Dear Friends,

Yesterday, national media outlets projected that Vice President Biden won the 2020 presidential election by securing vote leads in Pennsylvania and Georgia.

However, not all of the ballots have been counted in key states and numerous citizens have reported irregularities while trying to vote.

We need fairness and transparency while each legal vote is being counted and urge the remaining states to act with integrity and properly count the outstanding votes. Further, we want all Americans to believe that the process was fully and fairly carried out. Thus, I hope all show patience while the remaining steps are completed. In addition to all eyes being on the top job, we have two races in central Arkansas that are dependent on completing a fair final count.

Progress for the Mayflower overpass

Arkansas Department of Transportation Considering Bids

I am happy to announce that this week, the Arkansas Department of Transportation began considering bids for the Mayflower Overpass.

This project is part of the JumpStart Mayflower initiative to increase economic development in the city of Mayflower. I have actively involved with this project since 2015 and I am proud of Mayor Randy Holland’s continued push to see this project come to fruition. In addition to economic development, this overpass is a very crucial public safety issue. I have been working with Mayflower Mayor Randy Holland and Judge Jim Baker to move it forward. This a big step toward a safer Mayflower, as well as facilitating growth in Faulkner County.

I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Randy Holland, the Arkansas Department of Transportation, and local leaders on this important infrastructure project.

SUCCESS FOR ARKANSAS DRUG TAKE BACK

New Record for Prescription Drug Collection in Arkansas

This week, on their ten-year anniversary, Arkansas Drug Take Back announced that the recent collection day set a new record in Arkansas for the disposal of prescription medications, with nearly 20 tons collected.

As of October 24, 2020, this new record moved Arkansas from 13th place in 2019 to 7th place nationally.

I am proud of central Arkansans for taking these essential steps to help prevent the misuse of prescription drugs. I thank our community partners for their hard work to ensure that these prescription drugs are disposed of safely and I remain committed to fighting the scourge of addiction in our community on all fronts.

HOLDING FEDERAL AGENCIES ACCOUNTABLE

Golden Fleece Award Given to the Department of Commerce

Last week, I named the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) as the latest recipient of my Golden Fleece Award for their failure to adequately implement and address vulnerabilities to fraud in unemployment insurance (UI) programs and for not reporting improper payments to the Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) system.

Failing to take adequate action to help states implement the expanded unemployment insurance programs this spring left many people in need and without financial help for weeks.

While the DOL has tried to address many of the vulnerabilities with fraud, the DOL’s response to the Inspector General to not report improper payments made within expanded unemployment is unacceptable, and a breach of the public’s trust.

I will continue to protect your hard-earned tax dollars and hold our federal agencies accountable.

REcognizing Officer Joshua Kear

Community Policing Making a Difference for At-Risk Youth

Recently, I recognized Conway Police Department Officer Joshua Kear in the Congressional Record as the recipient of the 2020 Teen Court Faye Shepherd Award for Juvenile Justice, which recognizes an individual dedicated to serving at-risk youth.

With the support of a faith-based rehabilitation center, Mr. Kear overcame his own battle with alcohol dependency and now provides critical mentorship to youth in the community.

Officer Kear uses his previous struggles to connect with others who may be dealing with similar troubles. His refusal to give up on them and his commitment to their success has inspired many in the community.

Thank you, Officer Kear, for your service and congratulations on receiving this award!

SERVING OUR CENTRAL ARKANSAS HEROES

Our Veterans Must Receive the Benefits They Are Owed

One of my top priorities as your congressman is ensuring that central Arkansas’s veterans and their families receive the benefits they earned.

I have three combat veterans on staff whose sole mission is to help veterans in central Arkansas.

Last month alone, we returned $1,787,991 to Arkansas veterans and closed 55 cases with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

We can help you navigate the VA system, and we stand at the ready to help you – especially during this difficult and trying time.

If you need assistance with the VA please contact my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941 or visit my website HERE.

It is my honor to represent you in Congress.

Please contact me at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.Gov if I may be of service to you.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill