Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

General Improvement Funds Expected To Be Small, If At All

For a lot of readers, we offer a simple primer on General Improvement Funds, a lower-profile aspect to the budgeting process that involves a lot of internal politics in the state capitol power structure.

Brawner: House Decided Money Does Grow On Trees

Stephens Media columnist Steve Brawner examines the budding similarities between the state legislature and the federal Congress.

A Fifth Filing For Open House Seat

A fifth candidate filed for an open House seat on Wednesday, just two days before filing closes.

Federal Transportation Leader Coming To Jonesboro

U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica will hold a "listening session" in Jonesboro on Thursday, Feb. 24.

Proposed Constitutional Amendments Will Get Airing

Eight proposed constitutional amendments will get their first public screening in a House subcommittee on Wednesday.

Womack Says ‘gut-check’ Votes Coming

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-Rogers) was right in the middle of the latest grueling vote to cut $100 billion in federal government spending, but he warned state business leaders on Tuesday (Feb. 22) that two votes later in the year will be equally gut-wrenching.

Mcdaniel Rejects Nelson Severance Tax Proposal

On Tuesday, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel rejected a proposed ballot initiative aimed at raising the state’s severance tax on natural gas to 7%.

Attorney, two-time GOP gubernatorial nominee, and former natural gas company executive Sheffield Nelson filed paperwork on Feb. 7 with the Attorney General’s office to lead an initiated act to raise Arkansas’ severance tax on natural gas to 7%.

Tax Cut Bills Pass Senate, House Committee

One day after clearing a Senate committee hurdle, three tax cut bills passed the full Senate and a House tax panel approved a new tax cut proposal.

Speaker’s Road Plan Faces Senate Obstacles

House Speaker Robert Moore’s Herculean task of cobbling together a roads program involving tax increases in the current political climate could face obstacles in the Senate if it passes the House.

First Republican Files For Open House Seat

Three Democrats have announced their intentions to chase an open House seat, and now a fourth Republican candidate joins the fray.

Governor Spokesman Dissects Prison Reform Arguments

With the looming introduction of a bill to overhaul the state’s criminal justice system, Governor’s spokesman Matt DeCample says discussions with concerend interest groups continue.

Senate Panel Passes 3 Tax Cut Bills (updated)

As expected, a Senate tax panel passed three tax cutting proposals on Monday – different measures than those passed by the House – and a powerful lobbying group staked its opposition to all tax cuts in the 88th General Assembly. Later in the day, Gov. Mike Beebe said he wouldn’t fight the legislature on the Senate-approved tax cut measures.