Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

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.

Lawmakers Recess With Budget Work Completed

$4.7 billion and not much more. State lawmakers approved a budget for FY 2013 that mostly mirrored Gov. Mike Beebe’s recommendations.

Income Tax Refunds Hurt February Overall Revenues

Arkansas’ February tax revenues netted $190.1 million for the month — down 11.2% from a year ago and 10.6% below forecast.

Opponents Of Natural Gas Severance Tax Hike Stage Capitol Rally

Opponents of a natural gas severance tax increase staged a rally at the state capitol to show opposition to a proposal that has yet to qualify for the November ballot.

Filing Period Closes, Election Field Is Set

Candidate filing closed at noon today (March 1) setting the field for the May primaries and potential November elections.

Medicaid Takes Center Stage In Budget Debate, But It Is Likely To Star Longer

A new Medicaid budget shortfall estimate — disputed by Gov. Mike Beebe (D) — has state lawmakers advocating for a more aggressive budget approach.

Justice Fund Report Pinpoints 3 Reasons For Revenue Decline

Court officials released a special report that explains why the depleted Administration of Justice (AOJ) fund lost so much money in 2011 that Gov. Mike Beebe (D) has had to bail it out with emergency funds.

Griffin Inquiry Renews Hope For Hawker Beechcraft Jobs

Last month, we reported that Cong. Tim Griffin (R-Little Rock) called into question the U.S. Air Force’s award of a contract to a foreign competitor of U.S.-based Hawker Beechcraft. The Air Force has backed off the decision and delayed its award pending an investigation.

Is Arkansas Ready To VoterUp?

Are local political campaigns ready for the next technological leap?

Democrat Q. Byrum Hurst Enters Fourth District Congressional Race

Democratic Party of Arkansas chairman Will Bond hinted last week that he expected a third Democrat to enter the Fourth District race besides D.C. Morrison and State Sen. Gene Jeffress.