Author: Talk Business

Talk Business

Could We Have Competing Balanced Budgets?

It’s never happened before.

Energy Forecasters See Much Steeper Fuel Prices

Arkansas diesel prices are a dollar higher than a year ago, while retail gasoline prices have risen for the sixth straight week, according to the U.S. Energy Department’s weekly energy report.

Arkansas Legislature Looking At Job Creation, Retention

The first two months of the 88th General Assembly resulted in very few bill filings related to economic development and job growth with the exception of the tax cut debate that engulfed the state legislature.

Coalition Formed To Support Controversial Turk Plant

A new coalition has been formed to support efforts to complete the construction of the controversial John W. Turk power plant in southwest Arkansas.

Awards Handed Out For Contributions To Tourism

Carolyn Joyce, aka Miss Laura for the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the newest member of the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame.

All Eyes Turn To Federal Health Care… Again (updated)

We knew coming into the session that the state’s efforts to implement federal health care reform would come under fire from a variety of different positions.

Governor’s Medicaid Reform Encountering Apprehension

Gov. Mike Beebe’s efforts to reform the state Medicaid system, which we reported on last week, is encountering initial apprehension from legislators and the medical provider community.

Gop Picks Up Another House Seat

The Republican Party of Arkansas added another member to its House caucus when GOP State Rep. candidate Bruce Cozart defeated Democrat Jerry Rephan in a special election in District 24.

Brummett: The Reform-minded Young Golfers

Political columnist John Brummett with our content partner, the Arkansas News Bureau, reviews the triumphs and tragedies of a band of brothers from days gone by in the Arkansas State Senate.

Arkansas Consumer Confidence Report: Caution And Concern

Talk Business is pleased to announce our newest tool for business and economic leaders – the quarterly Arkansas Consumer Confidence Report sponsored by Delta Trust and Bank.

Former Uca President Lu Hardin Pleads Guilty In Federal Court

Lu Hardin – the former president of the University of Central Arkansas, a former State Senator, and one-time rising political star – has plead guilty to one count of wire fraud and money laundering in federal court.

Parks & Tourism Unveils $8 Million Marketing Plan

After seeing the new 2011 marketing presentation for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, it’s obvious why the department actively fought a recent legislative effort to changes Arkansas’ motto from “The Natural State” to “The Land of Opportunity.”

Can Tax Cuts Capitalize On Arkansas’ Recession Strength?

Rep. Davy Carter (R-Cabot), chairman of the House Revenue and Tax Committee and regional bank president for Centennial Bank, says he wants to capitalize on Arkansas’ survival from the recession of 2009.

It’s Sex, Drugs And Rock & Roll At The Capitol

The last day of filing has brought an avalanche of bills into the system. We’d give you a final count, but the list keeps growing.

Legislative Odds & Ends

Monday was one of the busiest days of the 88th Arkansas General Assembly as 304 House bills were filed and 192 Senate bills met the deadline. In total, there are 2,234 bills being debated this session and that doesn’t include any resolutions, which do eat up committee and floor time.

Midstream Moves Stir Shale Play Activity

While shifting ownership of upstream assets in the Fayetteville Shale have garnered Wall Street attention, smaller pipeline companies are also making deals to gain entry in the Arkansas’ unconventional shale play.

Poll: Beebe Job Approval Still High, Legislature A Rocky Road

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) remains enormously popular among Arkansas voters, an advantage he holds over many of his state counterparts and a potential edge over a less-than popular state legislature.

Poll: Little Support For Highway Referrals

In our latest Talk Business-Hendrix College Poll, we tested two proposed highway initiatives to see if either has any traction, but at the present time supporters of the plans clearly have an uphill battle.

Arkansas Bank Profits Rise Substantially In 2010

Arkansas banks’ yearly profits in 2010 jumped nearly 80 percent from a year ago as expenses and sets asides for trouble loans continue to decline, according to the FDIC’s quarterly banking profile.   For the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.’s report showed that Arkansas banks earned $436 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $244 million a year ago.

Scholarships Awarded For Computing Students

The Arkansas Academy of Computing (AAoC) granted 14 $500 scholarships to students at five different Arkansas universities, part of an effort to advance education and careers in science and technology.