Representative French Hill

Friends,

I recently had the opportunity to visit Ozark Health in Clinton to meet with CEO David Deaton and his team about the future of rural health care in Arkansas. Ozark Health is one of the few remaining independent hospitals in our state, providing critical access care for families in Van Buren and Conway Counties.

With more than 400 employees and a $20 million annual payroll, Ozark Health plays a vital role in the local economy. Like many rural hospitals, they face workforce shortages, especially in nursing. We discussed the importance of expanding nursing education programs, such as the new facility at the University of Arkansas Community College in Morrilton, to help meet that need.

David also shared concerns about confusion surrounding Medicare Advantage plans, with some seniors finding their coverage isn’t what they expected. This is an issue I’ll continue to monitor and work with partners like Ozark Health to ensure our seniors are informed and protected.

Before meeting the staff and touring their impressive facility, I shared information about the $50 billion Rural Health Care Fund included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, which President Trump signed into law in July. This fund is expected to bring at least $500 million to Arkansas to help strengthen rural hospitals like Ozark Health.

A special thank you to David and the entire Ozark Health team for taking the time to meet with me, show me around their facility, and for their continued commitment to providing quality health care in our rural communities.

DEMOCRATS VOTED AGAINST SNAP FUNDING…AGAIN

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides critical support for Arkansas families who need help putting food on the table.

Because Senate Democrats have refused to act to fund the government, SNAP benefits will lapse starting today, November 1, leaving thousands of families unsure how they’ll afford groceries.

How We Got Here

With my support, the House passed a clean funding bill on September 19 to keep the government open and ensure vital programs like SNAP remain fully funded for Arkansas families.

Unlike in the House, where a simple majority carries the day, the funding bill needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. Unfortunately, 44 Senate Democrats have voted against funding the government more than a dozen times.

As a result, the government remains shut down, and SNAP funding has run out, leaving thousands of Arkansas families unsure how they’ll afford groceries.

Need Food Help?

While Senate Democrats continue to block action, help is available. No one in Arkansas should go hungry. Local food banks, community organizations, and churches are ready to assist families in need. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) has food bank and pantry listings HERE and HERE.

You can also read Governor Sanders’ announcement outlining her plan to provide emergency funding to Arkansas food banks as the federal SNAP lapse takes effect.

We’re Here to Help
If you or anyone you know needs help finding food or other assistance, please call my office at (501) 324-5941. My team is ready to connect you with local resources.

Highlights from Central Arkansas

A Hero Turns 100

It was an honor to celebrate Floyd Brantley’s 100th birthday at the Conway Country Club. A proud Conway resident, Mr. Brantley answered his nation’s call across three wars—serving as a Navy medic in World War II, in the Air Force during the Korean War, and later re-enlisting in the Air National Guard during the Vietnam era. His decades of service reflect the best of Arkansas and the best of America.

Power of Prosperity at Philander Smith University
Entergy hosted its Power of Prosperity press conference at Philander Smith University to announce a $20 million, 10-year initiative supporting HBCUs across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The program will fund scholarships, facility upgrades, and workforce development opportunities.

I was honored to take part in the event and share details about my Ignite Act, which strengthens partnerships between HBCUs and the private sector to expand access to capital.

Fighting Prescription Abuse in Central Arkansas
I joined local law enforcement for a Prescription Drug Take Back event in Conway last week, helping raise awareness about the importance of safely disposing of unused or expired medications. Events like this keep our communities safe and prevent prescription drug misuse across Arkansas.

Celebrating Folds of Honor
The Simmons Bank Championship Folds of Honor ceremony at Pleasant Valley Country Club honored the incredible work of Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot and founder of Folds of Honor, who kicked off this year’s tournament. It was great to be there in support of Folds of Honor’s mission to provide scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members, a cause that truly embodies the spirit of service and sacrifice.

Honoring the American flag

Catholic High School is hosting its second annual American Flag Retirement Ceremony.

The school’s Marine Corps JROTC unit will conduct an official flag retirement ceremony at sunset on November 5, 2025. This solemn event will follow traditional protocols to ensure that each flag is retired with the honor it deserves.

Flags that have reached the end of their service life can be dropped off at the following collection points:

Catholic High School, 6300 Father Tribou Street – Flags will be accepted during school hours in the Front Office or JROTC Office. A Flag Retirement Drop Box is also available 24/7 at the southwest corner of the building, behind the JROTC sign and flagpole, across the driveway from the athletic field gate.
Double Tree Veterinary Clinic, 2606 Ferndale Cutoff Road – A collection bin is available during clinic hours.
Arkansas Flag and Banner, 800 West 9th Street – Arkansas Flag and Banner is offering a 15% discount on the purchase of a new flag when a flag is dropped off for retirement.

Discount coupons are available at all drop-off locations. This is a perfect opportunity to replace your old flag just in time for Veterans Day and retire our nation’s symbol with the respect it deserves.

To prepare flags for drop-off, community members are asked to fold them properly. Instructions can be found on the Arkansas Flag and Banner website.

WEEKLY TRIVIA

WHICH FIRST LADY HOSTED THE FIRST DOCUMENTED HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION AT THE WHITE HOUSE?

B) ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

A) HELEN TAFT

C) MAMIE EISENHOWER

D) JACQUELINE KENNEDY

Last week’s Trivia: Which British General Surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown in 1781? C) General Charles Cornwallis

81.3% of respondents answered correctly.

SERVING CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Tours of the U.S. Capitol Building

Due to the government shutdown, Capitol Tours have been suspended.

However, once Senate Democrats vote to reopen the government, my office can arrange tours of the Capitol and many other sights in Washington, D.C., on behalf of you and your family during your stay. Please note: As of May 7, 2025, White House tours will require Real IDs or other accepted ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID.

In the spring and summer months, tours for the Capitol fill up quickly. If you and your loved ones are planning on visiting Washington, D.C. in the coming months, I recommend you reach out to my office to request tours as soon as possible HERE.

If you have any questions about your visit to Washington, D.C., please call my D.C. office at (202) 225-2506.