy grant program is designed to help struggling readers in grades K-3. It will allow families to invoice up to $500 per year for tutoring services.
The second program will provide a limited amount of funding for schools to spend on tutoring services during the school day.
The proposed rule now goes before the Arkansas Legislative Council Executive Committee, scheduled to meet on January 18.
The House and Senate Education Committees will convene again on February 5 and February 6, with live-streamed and recorded meetings accessible at www.arkansashouse.org.
January 14, 2024
This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee held a meeting to discuss concealed carry laws in Arkansas.
This meeting was part of a series of meetings held as part of the Arkansas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study. The purpose of the study is to ultimately simplify gun laws in the state and clarify where and when it is legal to carry firearms.
Subcommittee members reviewed a summary of various state statutes addressing concealed carry. There are more than 30 sections of Arkansas Code addressing concealed carry laws.
The Arkansas Attorney General’s office also presented a series of recommendations for future legislation to expand gun rights and clarify several existing laws.
The next meeting of the Arkansas Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the MAC building located behind the State Capitol. The January 24 meeting will specifically address concealed carry regulations as promulgated by Arkansas State Police.
On March 11 and March 18 the subcommittee will focus on possession and open carry.
Later in the year, the subcommittee will hear from law enforcement and other armed officers as well as local governments and the business community.
We’ve posted the schedule for the additional hearings at arkansashouse.org.
The public is welcome to attend the meetings and there will be time for public comment.
The subcommittee will submit a final report to the ALC Executive Subcommittee by October 1, 2024. The Executive Subcommittee will then submit a report and possibly begin drafting legislation by the end of this year.
January 7, 2024
As the Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election draw near in Arkansas, it’s crucial for every eligible citizen to recognize the power they hold within their vote. The upcoming election on March 5, 2024, serves as an opportunity for Arkansans to shape the future of their communities, the state, and the nation. The deadline to register to vote for this significant event is Monday, February 5.
Arkansas is home to 1,738,711 registered voters. Each of these individuals carries the potential to influence the trajectory of local and state policies. However, the unfortunate reality is that voter turnout during primary elections has not always reflected the significance of this responsibility.
In the 2022 Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election, Arkansas experienced a voter turnout of just 25.98%. The turnout in the 2020 Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election was 28%.
The first step in exercising your right to vote is ensuring that you are registered. The deadline for registration is fast approaching on Monday, February 5. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the democratic process.
To register in Arkansas you must fill out a paper Voter Registration Application.
You can pick up an application at the following locations:
- Your local county clerk.
- The Arkansas Secretary of State Elections Division: 1-800-482-1127.
- Local revenue or DMV office.
- Public library.
- Disability agency.
- Military recruitment office.
You can print a form to mail or request an application to be mailed to you at sos.arkansas.gov.
Once your local county clerk has processed your Voter Registration Application, he/she will send you a personalized voter registration card. This could take up to several weeks. You may also check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org
It’s essential to recognize that the decisions made at the ballot box extend beyond partisan politics; they directly impact education, healthcare, infrastructure, and various other facets of our daily lives. The future of Arkansas is in the hands of its citizens, and voting is the most direct way to shape that future.
December 30, 2023
Many of the laws we passed in 2023 take effect on January 1, 2024. These new laws impact everything from taxes to criminal justice.
Act 10 of the 2023 Extraordinary Session reduces the top personal income tax rate from 4.7% to 4.4% for tax years beginning January 1, 2024. The act also reduces the corporate income tax rate from 5.1% to 4.8%.
Act 485 of the 2023 Regular Session phases out the income tax apportionment throwback rule over 7 years. The sections of the act phasing out the throwback rule are effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2024.
Other acts passed during the 2023 Regular Session that become effective on January 1 include the following:
Act 811 requires each public high school campus to have a clearly visible and labeled opioid overdose rescue kit and requires that the location of each opioid overdose rescue kit be registered with the school nurse and school resource officer of each public high school. This act also requires that each state-supported higher education campus also have an opioid overdose rescue kit in certain locations.
Act 300 changes the date for special elections on measures and questions to the preferential primary election or general election date and defines what constitutes an emergency special election.
Act 316 requires screening for depression for birth mothers within the first 6 weeks after birth and mandates that an insurance policy shall cover the cost of the screening.
