Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

July State Revenues Rise On Income Tax Strength

Arkansas’ first month of tax revenue in the new fiscal year was a net positive.

Hospital Group Says Economic Impact $10.3 Billion Annually

The Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) released an economic impact study that suggests the health care industry in Arkansas accounts for 75,000 jobs and generates up to $10.3 billion in annual economic activity.

GOP E-mail Tips Hand On Republican Majority Strategy

A House Republican leader has emailed GOP candidates encouraging them to sign a “no new tax pledge” to help in their campaign fundraising efforts and because tax hikes won’t be proposed under a Republican majority, although an exemption in the pledge would allow for wiggle room.

Key Discusses GOP Medicaid Concerns, Urges Caution On Ballot Petition Reforms

State Sen. Johnny Key (R-Mountain Home) says his Republican colleagues are advocating a slower approach to Medicaid reform to test assumptions about economic projections and to ensure a more accurate budgeting process.

Barth: A History Of Direct Democracy In Arkansas

In a recent Arkansas Times column, Dr. Jay Barth, professor of political science at Hendrix College, explores the history of how Arkansas’ ballot and initiative process has evolved.

Tax Benefit Boosts Arkansas Best’s Bottom Line

Trucking giant Arkansas Best Corp. showed a $11.8 million second quarter profit in part thanks to an $8 million tax benefit that worked in the company’s favor.

WSJ: Paying For College Gets Creative Thanks To Low Interest Rates

The Wall Street Journal's takes a look at changing dynamics in the world of financing a college education. While federal student loans have been a traditional option for many parents…

Economist Says Expect More Of The Same: Slow Recovery Continues

Dr. Michael Pakko with UALR’s Institute for Economic Advancement says economic conditions in Arkansas are improving, but not at a fast enough pace to generate enthusiasm.

PrivacyStar To Add 121 Jobs In Conway

First Orion — parent company of PrivacyStar, a smartphone services firms — says it will add 121 new $79,000 a year jobs in Conway as it moves to a new location in the central Arkansas city.

Metropolitan National Bank Posts Q2 Loss

Privately-held Little Rock-based Metropolitan National Bank reported a $423,000 second quarter loss for the period ending June 30, 2012.

Fort Smith CEO Group Wants Dealt Into The Discussion

Active CEO leadership groups in central and northwest Arkansas have pushed those regions to the forefront of the state’s economy. Add Fort Smith to the list of those wanting to emulate that success.

Secretary of State Martin Eyeing Investigation Of Petition Signatures

With eyebrows raised by the high invalidation rate of signatures on several potential ballot issues, the Secretary of State’s office said Thursday it may call for an investigation after a grace period to collect more signatures is completed.

Griffin-led Measure To Freeze Regulations Passes House

Second District Rep. Tim Griffin (R) did something few freshman lawmakers ever do – he passed a bill that he was the lead sponsor on.

Higher Ed Board Narrows Director Search To Two

how to get back my ex girlfriend The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board recommended two applicants for interview for the state agency's director post, while expressing disappointment with the depth…

Second Quarter Positive For P.A.M. Transportation

P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. reported net income of $934,791 for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, an improvement from year-ago earnings when the Tontitown-based trucking firm posted a $692,000 profit.

Simmons First Net Income Slips To $6.5 Million

can i get my ex girlfriend back Simmons First National Corp. reported second quarter net income of $6.5 million, slightly below the $6.7 million it earned one year ago. “We…

Deltic Timber Earnings Spike 71% On Lumber Sales

Deltic Timber Corp. reported second quarter net income of $3.5 million, up 71% from a year ago when quarterly profits topped $2 million.

Republicans Ask DHS, Governor For Medicaid Reforms, Slower Process

Republican legislative leaders in the House and Senate asked the Beebe administration to slow the process for a potential Medicaid expansion and to consider a laundry list of reforms.

NYT: Congress Opens Inquiry Into Data Seller, Including Acxiom

The New York Times reports that a bipartisan Congressional panel will open an inquiry into the data brokerage industry, and Little Rock-based Acxiom is one of the targets of the effort.