Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Six Federal Courthouses In Arkansas Eyed For Closure

The Associated Press reports that six federal courthouse locations in Arkansas could be eyed for possible closure in an effort to cut costs.

First Details Of Beebe Trade Mission To China Revealed

Gov. Mike Beebe’s itinerary for his upcoming trade mission to China is revealed.

State Chamber Supports Health Care Challenge

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas has joined a legal effort to challenge the controversial federal healthcare reform act, but the move is more about seeking an answer to a “narrow position” rather than a judgment on the need for healthcare reform.

Davy’s Daunting Task: The Push For Tax Reform Faces High Hurdles

Rep. Davy Carter’s interim call to review the entire state tax code should be a highly educational experience, but the chance to overhaul Arkansas’ tax system will face real world hurdles.

Ellington, Holloway Round Out Challengers In First District Congressional Race

Democratic Congressional hopeful Scott Ellington and Green Party candidate Jacob Holloway explain their candidacies in two radio interviews.

GOP Policy Plan Won’t Be A Big Mystery

House Republicans in the state legislature are expected to roll out a policy plan that might serve as the foundation for their candidates hoping to take the House majority this fall. What that agenda might be won’t be much of a mystery based on public comments and interviews on the subject from the Arkansas blog-o-sphere.

Pryor: Keystone Project To Be ‘Wrapped Up’ After Presidential Election

The controversial Keystone Pipeline project, which was put on hold by the Obama administration over environmental concerns, is likely to be developed after the November 2012 election, says U.S. Senator Mark Pryor (D).

Veach: Direct Payment Loss Could Zap $244 Million From Arkansas Economy

Direct payments for row crop farmers, which are prevalent in Arkansas, may be on the chopping block in the new federal farm bill. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach lays out the economic consequences.

Cong. Rick Crawford Proposes Millionaire Tax For Balanced Budget Amendment

First District Congressman Rick Crawford (R-Jonesboro) proposed legislation Thursday (March 15) that would trade a 5% surtax on millionaires in exchange for a balanced budget amendment.

Former State Senator, AG Liaison, Allen Gordon, Joins MISO

MISO announced today that former Arkansas State Senator Allen Gordon (D-Morrilton) will represent the organization in Arkansas.

Herb Rule’s Return To Politics

The Arkansas Times offers an interview with Second District Democratic Congressional candidate Herb Rule.

Rep. Carter’s Sales and Use Tax Review Expands In Scope

A first reading of an outline slated for an April Joint Revenue and Tax Committee meeting indicates the scope of the interim committee’s work may be expanding.

Legislative Expense Settlement Proposed

Max Brantley at the Arkansas Times reports on a proposed settlement of a lawsuit by the Arkansas Public Law Center and the state regarding legislative expense payments.

Brawner: Have Recent Changes Meant Fewer Laws?

Steve Brawner with the Arkansas News Bureau looks at some reasons why legislative productivity may be on the decline, and not necessarily in a bad way.

Rep. Darrin Williams Makes History As First African-American House Speaker-designate

After officially adjourning the 88th General Assembly 2012 fiscal session, House members set out to make history. They did by selecting Rep. Darrin Williams as the first African-American Speaker-designate.

The Session Wraps Up: The Speaker’s Race, Sine Die And More

As the fiscal session draws to a close today at noon, there will be more than the usual “sine die” procedures.

First District Democrats Making Introductions On Jobs, Debts And Deficits

Two of the three Democrats vying for the First District Congressional nomination have been profiled on our newest radio partner, KASU-91.9 FM.

Democratic Party Says Smith Candidacy Won’t Be Certified

The saga of former State Rep. Fred Smith (D-Crawfordsville) continued on Monday.

Joint Revenue and Tax Committee To Chart Exemption Review Course

Right after Arkansas taxpayers file their annual state and federal income tax returns, lawmakers will begin a review process that could lead to a tax break.

Terry Rice and Darrin Williams Vie For Top House Post

History will be made with the next election for Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives as Republican Terry Rice and Democrat Darrin Williams seek support from their colleagues.