Act 196 reduces the maximum potential unemployment compensation benefits. It also establishes the contribution rates of employers.
Act 106 disqualifies an individual from unemployment benefits if he or she fails to accept suitable work within 5 business days or fails to appear for a previously scheduled job interview on at least 2 occasions without notification.
Act 587 requires an individual who submits a claim for unemployment benefits to complete at least 5 work search contacts per week to be eligible for unemployment benefits for the week.
Act 160 requires a public housing authority to request federal approval if necessary to implement a work requirement for able-bodied adults in households that receive housing assistance.
Several provisions of the Protect Arkansas Act also take effect also January 1, 2024. These provisions include requiring persons convicted of the most serious offenses to serve a greater percentage of their sentence prior to release.
You can find a complete summary of all the legislation passed this year at arkansashouse.org.
November 18, 2023
While the convenience of department stores and online shopping is undeniable, we’d like to take this time to encourage you to incorporate shopping locally this holiday season.
Saturday, November 25, 2023, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and by choosing to support them, we can make a significant positive impact on our state’s economy, as well as create a more vibrant and diverse shopping experience.
A small business in Arkansas is defined as those with less than 500 employees. There are more than 264,000 small businesses in Arkansas. Small businesses make up the majority of businesses in the state. More than 47% of all Arkansas employees work for a small business.
When you shop at small businesses, your dollars stay within the local economy. These businesses often reinvest in the community, helping to create jobs and contribute to the overall economic well-being of your area. In fact, studies show that 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the community. In addition, every dollar spent at a small business creates an additional 48 cents in local business activity as a result of employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services.
Small businesses are often family-owned or operated by your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. By shopping at these local establishments, you not only support their livelihoods but also create a stronger sense of unity and connection within your town or city. They also offer a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind products that you won’t find in larger stores.
Your small purchase this holiday season can make a big difference.
November 12, 2023
As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, we encourage Arkansans to take a moment to acknowledge the unsung heroes of this holiday season—our farmers.
Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and the hardworking men and women who toil in the fields, day in and day out, deserve a special place in our hearts this season. Arkansas farmers are the ones responsible for growing the crops and raising the livestock that grace many of our tables.
In fact, Arkansas ranks 3rd in the nation in turkeys raised. But that’s not the only popular Thanksgiving dish that may have started its journey on an Arkansas farm.
Arkansas is the 4th largest producer of sweet potatoes and our state ranks 6th in the nation in the acreage of pecans.
In the last year, Arkansas farmers harvested more than 695,000 acres of corn.
Arkansas currently ranks 11th in the nation in soybean production. Soybean oil is used to make hundreds of foods, including mayonnaise, peanut butter, and ranch dressing.
From casseroles to rice pudding, another Arkansas crop makes its way to the Thanksgiving table every year. Arkansas ranks first among rice-producing states, accounting for more than 50 percent of U.S. rice production.
Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, adding around $16 billion to our state’s economy every year. There are 49,346 farms statewide and 97 percent of Arkansas’ farms are family-owned.
So, as you savor each bite of your Thanksgiving meal, remember to give thanks to the individuals who make this feast possible. Let’s make this holiday a true celebration of gratitude, not only for the food on our plates but for the hands that nurture the land.
You can help show your appreciation to our Arkansas farmers and food service workers by looking for the “Arkansas Grown” label at your local supermarket.
