Dear Friend,

The 2021 – 2022 school year began yesterday in many districts across the state, but vaccination rates have yet to outpace the growth in COVID cases. The state COVID-19 report from the Arkansas Department of Health has shown a continued upward trend in cases.

The Delta variant is surging across the state. COVID has already affected a year and a half of education for Arkansas children – they deserve better.

Arkansas is in a worse position now than it was in January of this year. There are a limited number of hospital beds available in the state--for anyone who may need intensive care for any issue.

I strongly encourage all Arkansans who are not currently vaccinated against COVID-19 to consult with their doctor about getting vaccinated.

Those that are fully vaccinated are much less likely to get infected with COVID-19, and the small percentage of those that become infected after receiving a vaccine have experienced milder cases of COVID.

The Pfizer vaccine is available to Arkansans ages 12 and up, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for adults over 18.

To find a free COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov, call 1-800-232-0233, or text your zip code to 438829. For more information visit the Arkansas Department of Health website.

CONSERVATION IN THE NATURAL STATE

The Natural State is known for its abundance of outdoor recreation.

In July, I was proud to have been on hand for the announcement of a partnership to improve access and recreational opportunities at the Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, just west of Little Rock. I have advocated for this collaboration since 2015.

I joined Arkansas Secretary of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Stacy Hurst, Arkansas State Parks Director Grady Spann, and United States Forest Service Supervisor Troy Heithecker at Lake Sylvia. This celebration was the perfect example of how I have, and will continue to, work with state and local, as well as federal officials on projects that benefit Arkansas.

Read more about Lake Sylvia and my thoughts on conservation HERE.

LUNCH WITH MAYORS

Recently, I joined Mayor Green of Menifee, Mayor Lipsmeyer of Morrilton, and Mayor Paladino of Plumerville for lunch in Morrilton.

We discussed COVID relief available across the district, infrastructure, and key updates from Washington D.C.

I am grateful for the service that Mayors Green, Lipsmeyer, and Paladino have given to their respective towns.

I appreciate these local leaders’ dedication to our central Arkanspras communities.

SHABBAT SERVICE WITH RABBI BLOCK

I was honored to join Rabbi Barry Block during the recent Shabbat Service with Congregation B’nai Israel.

I shared an update on my recent trip to Israel and discussed my work on behalf of promoting religious freedoms and strong, bipartisan support of our key ally, Israel.

As a longtime advocate for religious freedom in Arkansas and around the world, I’m grateful for the work that Rabbi Block and this congregation are doing in Central Arkansas.

MY BILL TO ASSIST EX-INMATES SHIFT BACK TO SOCIETY

I reintroduced a restructured bipartisan bill to help those who have been incarcerated successfully transition back into society and find employment.

Any Arkansan and American in good standing with the law, regardless of prior offenses, deserves the opportunity to succeed and improve their own lives through a job.

I announced plans to introduce the bill at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock where I was joined by leaders from HBCUs and community leaders and just last week, I formally introduced the bipartisan legislation.

Learn more about the bill in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette HERE.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill