Dear Friend,

Leading up to Christmas, I spent some time alongside the hardworking Arkansans that help make our holidays special.

I thanked Boy Scout Troop 30 and Luke Gilbert of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church as they packed and assembled Christmas boxes at the St. Francis House. For years, Scouts at Troop 30 have helped assemble holiday food and boxes for residents at the Jesse Powell Towers. I am proud of their dedication to service and our community.

For the sixth year, I had the opportunity to spend time with the hardworking men and women of UPS. This year, I rode alongside US Army Veteran Brodderick Norman, helping deliver Christmas packages across Little Rock. I was also able to see first-hand everything UPS is doing to donate bikes to children and the less fortunate this holiday season, reminding me of the strong community we have here in central Arkansas.

On Thursday, Martha and I stopped by the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System to wish both staff and patients a very Merry Christmas, as well as thank the hardworking staff for their dedication to central Arkansans all year long.

Last week, it was announced that the Community Schools program in Little Rock was the recipient of a $1 million grant from the United States Department of Justice.

I was pleased to attend the announcement of this grant alongside Mayor Scott, Superintendent Mike Poore, Principal Carlock, members of the Little Rock School Board and Board of Directors, and other leaders in our community.

This grant will empower our communities in combatting crime by ensuring equitable support for our most vulnerable students and neighborhoods. Community School locations include: Stephens Elementary, Washington Elementary, Chicot Elementary, and Watson Elementary. I look forward to seeing the difference this grant makes in our community.

As the omicron-variant continues to spread, the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to consult with your doctor and consider getting vaccinated, or consider receiving a booster shot if you’re eligible. To date, 52.7% of Arkansans 5 years old and up are fully vaccinated.

Currently, over 500 Arkansans are hospitalized due to COVID-19 and over 87% of those hospitalized are individuals who are not vaccinated.

Vaccines are available across the state for everyone age five and over and boosters are available to those 16 and older who received the Pfizer vaccine and 18 and older to those who received the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccines. More information on boosters can be found HERE.

To find a vaccine near you click HERE or call 1-800-803-7847 for assistance finding a vaccine in your area.