October 30, 2023
This week, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee convened with the Senate Children and Youth Committee. Members were presented with the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council Annual Report. These findings shed light on the alarming statistics surrounding Alzheimer’s disease in the state, revealing both present challenges and future hurdles facing our state. In 2021, the 93rd General Assembly initiated Act 391 which established a permanent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council. This move demonstrated the state’s commitment to addressing the issue head-on. Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that not only affects those living with it but also places a significant burden on their families and caregivers. The statistics are sobering. In 2020, it was estimated that 58,000 Arkansans aged 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s. This number is expected to rise to approximately 67,000 by 2025. This number highlights the urgent need to confront this disease. Another heart-wrenching aspect of Alzheimer’s is the toll it takes on caregivers. Arkansas currently has around 154,000 unpaid caregivers who provide support and care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. The impact of these dedicated individuals cannot be overstated. They face immense emotional, physical, and financial challenges while caring for their afflicted family members. Most Arkansas caregivers are over the age of 50 and 41% of caregivers have an annual household income of less than $50,000. Members of the committee were also given some alarming statistics regarding Arkansans experiencing early warning signs. In Arkansas, 11.5% of those aged 45 and over report they experience confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or getting worse. For those with worsening memory, 60% say it has created functional difficulties that have caused them to give up day-to-day activities or interfere with work or social activities. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, research is showing that people can reduce their risks by making key lifestyle changes including maintaining good heart health. In recognizing the pressing need to address Alzheimer’s, the 94th General Assembly strengthened with Advisory Council with Act 102. This act adds two members from underrepresented healthcare providers. They include a representative from the Arkansas Home-based Services Association and the Arkansas Residential Assisted Living Association. The 94th General Assembly also passed Act 682 which establishes the position of Dementia Coordinator within the Division of Aging at the Department of Human Services. We will continue to review the information and recommendations coming from the Advisory Council. The Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council meets again on Monday, October 30 at 12:30 p.m. in the State Capitol, room 151. The meeting will be live-streamed at arkansashouse.org.
October 23, 2023
The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and ALC subcommittees convened this week. In these meetings, members received an update regarding the implementation of LEARNS, an update regarding a study of our state’s firearms laws, and approved funding to expand nurse training programs in the state.
Education Secretary Jacob Oliva updated the council on the use of Education Freedom Accounts. Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) is a school choice initiative that provides funding for eligible students to attend participating private schools. Secretary Oliva told the council that 4,795 students and 94 schools are currently participating.
For this school year, EFA’s are limited to first-time kindergartners, students coming from “F” rated schools, students with a disability, foster care children, or children of active-duty military.
Students with a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act represent the largest share of participating students, amounting to 44% of total participants. First-time kindergarteners likewise represent a sizable share of the total participants, making up 31% of the participants’ population.
Upon request, the council approved the disbursement of federal American Rescue Plan funds including a request from the Department of Commerce for $25 million to educate more nurses in Arkansas. The department says the funding will be used for a grant program to expand nursing apprenticeships, increase nursing program capacity, and tuition reimbursement. A portion of the funds will also be used for career center licensed practical nurse pathway development. These centers provide high school seniors and juniors college credit while in school.
The Council was also informed that the Game and Fish and State Police Subcommittee will meet on Monday, November 13 at 1 pm in the MAC building behind the Capitol to begin hearing information presentations regarding federal laws related to firearms.
This is the beginning of the Arkansas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments at the meeting. There will be a link on the General Assembly website for public comment, and there will be a signup sheet at the committee meeting. Only those members of the public who have signed up in one of those two ways will be allowed to come forward and present their comments to the Subcommittee.
You can watch all ALC meetings and subcommittee meetings at www.arkansashouse.org.
October 15, 2023
Paving the way for a brighter future through education is a goal shared by many families. For parents in Arkansas, the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Program is a valuable tool designed to help them save and invest in their children’s education. This week, we want to remind you about the valuable resource and all the advantages it has to offer.
The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan (formerly the GIFT Plan), sponsored by the Treasurer of State’s office, is an education-savings plan that allows your savings to grow tax-deferred through a wide variety of investment options. Later, the money can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for qualified higher education costs like tuition, room and board, and supplies at nearly any two- or four-year college, university, vocational, or trade school.
In 2018, the federal government expanded the use of 529 funds to include private, parochial, and public K-12 tuition. In 2021, the government broadened the plan even more to allow 529s to cover the cost of apprenticeship programs and pay down student loan debt.
Arkansas taxpayers are eligible to deduct up to $5,000 (up to $10,000 for married couples) from their adjusted gross income calculation for contributions to an Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan account. The savings have the potential to grow at a faster rate than if you had invested in a comparable taxable account.
You can also invite friends and family to be a part of your savings journey. With a Ugift® code that links directly to your account, they can give the gift of education for a birthday, holiday, special occasion, or even “just because.” Anyone who contributes may be eligible for an Arkansas state tax deduction, too.
More than 27,000 Arkansas Families are served by the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan. You can begin saving by visiting www.brighterfuturedirect529.com.
October 8, 2023
Domestic violence is often shrouded in silence and stigma. It transcends age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, and geography. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This time of awareness stands as a call to action and a promise of support for those affected.
Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional abuse.
The statistics surrounding domestic violence are staggering. In Arkansas, 40.8% of women and 34.8% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.
Nationwide, local domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 19,159 calls a day, an average of approximately 13 calls every minute.
The Arkansas General Assembly consistently reviews legislation designed to prevent domestic abuse, hold abusers accountable, and support victims.
In the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed ACT 849. This act adds aggravated assault on a family member or household member to past conduct that qualifies a person as a repeat offender for purposes of domestic battering in the first degree and domestic battering in the second degree.
In the 2021 Regular Session, the General Assembly passedACT 800, the Arkansas Phoenix Act. This act amends the statute of limitations for offenses involving domestic violence and provides for training to be given to law enforcement officers on additional topics that arise in which domestic violence is suspected.
Legislators will continue to review our laws regarding domestic violence in future legislative sessions.
Domestic violence is preventable. By raising awareness and providing education, we can work towards changing societal norms and behaviors that perpetuate violence.
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, visitwww.laurascard.ar.govto find resources near you.
September 18, 2023
Our work for the Extraordinary Session is now complete and the legislation passed has been signed into law.
This morning, the House passed HB1007 and SB8. These are identical bills reducing the top personal income tax rate from 4.7% to 4.4%. The bills also reduce the corporate income tax rate from 5.1% to 4.8%. In addition, the bills provide an income tax credit of $150 to taxpayers making less than $90,000 annually. The credit will be retroactive to January 1, 2023.
The House also passed HB1012 and SB10. These are identical bills amending the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 by exempting records that reflect the planning or provision of security provided to the Governor, constitutional officers, the General Assembly, Justices of the Supreme Court, or Judges of the Court of Appeals. The bills also direct the Arkansas State Police to provide the legislature with a quarterly report on the expenses incurred by the Executive Protection Detail.
The House passed HB1008 and SB5. These are identical bills amending the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program Act and the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program to provide access to additional funding for children with disabilities.
In addition, the House passed SB3. This bill states that a state agency or a state or local official shall not mandate an individual to receive a vaccine or immunization for COVID-19 or any subvariants of COVID-19.
The House also passed SB1. This bill would create the Arkansas Reserve Fund Set-Aside in the Restricted Reserve Fund and direct the transfer of $710.6 million in surplus funds to the newly created reserve fund.
This afternoon, Governor Sanders signed all the bills passed during this session into law.
You can watch all the committee meetings and House floor proceedings from the session atarkansashouse.org.
September 10, 2023
The 94th General Assembly will convene for a special session on Monday, September 11 at 11 a.m.
In the call for the session, the Governor outlines several proposals to be introduced including tax cuts, amending the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, and legislation addressing vaccine mandates.
The tax cut proposal to be introduced would reduce the top personal income tax rate from 4.7% to 4.4%. It would reduce the corporate income tax rate from 5.1% to 4.8%.
In addition, the proposal would provide an income tax credit of $150 to taxpayers making less than $90,000 annually. The credit would be retroactive to January 1, 2023.
The General Assembly will also consider legislation to transfer $710 million in existing surplus funds to the Arkansas Reserve Fund.
The Governor’s call directs the General Assembly to consider legislation amending the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act of 1967. Changes listed in the call include adding protections regarding security for the Governor, the General Assembly, and constitutional officers. The call also lists adding protections for the deliberative process and attorney-client privilege of state-level entities.
Another item to be considered in this special session will be legislation to prohibit Arkansas public entities from mandating COVID-19 vaccines or vaccines for variants. The proposed legislation will also require the Arkansas Department of Health to maintain publicly available information on the risks of COVID-19 vaccines.
The special session is expected to adjourn on Wednesday, September 13.
All committee meetings and House floor proceedings will be live-streamed and archived atarkansashouse.org. The House website also includes links to the legislation being considered.
September 3, 2023
Labor Day is more than just a day off work. It’s a day to celebrate the invaluable contributions of workers in our communities. In Arkansas, we have a good reason to celebrate.
The most recent report from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) shows unemployment in our state at 2.6 percent. The jobless rate nationwide stands at 3.5 percent.
The median household income in Arkansas has increased steadily in the last 5 years and is now at $52,123.
