Representative French Hill

Dear Friend,

Members of my Veterans team recently stopped by the Veterans Villages of America Food Pantry in North Little Rock and helped out veterans by distributing Thanksgiving boxes and advising Veterans with any issues they may be having.

This food pantry is operated by Col. Mike Ross, U.S. Army (ret.) and is open every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, providing food for all veterans in our community – regardless of need.

The food pantry is located at:

8325 MacArthur Drive
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72118

LIGHTING THE GRAND MENORAH

Sunday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Arkansas Chanukah Celebration in Little Rock. Gov. Asa Hutchinson lit the first candle on the Menorah – known as the Shamash, or helper candle, which is then used to light the other candles on the Menorah. I enjoyed being a part of the festivities and would like to wish a Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate!

PULASKI COUNTY: ARKANSAS RENT RELIEF PROGRAM OPENS APPLICATIONS

Pulaski County residents may now apply for rent and utility relief through the Arkansas Rent Relief Program, administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

If you are seeking rent and utility relief, you can apply by clicking this link. You will be redirected to the Arkansas Rent Relief Portal to create an account and submit an application. It is encouraged for tenants and landlords to work together to submit this application – doing so will help speed up the process.

Applicants will receive updates through the review process, including requests for additional information and the final award decision, through email.

If you or someone you know needs additional assistance, a list of community partners to help fill out the application is available here. If you need further assistance, please reach out to my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS ARTWORK AT THE U.S. CAPITOL

I was glad to see Daye “Catherine” Kwon’s artwork hanging in the tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol Building. In May, I announced that Catherine’s oil painting titled, “Burnout” was the winner of this year’s art competition and will be on display through March. I am proud that the hard work of central Arkansas student artists will be displayed for my colleagues across the country to see.

At the time of submission, Catherine was a senior at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts in Hot Springs. Catherine is currently a freshman at Yale University. Burnout, was inspired by Catherine's experience attending three different high schools and revolves around the idea of comparison - different places, different communities, different expectations.

BLESSING FROM POPE FRANCIS

This past Summer, Martha and I met with Catholic leaders and legislators from around the world, including Pope Francis.

While visiting with Pope Francis, I was honored to have the opportunity to request a blessing on behalf of the Catholic High School for Boys, from which I am a proud alumnus.

Recently, Arkansas Catholic published a column about my audience with Pope Francis and his key points. My article can be read by clicking here, or the image below.

WASHINGTON’S SPENDING PROBLEM

I voted no on the Washington-termed “infrastructure” bill, known as “BIF,” because Washington as a spending problem. Less than 10% of the bill will go towards traditional infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. Additionally, the bill is filled with provisions that will mostly benefit states on the East and West coasts – not Arkansas.

There were several bipartisan, more fiscally responsible approaches that I fully supported. Unfortunately, House and Senate Democrats did not support that approach.

To learn more about the bill, and why I voted against it, read my latest column in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, here.

Sincerely,