Dear Friend,

Russia is threatening democracy, and America needs to act.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been moving large numbers of troops and military equipment into strategic positions along the Ukrainian border. Putin claims “self-defense,” but that is a joke.

I recently wrote a column for the Washington Times outlining my concerns with Russia’s escalating aggression toward Ukraine. President Biden suggests that if Russia crosses the border into Ukraine, “severe” sanctions will follow. In my view, that won’t cut it.  Putin is a bully, and bullies respect united, firm strength – period.

I urge President Biden to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

To read the full op-ed click here.

I oppose federal vaccine mandates because the federal government has no business dictating to American citizens or businesses how they should be responding to the pandemic in their local area.

Instead of federal vaccine mandates, the federal government should be working with states and localities to increase the availability of vaccines for those who want them and testing – both at home and in facilities – so that we can identify opportunities to slow/stop the spread and that our workforce, students, and teachers can get back to work and school.

Last week, the Supreme Court heard challenges to the federal vaccine mandates from states including Arkansas.  I was proud to have joined an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in opposition to the federal mandate.

Also, recently, I joined Fox Business to discuss my opposition to federal vaccine mandates and why they are not the solution to the pandemic.  My full interview on Fox Business can be seen here, or by clicking the image below.

Tax returns are due April 18, 2022, and you can start filing on January 24, 2022.

The Treasury Department is encouraging everyone to file early because it will speed up your return processing and refund if eligible.  Also, if you file online and provide direct deposit information, your refund can get to you faster.

If you have questions, my office can help.

In 2021, we assisted central Arkansans secure $2.57 million in tax returns.

If you need help, contact my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941.

Currently, there are over 61,000 Arkansans with an active case of COVID-19 with over 1,000 Arkansans hospitalized. This is the highest number of active cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Over 75% of those hospitalized at UAMS due to COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

Vaccines are available across the state for everyone aged 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 can be found HERE.

I urge you to consult with your doctor and consider getting vaccinated to help protect yourself and those in our community. If you do test positive, you can learn best practices and how to manage COVID-19 HERE.

To find a vaccine near you click HERE or call 1 (800) 803-7847.

Today, January 11^th, is National Arkansas Day!

I am proud to be a 9^th generation Arkansan and having the opportunity to represent the great people of central Arkansas is an honor. I could not think of a greater place to live, work, raise a family, and represent.