ADWS releases the Arkansas Labor Market and Economic Report every year detailing projections for the job market. The most recent report shows Insurance Carriers are projected to be the top-growing industry in Arkansas. The Motion Picture and Video Industry is also projected to become one of the fastest-growing industries in the state, after having the worst drop in its history during the pandemic shutdowns.
Stockers and Order Fillers are predicted to be the top growing occupation as grocery stores and other retail establishments battle to keep store shelves stocked.
The report notes there has been a decline in the number of teachers, tellers, and farmers.
The highest-paying occupations in the state are Emergency Medicine Physicians, Ophthalmologists, Obstetricians, Surgeons, and Radiologists.
From those with a doctoral degree to high school graduates, all education categories are projected to see a positive net growth in occupations.
In the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed several bills aimed at increasing job growth and opportunities.
Act 517 increased the tax incentive for production and postproduction costs for a state-certified film project from 20% to 25% of costs and provided an additional 5% tax incentive for certain hiring, spending, and production activities.
Act 746 creates the Rural Economic Development Initiative to provide funds to planning and development districts for distribution to projects in rural areas to further rural economic development and revitalization.
Whether you are searching for the right job or the right person for the job, the Division of Workforce Services can help. ADWS offers a variety of services, like job search and résumé assistance, career counseling, workforce readiness training, and referrals to employers who are hiring. Learn about the labor market and the occupations that are most in demand in your area by visiting www.dws.arkansas.gov.
August 28, 2023
Several members gathered at the Capitol this week as subcommittees of the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) held meetings. ALC convened on Friday. This week, we would like to update you on the developments from those meetings. The ALC Higher Education Subcommittee heard a presentation from Dr. Ken Warden, the Commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE). ADHE is currently working on the implementation of Arkansas Teacher Academy. This program is designed to increase the teacher pipeline by paying for education costs if the prospective teacher agrees to work in critical shortage areas. The scholarship should be available next fall. Members of ALC reviewed the Arkansas Revenue Report from July 2023, showing a 4.6% increase in revenue from the previous July. The Department of Commerce presented its mid-year progress report to ALC, showing 1,102 new jobs with an average wage of $28.32/hour have been created in the last six months as a direct result of economic development initiatives in the state. ALC approved a recommendation by the Executive Subcommittee to conduct the Arkansas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study. The purpose of the study is to review the existing laws of the State of Arkansas concerning ownership, use, and possession of firearms, as well as the concealed carry laws of the state, in order to ascertain the existing rights and restrictions under the laws and recommend future legislation. The Game & Fish/State Police Subcommittee of ALC will conduct the study. They will begin in October of this year and submit their report to ALC in October of 2024. Arkansas Legislative Council Subcommittees will convene again the week of October 16. You can watch live and recorded meetings at arkansashouse.org
August 21, 2023
The latest census figures show 17.8% of our state’s population is over the age of 65. Nationwide, the population ages 65 and over grew nearly five times faster than the total population over the 100 years from 1920 to 2020.
August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day. It’s an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives.
The Arkansas General Assembly has worked to pass legislation to empower people to choose how they live as they age. This year, we passed laws to lower taxes, strengthen our rural hospitals, and increase awareness and services available to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In the 2023 Regular Session, we also worked to eliminate the red tape for seniors still in the workforce. Act 73 creates a lifetime certificate of license for contractors who have reached the age of 65 and have been licensed as a contractor for at least 12 years.
Protecting our seniors involves safeguarding them from abuse and exploitation. We did that with Act 783. This created the Vulnerable Person Protection Act. It defines a vulnerable person as anyone over the age of 69 or an individual who is in an inpatient facility. It makes the abuse of a vulnerable person a Class B felony if it causes serious injury or death and a Class D felony for non-serious injuries.
In addition, we passed Act 70, Act 335, and Act 682. Act 70 requires home caregivers to have a specific number of hours in dementia training. Act 335 sets minimum training requirements for staff members who are employed by an assisted living facility that includes persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Act 682 creates the position of dementia services coordinator with the Department of Human Services.
National Senior Citizens Day serves as a call to action to ensure our seniors are treated with the respect and care they deserve. As we continue to find ways to improve their lives in the state, let us all take the time this week to increase our interaction with our elders. Their stories can inspire and their guidance can lead to a more thoughtful and compassionate society.