Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Tax Cut Bills Tabled In House Committee

Three tax cut bills that passed the full Senate were on trial in a House committee today, but that’s as far as they got.

What’s In The Prison Reform Bill?

All hail, Kelly MacNeil, KUAR’s intrepid capitol reporter who also writes for the radio station’s new blog, Ark Things Considered. We’re a proud content partner with KUAR-FM 89 and you can catch Talk Business on Mondays at 6pm on the Little Rock public radio station.

As Deadline Draws Near, Political Bills Worth Watching – Part 1

With a Monday, March 7 deadline for bill filing drawing near, the intrigue for interesting legislation increases.

Two Tax Cut Proposals Enjoy Varying Degree Of Support

Tax cuts are a hot topic at the state legislature and among the public, they enjoy varying degrees of support.

Republicans Split On Tax Cut Strategy

Is it possible that no tax cuts could pass this legislative session?

Redistricting Plan Meets 3rd District Resistance

The discussion about redistricting includes a plan that would place Fayetteville within the same Congressional District as Pine Bluff and Texarkana.

Omnibus Health Insurance Package Being Prepared

A package of perhaps 10 bills is being prepared to help Arkansas implement aspects of the controversial federal health care reform law passed by Congress last year.

Final Prison Bill Appeasing Prosecutors’ Concerns

In the end, it looks like Gov. Mike Beebe will get his man – or men, we should say.

Talk Business Poll: Support For Prison Revisions Widespread

Drafts and revisions of a comprehensive prison and sentencing reform measure have been circulating the halls of the state capitol for weeks, but the basic concept behind the overhaul may have solidified in voters’ minds already.

Governor Discusses Medicaid Waiver With Feds

It has received little attention in this legislative session because it is not a top session concern this year, but the state’s Medicaid system is headed towards the brink of disaster.

Democrats’ New Chairman Formulating Plans To Reverse 2010 Losses

Will Bond, the former Jacksonsville legislator and new chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas, understands pressure.

Secretary Of State Unveils Redistricting Web Site

Secretary of State Mark Martin has launched a website to share information on the redistricting process about to take place in Arkansas.

Redrawing Congressional Lines A Likely Partisan Divide

Publicly and privately, state lawmakers – who are charged with redrawing Congressional District lines – are outlining the high-stakes risks and rewards that could influence Arkansas’ federal elections for the next decade.

Legislators & Governor Still Have A Lot Of Heavy Lifting To Do

With nearly two months of the regular session in the rear view mirror, there still remains a lot of unresolved issues that the 88th General Assembly and Gov. Mike Beebe must address. Consider:

Beebe Senate Ally, Livestock & Poultry Commissioner Dies

Former state legislator and Gov. Beebe confidante Jon Fitch, director of the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, passed away after complications from a stroke, Talk Business has confirmed.

Vacated House Seat Candidates Set At 7

The filing period for House District 54 closed at noon today and 7 candidates have declared their intentions to run.

Speaker’s Race For 2013 Surfacing

If you don’t subscribe to our Friday Arkansas Report, you’re missing out on valuable inside political scoop. Click here to check out the details and subscribe.

House Speaker Details $2.8 Billion Highway Plan

Minutes before threatening weather and possible tornadoes moved through the capital city, House Speaker Robert Moore unveiled his plans for a major highway program that could be a political lightning rod.

In fact, an hour after his press conference, lightning struck the capitol dome.