Easter deadline called unlikely; it’s more a hope than reality, state’s D.C. lawmakers say
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
3/29/2020
WASHINGTON -- Despite President Donald Trump's desire to reopen the country by Easter, most Arkansas congregations aren't decorating eggs or ordering truckloads of lilies.
Members of the state congressional delegation say they're skeptical that Arkansas… Read more »
Arkansas cases top 400; lab work lags as supplies dearth foils tests access
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
3/29/2020
The coronavirus claimed two more lives in Arkansas as of Saturday, and supply-chain issues have bogged down plans to expand testing in the state, officials said Saturday.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a briefing with reporters that a shortage of supplies and materials to… Read more »
U.S. Coronavirus Rescue Boosts Capital for Global Recovery
The Wall Street Journal
3/28/2020
The economic aid legislation signed by President Trump on Friday bolsters the international lending institutions that are gearing up for an unprecedented bailout of the global economy.
The legislation boosts capital at the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the African… Read more »
State working through backlog of unemployment claims
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
3/28/2020
Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston says unemployment claims are backed up, but state officials are working to process those claims.
Preston added that the state government will be guaranteeing loans of up to $250,000 for Arkansan businesses, which he said are also being harshly… Read more »
Arkansans hightail it to D.C. to help pass relief bill
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
3/28/2020
WASHINGTON -- The effort wasn't easy, but members of the House delegation from Arkansas all made it back to Capitol Hill on Friday in time to vote for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Ultimately, no roll call was taken; the $2 trillion package passed on a voice… Read more »
EDC, banks to make loans, insurance available to Arkansans
El Dorado News-Times
3/28/2020
With many businesses closing and Arkansas reaching record-high numbers of people filing for unemployment, Gov. Asa Hutchinson urges Arkansans to continue to work and take advantage of benefits afforded by the state and federal government.
During Saturday’s daily press briefing, Hutchinson… Read more »
Arkansas' congressmen say airports nearly empty as they travel for D.C. vote
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
3/27/2020
he N95 face mask in U.S. Rep. Steve Womack's shed typically filters out lawn mower dust. But this week, it headed east with the congressman, another tool in his anti-coronavirus arsenal.
Given the lack of traffic, "I didn't use it because I really didn't feel like I… Read more »
Washington quietly prepares a bank rescue — just in case
Politico
3/27/2020
Tucked inside Congress' $2 trillion economic rescue package for America is sweeping authority for the government to come to the aid of the one industry that has insisted it doesn't need a bailout: the big banks.
Lenders that the government saved in the 2008 financial crisis have been touting the strength… Read more »
Financial Services Committee Democrats Release COVID-19 Wish List
Competitive Enterprise Institute
3/27/2020
This week, Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee, led by Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), unveiled their public policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While framed as a goodwill attempt at helping struggling Americans, the partisan legislation contains a… Read more »
Sound On: Rep. French Hill, Germany COVID-19 Response (Podcast)
Bloomberg
3/26/2020
Bloomberg Chief Washington Correspondent Kevin Cirilli delivers insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy.
Guests: Arkansas Republican Congressman French Hill,… Read more »
