Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Severance Tax Hike Opponents Pick Up The Spending Pace

The group opposing former gas executive Sheffield Nelson’s severance tax proposal, Arkansans for Jobs & Affordable Energy, has gotten very serious, very fast.

Legislative Week In Review… In Pictures

Thanks to some of the capitol crew for sharing their photos through Twitter, e-mail and smartphones.

Oklahoma Income Tax Plan Pressures Arkansas’ Tax Future

Oklahoma’s Governor is pursuing a radical overhaul in the Sooner State’s personal income tax structure and Arkansas policy makers say the Natural State will feel the pressure to respond.

House Of Representatives Approves Resolution For Trucker Tax Repeal

By a 81-15 margin, members of the Arkansas House of Representatives approved a resolution that will allow a non-budget bill to be introduced in the fiscal session.

Darr Touting Lignite’s Economic Promise, But Opponents Skeptical

Advocates for lignite development in Arkansas say it could be a boon similar to the natural gas renaissance seen in the state, but environmentalists rank their concerns on par with recent legal battles regarding coal-based energy.

GOP Budget Proposes Additional $21 Million In Agency Cuts

House Republicans have offered additional cuts to Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe’s proposed budget that will reduce state spending by another $21 million.

Democratic House Speaker Candidate Courts Republican Votes

Rep. Darrin Williams (D-Little Rock) has sent a letter to GOP representatives in the last week seeking Republican support in his bid to be the next Speaker of the House.

Joint Budget Committee Gets To Work On Agency, Governor’s Requests

In its first full day of committee action, state lawmakers made haste in reviewing — and holding — a multitude of state agency funding requests.

Rules Committee Pushes Trucker Tax Repeal, Revenue Stabilization To Floor

The House Rules Committee met quickly on Tuesday (Feb. 14) and pushed two key measures to the full House floor for consideration. Several other measures were left on hold.

Bill Clinton PBS Documentary To Debut Early On iPad

PBS announced that the first hour of the American Experience documentary titled “Clinton” will premiere first on the free PBS apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch beginning today.

Arkansas Legislature Convenes; Beebe Calls For Session Focus

The 88th General Assembly convened for its second fiscal session with a call from Gov. Mike Beebe (D) for quick work and strict attention to budgetary matters.

Second Fiscal Session Starts Monday

Arkansas lawmakers will meet on Monday, Feb. 13, at noon in the state capitol to convene the second fiscal session.

Lottery Commission Picks Legal Chief As New Director

The Arkansas Lottery Commission has picked Bishop Woosley, the lottery’s chief legal counsel, to be the state’s new lottery director.

Pritchard To Make Second Run At Tobacco Funds For Drug Courts

After withdrawing a January effort to tap tobacco settlement funds for drug courts, State Sen. Bill Pritchard (R-Elkins) says he will make a second run in the upcoming fiscal session.

Forestry Chief John Shannon Resigns

After a tumultuous 3 months, State Forestry Commission director John Shannon resigned.

First Lady Tours Air Force Base On Nutrition Campaign

First Lady Michelle Obama toured Little Rock Air Force Base on Thursday (Feb. 9) touting the expansion of a pilot program to encourage more nutritious foods on military bases and for military families.

Paper On Social Change In Arkansas Focus Of Clinton School Panel

A new report being released in conjunction with the Arkansas Public Policy Panel and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation examines social change in Arkansas.

Mike Huckabee Lands New Daily Radio Gig

Former Arkansas Governor and one-time Republican Presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee, has landed a new deal with Cumulus Media that will place the conservative political and media figure in head-to-head competition with radio icon Rush Limbaugh.

Governor Announces Partial Financial Solution For Forestry Funding

Beebe In Hot Pursuit Of Major Caterpillar Factory

Gov. Mike Beebe said Fort Smith would be an ideal location for a new Caterpillar hydraulic excavator manufacturing operation. He also shared views on other topics in this wide-ranging conversation.