Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2020-21 class of my Future Leaders Council.
My Future Leaders Council consists of fifth-graders from across central Arkansas interested in engaging with civic leaders about public service and the political process.
Yesterday, we kicked off the 4th class of the Council on Zoom and in person at the Jack Stephens Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
We were joined by Arkansas State Senator Jane English and discussed the U.S. Constitution and the three branches of government. Each student left the meeting with their very own pocket Constitution to review and encourage them to learn more about the foundations of our great nation.
Left to right: Congressman Hill; Sergeant Roy Mayo, who kept the grounds safe, and stayed and listened in; and Arkansas State Senator Jane English. Masks removed for the photo. |
I am proud of each of these students for their interest and excitement and thank Senator English for being a part of this important day.
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| CARES Act Funds at work in our community |
Providing for Arkansans in Need
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Friday, at the invitation of the City of Little Rock Director Joan Adcock, I volunteered, distributing food boxes at the Southwest Community Center to provide food for families in need.
This program is directly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which is part of the $2.2 trillion CARES that I voted for.
I was proud to see federal dollars getting to where they are needed the most – right here on the ground in Arkansas and making a difference in the lives of many.
During these difficult months, many families have needed assistance through no fault of their own. Programs like this one help provide meals and keep food from being one more stress for Arkansans who may have lost their jobs or financial security due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am grateful for Director Adcock and the other volunteers who assisted in making this event possible.
| Resources during suicide prevention month |
HELP IS AVAILABLE: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) |
è If you or a loved one is in crisis, help is available 24/7 through 911 or the national suicide prevention lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Tragically, every 14 hours, someone in Arkansas dies by suicide, and every 20 minutes a veteran commits suicide somewhere in the United States. This is both staggering and heartbreaking. Help is always available – and now those struggling will have one more way to connect with lifesaving aid.
In 2018 I voted for the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act, and it became law. In July, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted unanimously to designate 988 as a dialing short-code – like 911. Dialing this number would connect callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which also can be reached at (800) 273-TALK (8255). This is scheduled to come online by July 2022.
My office also stands ready to assist in any way that we can; please call us at (501) 324-5941.
For my part, I am committed to delivering policy to support mental health programs that save lives because one life lost to suicide is one too many.
| Honoring our teachers and coaches |
Recognizing Searcy Coach Evans on the House Floor |
Recently, I took to the House Floor to recognize Searcy High School Girls Wrestling Team's Jerry Evans for being named one of Arkansas's Outstanding Coaches of the year.
To watch my speech, click HERE or on the image below.
Coach Evans was called to coach from a young age. He told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, “I knew I wanted to be a coach ever since I was in eighth grade. I knew I wanted to be in education and become a teacher.”
He has fulfilled that dream, and this past year, led the Searcy High School Girls Wrestling Team to victory as the girls Arkansas state champions, also picking up two individual championships on the team.
Congratulations, Coach Evans and Searcy High School.
| Keeping Arkansans healthy |
Federal Funding Supporting COVID-19 Tests in Arkansas |
On Wednesday, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that Arkansas is using $4 million of the CARES Act funding that I voted for to purchase 120,000 COVID-19 antigen tests. These additional tests will be deployed throughout Arkansas and will significantly boost capabilities to determine the spread of the virus.
In addition, Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero addressed reports that some are being charged as much as $170 for COVID-19 tests. He reported that COVID-19 tests at local health units in Arkansas should be free. If you have any questions, visit the Arkansas Department of Health 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
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