Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Black Caucus Selects Rep. Fred Love As Leader

The Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus (ALBC) has selected Rep. Fredrick Love (D-Little Rock) as its chairperson for the 89th General Assembly.

Weekend Digest: JFK, Fatherhood, And The ‘Big Data’ Edition

For our weekend political readers: FIRST, FAMILY Arkansans may recall reporter Ron Fournier who covered Bill Clinton as Governor, President and remained in Washington through the Bush and Obama years….

State’s Reps Vote For STEM Jobs Bill

A bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Friday would replace 55,000 randomly awarded visas each year with ones targeting graduates of American universities with advanced degrees in science,…

Rex Nelson: Speaker Carter And Change In Arkansas

Blogger, politico and Talk Business contributor Rex Nelson has a good read on his web site, Rex Nelson’s Southern Fried, regarding changes underway in Arkansas politics.

Joe Smith Defeats Tracy Steele For North Little Rock Mayor’s Post

One of the state's largest cities has a new mayor after 24 years. In Tuesday's general election run-off race, Joe Smith defeated State Rep. Tracy Steele (D) to win the…

Berry Pre-Coon Supper Event To Raise Scholarship Money

Mitch Berry, son of former Congressman Marion Berry, announced on Tuesday (Nov. 27) that the “Pre-Coon Supper Reception” will again be held before the annual Gillett Coon Supper. Beginning this…

Pre-filing Begins For 2013 General Assembly

With more than a month to go, Arkansas lawmakers have begun to pre-file bills for the 2013 regular legislative session. Rep. John Edwards (D-Little Rock) filed the 89th Arkansas General…

Beebe Replaces Rural Services Director, Appoints Slew Of Judges

On Wednesday, Governor Mike Beebe announced a slew of judicial appointments and he appointed John Andrews as director of the Arkansas Office of Rural Services. how to get your ex…

Civil Rights Attorney Christopher Mercer Dies

Civil rights attorney Christopher Mercer died at the age of 88 at his home in Little Rock Tuesday morning. Karoline Wightman, with our content partner Fox 16 News, highlights his…

Lawmakers Contemplate Lottery Changes As Revenue Declines

The legislative oversight committee for the state lottery learned today that funds could be depleted by 2014 if changes are made to the eligibility or payout of scholarship funds.

Arkansas Policy Foundation Renews Tax Cut Call

Emboldened by Republican control of the Arkansas Legislature for the first time in almost 140 years, the Arkansas Policy Foundation (APF) is renewing its call for tax cuts that could reduce state collections by $88.5 million.

Thirty-somethings In Charge At Capitol

A pair of 30-somethings will be leading the Arkansas legislature this January. The Arkansas News Bureau profiles incoming Senate President Michael Lamoureux (R-Russellville) and Speaker-elect Rep. Davy Carter (R-Cabot). Sen….

Pryor Joins Effort Questioning School Lunch Limits

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor is asking the federal Department of Agriculture to consider allowing school districts more flexibility in complying with new rules for the National School Lunch Program and…

Arkansas Officials React To EPA Denial Of Renewable Fuel Standard Waiver

Late this summer as the state dealt with severe drought conditions, Gov. Mike Beebe (D) and members of Arkansas federal delegation pressed Environmental Protection Agency officials for a waiver from…

Proposed Medicaid Cuts Will Cause ‘Real Harm’

John Lyon with our content partner, the Arkansas News Bureau, focuses on the Level 3 nursing home cuts proposed by Gov. Mike Beebe (D) to reign in a projected Medicaid…

Weekend Digest: Post-Election Advice

PARTY ID The Washington Post has a revealing story to show a clear and simple chart that graphs what happened with the election in 2012 and in years past. Thanks…

Governor’s Budget Calls For Deepest Reduction Of Food Tax

Governor Mike Beebe's balanced budget proposal calls for a near-elimination of the food tax based on a trigger mechanism tied to revenue growth.

Rep. Davy Carter Ascends To House Speaker’s Post (UPDATED)

Rep. Davy Carter (R-Cabot) appears to have secured enough votes to wrestle control of the Arkansas House Speakership away from Democrat Darrin Williams and Republican Terry Rice.

Poll: Voters Sharing, But Hiding, Attitudes On Medical Marijuana

A Talk Business-Hendrix College Poll exploring voter attitudes on medical marijuana indicates that changes to the measure could influence a future vote on the topic. It also shows that voters may be hiding their true preferences.

House Speaker’s Race Gets A New Twist (Updated)

Multiple sources confirm to Talk Business that Rep. Davy Carter (R-Cabot) could emerge as a Republican alternative to Rep. Terry Rice (R-Waldron) as a candidate for House Speaker if members choose on Thursday to change their designated leader from Rep. Darrin Williams (D-Little Rock).