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It is estimated that less than 15 percent of children who qualify for free or reduced-priced school lunches in Arkansas are getting the same high-quality meals in the summer. Children shouldn’t go hungry just because school is out. That is why the Department of Human Services and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance partner with schools, churches and community centers across the state to provide meals in the Summer Food Service Program. ...

Hi Folks, Abby here. Hi folks, you know back in January, I was made the Official Animal Ambassador of Horseshoe Bend. I thought what should I do with my new position? So I asked Mom and Dad to take me down to the nursing home and rehabilitation center here in Horseshoe Bend, Diamond Cove. We made our trip today!...

Hi Folks, Abby here. My Mom saw a photo from Animal Control looking for a home for nine puppies. Something tugged at her heart. Why are there so many dogs and kittens with no homes? She went on a mission to find a solution. So I’m helping her with my blog...

I have so much to say this week! Peggy Flood is the “Queen of the Capital.” It was a great honor for our Ms. Missouri Nursing Home Queen to be invited to the Capital. We were Missouri Healthcare Association’s guest at the Capital Plaza Hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday...

Hi, Abby here! We took a ride to Walmart on Day Road from Horseshoe Bend to Ash Flat. My Mom got so sad. She said, “look at all the trash on both sides of the road.” We live in such a beautiful state, why do we want to litter it up? Then we started noticing everywhere you go, there is litter. ...

Hi folks, Abby here, meet my friend, Jeda. She is a 14-year-old rescued Corgi mix. She lives here in Horseshoe Bend, and I’m hoping she’ll come to the Dog Park and play. She loves treats and has been spoiled with treats by her dad and now her mom who has cut back, and she’s lost a little weight. ...

The Abbymobile Hi Folks, Abby here. Here are me and Dad in the Abbymobile. It was so fun to ride in the 4th of July Parade last year, and can’t wait ‘til this year’s parade. Thanks Joe and Avis for lending us your ride. Well folks, spring is right around the corner. ...

I’ve been the subject of Adoration! Because there’s been a Proclamation! Didn’t know what the City Council wanted to see me for – But you see, I’ve been named an Animal Ambassador! The Mayor said I’ve done a lot for our town – A Dog Park – my weekly blog, good times all around...

Ace and Claire Hi Folks, Abby here. Meet my “mom and dad’s” great granddaughter, Claire. She’s hanging with her aunt’s dog Ace. This is a milestone for Claire, because most dogs she’s been around, their nose is just even with her eyes, and Claire’s been a little nervous around them, because to her, they’re huge. Can you see Claire’s got her arm placed gently on Ace’s back?...

This is the year for legislative action. The elections are past and it is now time for newly elected and re-elected state officials to begin the 2019 term in office, as the 92nd General Assembly. The Arkansas State Constitution requires the General Assembly to meet in regular session on the second Monday in January of each odd-numbered year. ...

Political pundits welcomed the 116th Congress with think pieces on a divided Congress. Can we work together? Can we get things accomplished for the American people? Will there be constant gridlock? It is understandable that Americans are pessimistic about the chances of much getting done, especially in light of the fact that the new Congress has inherited an ongoing partial government shutdown. Even with that, I believe there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic...

11-Year Medicare Part B Penalty…Why?? Toni: My husband is finally retiring from the company he has worked at since 1995 and now our Medicare nightmare is beginning. Jim’s company has changed ownership many times since he turned 65 in 2001 and we can only receive verification paperwork which goes back to 2012, leaving an 11-year gap...

A new year and a new Congress are just around the corner. Nancy Pelosi will become Speaker next week, and its uncertain if she’ll want to work with President Trump on common ground for the American people, or if she will use her power to obstruct the president and fight him on behalf of her friends running for president. ...

Christmas is a special time at the Capitol. The halls are decorated with trees and garland. School choirs from across the state come to carol in the rotunda and we host a party every year that creates lasting memories for our state’s most vulnerable. At that party, many of us in the Capitol bring gifts for the boys and girls in Arkansas’s foster care program...

We are getting ready to close the book on the 115th Congress. The past two years have been busy in Washington as we passed historic tax reform, rolled back needless regulation and implemented improvements to help Main Street lenders and job creators. ...

11-Year Medicare Part B Penalty…Why?? Toni, My husband is finally retiring from the company he has worked at since 1995 and now our Medicare nightmare is beginning. Jim’s company has changed ownership many times since he turned 65 in 2001 and we can only receive verification paperwork which goes back to 2012, leaving an 11-year gap...

Thursday the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Student Empowerment Act, authored by Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) and Senator Ted Cruz (TX), to expand the use of 529 College Savings Plans to allow families to save for K-12 education expenses...

The major political headlines of 2018 include voter approval of a constitutional amendment to allow casino gambling in four Arkansas locations. Voters also approved an amendment to require citizens to present a government-issued photo ID in order to receive a ballot. An initiated act to gradually increase the minimum wage also was approved in the November election...