Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

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.

Clinton Comes To Town For History And Arts

Former President Bill Clinton was in central Arkansas for some notable events on Saturday.

Pawlenty Visit About Connections And Money

Talk Business contributor Suzi Parker with Politics Daily writes about former Minnesota Governor and potential 2012 GOP Presidential contender Tim Pawlenty’s recent trip to Arkansas.

Municipal League Endorses Roads Programs

The Arkansas Municipal League’s governing board has "unanimously endorsed current efforts to fund the improvement of state highways and roads."

Beebe Signs Ethics Bills Into Law

For some it was a major accomplishment, for others it didn’t go far enough.

Democratic Party Makes Staff Changes

Less than one week after installing a new chairman, the Democratic Party of Arkansas announced changes to its senior staff.

Prosecutors, Ledge, Governor Meet To Discuss Sentencing Changes

Another chapter in the saga of prison reform was written today as prosecutors, legislators and members of the Governor’s staff convened in different settings to discuss changes to the state’s criminal justice system.

Speaker’s Road Plan Seeks Trucker Support

Arkansas House Speaker Robert Moore (D-Arkansas City) said he will file a bill to increase taxes to pay for road repairs in Arkansas and will support a second proposal to give voters the option to increase taxes for highway construction.

Ethics Bills Head To Beebe’s Desk

Two bills aimed at reforming state legislators’ travel and term-limited employment were approved by the State Senate on Wednesday and sent to Gov. Mike Beebe for signature.

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.