Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Governor Tackles Health Care Exchanges Again (UPDATED)

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) used his weekly radio address to wade back into the heated state debate over a federal health care exchange.

Beebe Releases Emergency Funds For Courts As Root Of Problem Identified

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) released $40,000 from his emergency fund to stop the proposed January furlough of 120 trial court assistants across Arkansas — a furlough resulting in part from a significant decline in foreclosure filings.

Bill Clinton Makes The Little Rock Rounds At Book Signing

Former President Bill Clinton returned to Little Rock on Monday to spend a day signing copies of his latest book, “Back To Work.”

Brawner: Don’t Be Fooled By Balanced Budget Debate

Stephens Media columnist Steve Brawner examines the recent votes in Congress regarding a balanced budget amendment.

Health Care, Forestry Cuts, Post Office Closures Dominate Legislative Council

In its monthly oversight meeting, Arkansas lawmakers obsessed on several hot button topics, including health care, forestry cuts, and post office closures.

Boozman: Iraq War Was Worth It

U.S. Senator John Boozman said the nearly 4,500 American deaths (62 from Arkansas) and estimated $832 billion in costs were worth it.

Highway Department Fires Long-time Legal Chief

A controversy stemming from an audit of the agency led to a suspension of the Arkansas Highway Department’s long-time chief legal counsel, Robert Wilson. On Wednesday, the Highway Commission voted to terminate his employment.

McDaniel Rejects Amendment For Tax Hike Language

Claiming an anti-tax group needs to “redesign” its proposed amendment language, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel (D) rejected the first attempt of the proposal to qualify for the 2012 ballot.

Clark Hall Picks Up Blue Dog Endorsement

The centrist Blue Dog Coalition — a group of moderate Democratic Congressional members — says it is initially endorsing 5 candidates in the 2012 election cycle, including First Congressional District Democrat Clark Hall.

Gus Malzahn Preps To Take Charge Of ASU Football Program

Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is expected to be introduced as the new head football coach at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro on Tuesday.

KARK: Former Forestry Financial Chief Says Director Not Telling The Truth

KARK Channel 4 has a solid report on the controversy surrounding layoffs at the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

Briefing Set To Outline Value of 188th Fighter Wing Unit

Favorable financial figures that are part of a “focused plan” to protect and enhance the future of the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith were released Monday.

Brawner: President Obama Should Like His Chances

Stephens Media columnist Steve Brawner sizes up the current state of the Presidential election.

Ross District Director Rules Out Fourth District Run

Cong. Mike Ross’ chief of staff Jeff Weaver says he won’t be a candidate to succeed his retiring boss.

Funding Shortfall For Trial Court Assistants May Lead To January Furloughs

Trial court assistants’ pay could be in jeopardy despite best efforts to shore up a funding shortfall.

Supreme Court Ruling on Rice Suit Strikes Tort Reform Provision

A group of rice farmers won a major appeal at the Arkansas Supreme Court in a ruling that struck down a portion of the state’s tort reform statute passed in 2003. What happens next?

Brawner: Tax Breaks For Tax Cuts

Arkansas News Bureau columnist Steve Brawner explores the subject of our news story on Rep. Davy Carter’s (R-Cabot) efforts to review state sales tax exemptions.

New Medicaid Chief Quizzed On Philosophy For Change

Arkansas’ new Medicaid chief, Dr. Andy Allison, received a warm and lengthy welcome from a legislative committee on his first week on the job, fielding questions regarding his philosophy and experience for reforming the state’s financially-strapped health care safety net program.

Lottery Officials Warn Of Declining Revenues, Scholarship Trends

State lawmakers learned Tuesday that Arkansas lottery scholarships are being used increasingly by students attending four-year schools versus two-year schools.

Full Tax Competitiveness Study Released By State Chamber

A study prepared by Ernst & Young for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce measures Arkansas’ corporate tax burden on new investments compared to seven nearby states.