By James Sturch, Arkansas Senator When the 2023 regular session convenes on January 9, there will be 13 new members in the Arkansas Senate.The legislature is a citizen legislature, and the senators’ occupations reflect the Arkansas economy. The Senate has cattle ranchers, chicken growers and row crop farmers. It has bankers, accountants, attorneys, educators and people who own their own businesses. One senator is a pastor and chaplain for people in hospice…
By James Sturch, Arkansas Senator The legislature’s list of accomplishments in 2022 is lengthy and significant.During a special session in the summer, legislators reduced income taxes for about 1.6 million Arkansas taxpayers by moving up the effective date of the tax cuts adopted last year. The tax cuts will save Arkansans an estimated $500 million a year.During the fiscal session in the spring, lawmakers approved $5,000 salary supplements for police officers, parole…
By James Sturch, Arkansas Senator Legislators finished the calendar year with a final round of recommendations for spending federal relief funds and reserve funds.The recommendations include using another $93.8 million for broadband projects and $20 million to upgrade computerized case management for the state court system.Also, $6.25 million was recommended to help cover the expenses of opening the new Sevier County Medical Center.The subcommittee also recommended using $75 million from reserve funds…
By James Sturch, Arkansas Senator The state Natural Resources Commission has awarded $270 million in grants for 157 drinking water and wastewater projects in 58 counties.Work will begin in 2023 on the projects and they must be completed before the end of 2026. Money for construction comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, a massive federal emergency funding law meant to help state and local communities recover from the economic impact of…
James Sturch, Arkansas Senator Arkansas has been developing a statewide response to the growing health crisis created by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.During the 2023 session the legislature will consider a series of proposals brought by the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council, which was created by Act 319 of 2021.Measures include enhancement of services for caregivers. Many wear themselves out physically caring for loved ones, and many receive no compensation for the long…
