Month: April 2011

Year-over-year gains in Arkansas tax collections may be offset by individual and corporate tax refunds later in the fiscal year, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration.

Another Redistricting Strikeout In The Senate

Shortly before today’s afternoon Senate State Agencies Committee hearing, several State Senators were huddled outside of the Senate chamber. When asked if a deal on Congressional redistricting had been worked out, Sen. Jim Luker (D-Wynne) said, "We’re either going to be here 15 minutes or for 3 weeks."

Data Firm Acquires California Agency To Boost Services

Little Rock-based CognitiveDATA, which was acquired by Merkle last year but maintains some autonomy, has acquired a San Rafael, Calif., based consulting firm, LENSER.

Nlr Mccain Mall To Get $5.5 Million Facelift

Simon Property Group, Inc. announced today that McCain Mall, the long-time North Little Rock shopping center, will undergo a $5.5 million renovation at the end of April.

Mortgage principles

Housing reform is coming. What will it look like?

Positives, negatives and expectations

It should come as no surprise the strong and various reactions to news that Golden Living would move at least 200 jobs to Fort Smith in the next two years….

A new ‘Old Railroad Trail’ opens

Numerous volunteers, many hours and private donations and grants helped open the trail.

Democratic Leaders Struggling With ‘fayetteville To Fourth’

One has a pivotal legislative vote, the other will defend it in court.

Womack, Gop Freshmen Front And Center In Budget Battle

Third District Congressman Steve Womack (R-Rogers) scored a political victory with the tight passage of a resolution he sponsored that would delay pay for Congress if a budget impasse shuts down the federal government.

The Legislative To-do List

The Arkansas Legislature handled a lot of it’s business, but one major item still remains. Here’s a recap of the General Assembly’s big to-do agenda.

Budget: The legislature approved a $4.6 billion budget packed with more money for schools and prisons, but austere in many other areas. The General Assembly blocked Gov. Mike Beebe’s proposed 1.86% pay increase for state employees… and went further on tax relief.

Renowned Lawyer Maurice Mitchell Passes Away At 85

H. Maurice Mitchell, founding member of the prestigious Mitchell Williams Law Firm, passed away this morning after a lengthy illness at the age of 85.