Talk Politics

Covering Arkansas Politics

Brawner: Ledge Votes Right On Health Reform

Stephens Media columnist Steve Brawner uses his weekly forum to weigh in on the Arkansas legislature’s attempt to undo the federal health care insurance mandate.

Revenue Report Shows Positives, But Warnings Still Abound

Boosted by growth in personal income taxes, Arkansas January revenue report continued to show marginal improvements for collections despite setbacks in consumer spending and corporate taxes.

Gop Calls For Election, Not Convention In District 54 Vacancy

The Arkansas GOP informed Gov. Mike Beebe that it requests a primary election be held in the House District 54 vacancy caused by Rep. Fred Smith’s resignation over a felony theft conviction.

A Little Love For Downtown Arkansas

In last year’s legislative session, several efforts were made to advance the agendas of downtown redevelopers. Not all the measures passed.

Co-sponsor Says Ethics Reform A ‘big Stride’

Rep. Ann Clemmer, R-Benton, one of the House co-sponsors of the legislature’s ethics reform bill, offered a few comments to Talk Business the day after companion bills were introduced.

Holland Tentative Trial Date Established

A tentative trial date of May 12 has been set for State Sen. Bruce Holland, R-Greenwood, who faces a misdemeanor charge of fleeing and charges of careless driving and improper passing related to a high-speed chase through Perry and Yell counties.

Brummett Weighs In On Ethics Proposal

Arkansas News Bureau columnist John Brummett weighs in on the ethics reform legislation proposed by a bipartisan group of state lawmakers.

Holland’s High-speed Chase Provides Plenty Of Column Fodder

The controversy surrounding State Sen. Bruce Holland’s backroad high-speed chase through western Arkansas drew a lot of attention last week.

Clean Air Supporters Lighting Up The Debate

We told you last week that supporters of an expansion of the Clean Indoor Air Act are readying for another fight.

Tolbert: In Defense Of Partisanship

Blogger and columnist Jason Tolbert uses his Sunday column for Stephens Media to discuss the challenges that lay before newly elected legislators in this session.

No Surprises In Bipartisan Ethics Bill (updated)

In a straightforward two-page bill, Speaker of the House Robert Moore, Senate President Paul Bookout, and a bipartisan group of 17 co-sponsors filed a bill aiming to improve ethics in the Arkansas General Assembly.

The Tax Cuts On The Table

State Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway, was our guest on Talk Business last night. He and John Brummett with our content partner, the Arkansas News Bureau, had a spirited exchange on ideas regarding tax cuts and the state budget.

Key Republican Talks Tax Cuts, Budget & Redistricting

In a rare display of on-the-record legislative candor, State Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway, shares insight on a variety of issues in an interview with Arkansas News Bureau political columnist John Brummett.

Mark Pryor Leading Reform Effort In U.s. Senate

Junior Democrats in the U.S. Senate, led by none other than Arkansas Senator Mark Pryor, are attempting to recraft seniority assignments in an effort to accelerate legislative activity in Congress.

Is The Legislative Session Nearing A Breakthrough Or Two?

Arkansas lawmakers appear to be slowly easing into their legislative functions nearly three weeks into the 88th General Assembly.

Nelson To Take Over Political Animals Club

Rex Nelson is adding a lot to his plate.

Renewable Energy Researcher Says Arkansas Sitting Pretty

A new study from Duke University and Georgia Tech contends that Arkansas is leading 16 Southern states in renewable energy generation, but is poised to do much more.

Rep. Smith Resigns From Arkansas House

In the end, his legal residence didn’t get him removed from office, but a legal matter did.

State Senator’s Speeding Trip Not Over Yet (updated)

Perry County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Byrd said it may be as soon as Wednesday (Jan. 26) when the department decides if it will pursue criminal charges against Sen. Bruce Holland, R-Greenwood, for driving through the county at speeds above 100 m.p.h.