Talk Politics

by Talk Business - April 4, 2011 7:00 pm

Brummett: Arrows Away

Political columnist John Brummett with our content partner, the Arkansas News Bureau, fires his up and down arrows in his most recent column. Taking aim at the state legislature, Brummett finds bipartisan highlights and lowlights in the winding-down session.

by Talk Business - April 4, 2011 7:00 pm

Tolbert: Senate Needs More Transparency

Jason Tolbert with our content partner, The Tolbert Report, uses his weekly Stephens Media column to highlight the need for the Arkansas State Senate to go at least as far as the House in broadcasting its proceedings.

by Talk Business - April 4, 2011 7:00 pm

Is This The Senate Compromise? (updated)

After two days of deliberation, State Senators advanced a Congressional redistricting plan from a bipartisan Senate committee, but its fate is as unknown as when this session might end.

by Talk Business - April 3, 2011 7:00 pm

Another Redistricting Strikeout In The Senate

Shortly before today’s afternoon Senate State Agencies Committee hearing, several State Senators were huddled outside of the Senate chamber. When asked if a deal on Congressional redistricting had been worked out, Sen. Jim Luker (D-Wynne) said, "We’re either going to be here 15 minutes or for 3 weeks."

by Talk Business - April 3, 2011 7:00 pm

State Tax Collections Up; Refunds Could Reduce Gains

Year-over-year gains in Arkansas tax collections may be offset by individual and corporate tax refunds later in the fiscal year, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration.

by Talk Business - April 2, 2011 7:00 pm

Democratic Leaders Struggling With ‘fayetteville To Fourth’

One has a pivotal legislative vote, the other will defend it in court.

by Talk Business - April 1, 2011 7:00 pm

The Legislative To-do List

The Arkansas Legislature handled a lot of it’s business, but one major item still remains. Here’s a recap of the General Assembly’s big to-do agenda.

Budget: The legislature approved a $4.6 billion budget packed with more money for schools and prisons, but austere in many other areas. The General Assembly blocked Gov. Mike Beebe’s proposed 1.86% pay increase for state employees… and went further on tax relief.

by Talk Business - April 1, 2011 7:00 pm

Womack, Gop Freshmen Front And Center In Budget Battle

Third District Congressman Steve Womack (R-Rogers) scored a political victory with the tight passage of a resolution he sponsored that would delay pay for Congress if a budget impasse shuts down the federal government.

by Talk Business - March 31, 2011 7:00 pm

Governor Discusses End Of Session Atmosphere

Gov. Mike Beebe met with reporters at the end of the week on what was hoped would be the last day of the 88th General Assembly.

by Talk Business - March 31, 2011 7:00 pm

Teague Picked To Lead Senate In 2013

Sticking to tradition, the Arkansas State Senate chose its new leader for the 2013 regular session.

by Talk Business - March 30, 2011 7:00 pm

New Congressional Plans Revealed On Last Day Of Session

Two new competing Congressional redistricting plans were revealed on the last day of the legislative session leaving lawmakers in a quandary over how to resolve differences on the decennial process.