In the News

This year’s Arkansas legislative session could be tagged with the phrase, “No news is good news.” While the Diocese of Little Rock monitors what bills are presented to make sure social and moral teachings of the Church are not being threatened, this year so far does not include many hot-button issues. “The last two legislative sessions by this date, my list was a… Read more »

The Little Rock Board of Directors wants Arkansas' two senators and the city's congressional representative to meet with board members about how lack of Internet sales tax collection is negatively affecting revenue growth in municipalities. City Director Dean Kumpuris has raised the issue repeatedly over the past several years. While Little Rock initially planned for a 2 percent growth… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack says legislation will be introduced this year to make it easier for states to collect taxes on Internet sales that are owed by consumers but typically go unpaid. The measure would create a level playing field for Arkansas merchants competing against out-of-state businesses that are able to sell products tax-free, Womack said. Under current federal law, a state can… Read more »

U.S. Rep. French Hill periodically singles out a government program or agency that he believes is wasting taxpayer money and gives it what he calls a “Golden Fleece Award.” But this month, he decided to bestow the award on an entire administration, saying that newly issued last-minute regulations promulgated under President Barack Obama will cause harm. Hill, a Republican… Read more »

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Monday that he will have to “wait and see” if state lawmakers take up his effort to separate the dual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Robert E. Lee Day, though he’s “confident it’s the right thing to do.” The governor echoed his belief King needs a holiday of his own at an interfaith prayer breakfast celebrating… Read more »

n a marathon session, the U.S. Senate rejected 19 health care-related pieces of legislation Wednesday and Thursday, culminating in a budget resolution that sets the stage for repealing Obamacare. Now the action moves to the House and, eventually, state capitols. The evening, known by some as “vote-a-rama,” ended at 12:05 a.m. CST with a 51-48 vote on a resolution that sets… Read more »

Two members of Arkansas' congressional delegation got new committee assignments Friday as House officials divvied up key positions. Other members were given promotions or learned they'd be taking on new tasks during the 115th Congress. U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, a Republican from Jonesboro, was added to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence by its chairman, Rep. Devin… Read more »

Donald Trump’s point man on financial regulation probably won’t be joining the incoming administration, at least not initially. Paul Atkins, widely viewed as a top candidate for a powerful regulatory perch at the Federal Reserve, has told people he intends to stay at his consulting firm, Patomak Global Partners, according to people familiar with the matter. A former member… Read more »

Now that the dust has settled from the Nov. 8 elections, it’s time for Washington effectively govern. While pundits, pollsters, data experts and many others may have had a differing opinion on the election outcome, House leadership has been actively preparing for a Republican victory. This year, House Republicans began unveiling our “better way” agenda, essentially a… Read more »

Now that the dust has settled from the Nov. 8 elections, it’s time for Washington to effectively govern. While pundits, pollsters, data experts and many others may have had a differing opinion on the election outcome, House leadership has been actively preparing for a Republican victory. This year, House Republicans began unveiling our “better way” agenda, essentially a… Read more »