Arkansas Senator

James Sturch, Arkansas Senator Funds are now available from the settlement of a massive lawsuit against opioid distributors, and will be awarded to projects that have demonstrated effectiveness in combating the abuse of painkillers.The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership has set up a website with information about how to apply. It has an advisory board that will review applications. The Partnership’s director previously served as state Drug Director for five years.The Partnership is…

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James Sturch, Arkansas Senator A panel of three federal judges dismissed portions of a lawsuit filed against state officials, in which plaintiffs argue that the legislature violated the federal Voting Rights Act last year when it drew new maps for the state’s four Congressional districts.The lawsuit contends that the new map dilutes the strength of African-American voters by splitting Pulaski County among three separate Congressional Districts.Traditionally, Pulaski County has been entirely within…

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James Sturch, Arkansas Senator Legislators have begun budget hearings in preparation for the 2023 regular session.Members of the Joint Budget Committee and the Legislative Council will review in detail all spending requests by state agencies.The governor will present a balanced budget plan on November 10 that legislators will consider before they recommend spending levels for state government. At the same time the administration will update its economic forecast for the remainder of…

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James Sturch, Arkansas Senator Over the next three years about 3,200 Arkansans with disabilities will be able to get Medicaid services at home or in their community, rather than in an institution.The Legislative Council approved the expansion of eligibility, submitted by the state Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.The division doesn’t have sufficient staff to care for the additional 3,200 people. A provision in the new rules approved by legislators will allow the…

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James Sturch, Arkansas Senator The Senate and House Committees on Education are scheduled to vote on next year’s adequacy report at their meeting in early October.The committees went over a draft of the adequacy report at their September meeting. The legislature has been conducting adequacy reviews since 2003, to ensure that state funding of public schools is constitutionally adequate and equitable. The committee’s final report is due November 1.There is heightened interest…

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