Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Benton County ‘Wet’ Supporters Surpass Signature Threshold

A group pushing for a November election to allow retail alcohol sales in Benton County received approval that its signature petitions have met the legal threshold to qualify for the ballot.

Arkansans Split Views On Health Care, Medicaid & Medical Marijuana

Arkansans continue to oppose the federal health care law’s implementation despite a Supreme Court ruling and shifting national public opinion. Also according to the latest Talk Business-Hendrix College Poll, the state’s citizens are guarded against an expansion of the state’s Medicaid program, but they are nearly evenly-split on the issue of medical marijuana.

Weekend Digest: Virginia Isn’t For Lovers, It’s For Split-Ticket Voters

For our weekend political readers: VIRGINIA IS FOR SPLIT-TICKET VOTERS Arkansans are known for splitting their local, state and national political tickets, but this year the focus of the Presidential…

Severance Tax Hike Effort Gets 30-Day Extension After 70% Of Signatures Invalidated

An effort to raise the severance tax to a flat 7% has failed to meet the signature threshold to be placed on the November ballot, but supporters will be given another 30 days to meet the legal requirement.

AEDC Director: For Economic Recruiting, ‘Cash Is King’

Arkansas Economic Development Commission director Grant Tennille told state lawmakers that “cash is king” over any other economic incentive or tax policy.

Q&A With Arkansas Medicaid Director Andy Allison

Arkansas Medicaid Director Andy Allison answers questions about his economic analysis, which shows Arkansas would save $372 million or more by expanding its Medicaid rolls under the federal health care law.

DHS Analysis Supports Medicaid Expansion, GOP Leaders Leery

On Tuesday (July 17), Arkansas Department of Human Services officials released a report purporting the state would come out ahead if it opts into the controversial Medicaid expansion.

Will Rockefeller And The Next Generation

A new generation of the Rockefeller family in Arkansas is coming into his own. On the 100th anniversary of his grandfather’s birth, Will Rockefeller opens up on the legacy of his birthright and the example set by those who preceded him.

Congressional Fundraising Shows Big Advantage For GOP

With three incumbents and a fourth frontrunner, Arkansas’ Congressional Republicans hold a commanding fundraising advantage over their Democratic counterparts.

13 Governors Ask Auto Leaders For CNG Plan; Arkansas Waiting

Governors of 13 states are meeting with auto industry officials to advance CNG vehicle infrastructure in the U.S.

Arkansas Party Chairmen Size Up Stakes For November Elections

In our latest edition of Talk Business Quarterly, Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Will Bond and Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Doyle Webb make the arguments for why their political parties should win voters’ choices.

McDaniel Seeks To Intervene In Environmental Lawsuit

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has filed a motion to intervene in a federal lawsuit in which several environmental advocacy groups seek “unnecessary and unreasonable federal regulation” of nutrient pollution in the Mississippi River basin and the northern Gulf of Mexico.