Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

House Approves Tax Cuts Over Governor’s Objections

As expected, House leaders passed three tax cutting measures over Gov. Mike Beebe’s objections, but not without drama.

Lottery Scholarships To Shrink

Lottery scholarships in Arkansas are going to get smaller.

Piece Of Prison Reform Puzzle Passes First Test

A measure to ease Arkansas’ prison overcrowding passed a House committee on Wednesday – a precursor to a larger debate regarding pressure on the state’s criminal justice system.

Hutchinson Files Bill For Bonds To Cover Unemployment Debt

State Senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R-Little Rock) filed a bill on Tuesday to allow for a bond election to shore up debt owed to the federal government for unemployment benefits.

Tax Cut Bills Pass House Panel – Now What? (updated)

Arkansas House members passed three tax cutting measures out of committee on Tuesday paving the way for a contentious showdown in the Senate and with Gov. Mike Beebe.

Rep. Webb Files Bills To Regulate Natural Gas Industry (updated)

Rep. Kathy Webb certainly has influence over where the "green" goes in Arkansas as co-chair of the powerful Joint Budget Committee.

Two Democrats File For Open House Seat

On the first day of filing for an open House of Representatives seat, Democrats fielded two candidates in the District 54 special election.

Mcdaniel Says $2.1 Million Recovered For Consumers

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said that his Consumer Protection Division recovered more than $2.1 million for consumers in 2010, the largest single-year recovery in the history of the state.

House Transportation Leader Readying Roads Bill

Rep. Jonathan Barnett (R-Siloam Springs) has been charged with a daunting task this legislative session: help House Speaker Robert Moore craft a passable highway program.

Democrats Pick Bond For Chairman

As expected, Arkansas Democrats selected former Jacksonville State Rep. Will Bond to replace Todd Turner as chairman at their Hot Springs meeting on Saturday.

Brummett: Census Data Shows Arkansas Shifts

Political columnist John Brummett with our content partner, the Arkansas News Bureau, examines the state Census data released late last week and offers several observations.

As you know, the Census data will be used to reconfigure Congressional and legislative districts this year, which will shape the political landscape in Arkansas for the next decade.

Beebe Sets Special Election For District 54 Seat

Gov. Mike Beebe set the special election dates for House District 54, which saw its controversial elected representative, Fred Smith (D-Crawfordsville), resign last month.

Political Animals Club To Host Ledge Leaders

The central Arkansas Political Animals Club will host House Speaker Robert Moore and Senate President Paul Bookout next week.

Prison Reform Bill Nearing Public Release

An omnibus bill aimed at controlling Arkansas’ ever-growing prison population is nearing a first public viewing at the state legislature.

Census Data Shows Big Growth In Nw Arkansas, Dramatic Losses In Delta

The U.S. Census Bureau released detailed data for Arkansas that highlights a number of dramatic increases and decreases in the state’s population – key factors in upcoming political redistricting.

Constitutional Changes Plentiful And Unpredictable

Arkansas lawmakers will have to whittle down as many as 25 proposals for potential voter referral to alter the state’s constitution.

After Congressional Runs, Where Are They Now?

While Arkansas ushered in three new federal representatives and returned one incumbent in 2010, there were four candidates for Congress who have slipped back into life off the campaign trail.

Tax Cut Bills In The Mix

This legislative session the debate over tax cuts won’t end with Gov. Mike Beebe’s half-cent grocery tax reduction.

Brummett: A Conversation With The Congressman

Political columnist John Brummett of the Arkansas News Bureau recounts his recent conversation with Second District Congressman Tim Griffin at a recent town hall.

Insurance Commissioner Gives Health Care Overview

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford briefed the House Public Health Committee on the health insurance exchange coming to the state in response to federal health care reform.