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Families and friends across Missouri and our nation joined around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving. This time of fellowship provides me with an opportunity for reflection, restoration, and gives me hope for the future. Just like many of you, every year since childhood, I have spent this time with my family, friends and loved ones. ...

Jason Smith's recent missive again contains misleading statements supported by untruths. Whoever wrote the missive seems to be confusing Trump's tax plan with the Build Back Better plan. Trump's plan resulted in 40% of the tax cuts to go to the top 1 percent, abolished the estate tax that affected assets over $5.49 million,. The 3% tax cut on the bottom 80% expires in 2027 but wealthiest 20% ...

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods and the lifeblood of our local economy.  In Arkansas, small businesses make up the majority of the business landscape, at 99.3% of all businesses in the state. This equates to 258,552 businesses. Small businesses can be found in every corner of our state. ...

State agencies have experienced the same problems as many companies with difficulty hiring entry-level employees. Several agencies have contacted the state Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to report a difficulties attracting applicants for available positions...

More shoppers turn to online retail to fulfill Christmas wish lists and fill stockings. As we search for gifts to give loved ones this holiday season it’s important to safeguard our information so we can protect our personal data from cyber criminals and teach those who are most vulnerable how to avoid becoming victims...

Just like those chatty in-laws or overly friendly neighbors who have a way of lingering on your doorstep, there are policies enacted by Congress that have overstayed their welcome. But unlike your esteemed neighbors and in-laws, these policies, if left to fester, can have disastrous consequences for the broader economy and the American people...

Just like those chatty in-laws or overly friendly neighbors who have a way of lingering on your doorstep, there are policies enacted by Congress that have overstayed their welcome. But unlike your esteemed neighbors and in-laws, these policies, if left to fester, can have disastrous consequences for the broader economy and the American people...

Solar power is growing in popularity in Arkansas, in large part because of passage of Act 464 of 2019. Last year solar energy accounted for six percent of the electric power generated in Arkansas, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That is 60 times more solar power than was generated in the state in 2015...

Right now, there are about 349 children and teens in Arkansas whose parents’ parental rights have been terminated and are currently seeking a forever family. November is National Adoption Month. It is a time to encourage others to learn about adoption and recognize the many children who are still waiting...

We’ve lived in the Cherokee Village area for many years, too much has changed. Why did the Basehart area close down? We used to take our children there to camp and swim. Now we’re older, we don’t use the lake or golf. Why should we have to pay more on taxes to live here?...

I am continuously impressed by the enthusiasm and eagerness demonstrated by Arkansans in schools around our state who are committed to making a difference. I believe in the importance of investing in the future of our studious and determined young people interested in civic engagement and my office works to help fuel their passion for bettering their communities, supporting their neighbors and improving the outlook for the next generation. ...

I am continuously impressed by the enthusiasm and eagerness demonstrated by Arkansans in schools around our state who are committed to making a difference. I believe in the importance of investing in the future of our studious and determined young people interested in civic engagement and my office works to help fuel their passion for bettering their communities, supporting their neighbors and improving the outlook for the next generation. ...

Solar power is growing in popularity in Arkansas, in large part because of passage of Act 464 of 2019. Last year solar energy accounted for six percent of the electric power generated in Arkansas, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That is 60 times more solar power than was generated in the state in 2015...

This week, Joe Biden officially rolled out his vaccine mandates on private businesses. It is no exaggeration to say this is almost certainly unconstitutional and is the single most authoritarian action the federal government has taken in my lifetime. Joe Biden did this without a shred of consent from Congress, giving the American people absolutely no say over their personal and private medical decisions...

By Chuck Jones We are nearing the end of the second calendar year in which the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the lives and finances of millions of people around the world. Record numbers of workers lost their jobs – some temporarily, others permanently. The sudden loss of income was devastating to those forced to turn to food pantries to feed their families, or seek ways to defer mortgage and loan payments, or file for extended unemployment benefits just to make it month to month...

Arkansas is home to more than 200,000 veterans. They live and work in every community throughout our state. As we approach Veterans Day, we would like to thank our veterans for their sacrifice, their bravery, and the example they set for us all. The majority of Arkansas veterans served in Vietnam. We are home to more than 2,000 veterans who served in World War II. Arkansas is also home to those who served in the Korean War, the Gulf War, post 9-11, and in peacetime...

On Veterans Day, we take time to reflect on and honor all of those who wore our nation’s uniform. They bravely served our country on battlefields and military installations around the world. These men and women are all too familiar with spending countless hours at work and many nights away from their families. How we treat our veterans defines us as a nation. This patriotic day should renew our commitment that we will always have their backs...

In a settlement of a major lawsuit, pharmaceutical manufacturers who make and market opioids will pay $216 million to Arkansas cities, counties and state government. The money will be spent on prevention and treatment of people who became addicted to painkillers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl...

Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick today announced that MOST, Missouri’s 529 Education Plan, has again received a Silver rating from Morningstar, an investment research company. Each year, Morningstar assigns ratings to education savings plans based on cost, performance, tax benefits, and oversight. Nationally, only 11 plans received a Silver Medal rating, while three achieved Gold...

On Oct. 28, Governor Mike Parson announced that he has issued Executive Order 21-10 to protect the individual rights of Missourians against overreaching federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates.  Governor Parson released the following statement regarding the Order:...

Washington Democrats would have you believe that the most pressing issue in our country right now is passing their tax-and-spend socialist agenda. Meanwhile, they continue turning a blind eye to the very crises the Biden administration has created – most notably, the crisis we are facing at our southern border...

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 363,781 people in Arkansas, or 14.8% of the adult population, have diabetes. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness. In the last 20 years, the number of adults nationwide diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled...

COVID-19 has not disappeared but inroads are being made with increased vaccination numbers combined with a decline in active cases locally. However, as we are entering flu season; everybody should continue to act prudently as far as their health is concerned...

On Oct. 26, Governor Mike Parson released the following statement in support of the Missouri School Boards Association’s (MSBA) decision to leave the National School Boards Association (NSBA):  “We applaud MSBA’s decision to withdraw from NSBA. Missouri parents value local control, and when it comes to our children’s education, parents have a right to know what is being taught and to have their voices heard. ...

Arkansans filling up their vehicles are paying more now than at any time in the last seven years. In the Natural State, the average price for a gallon of gas is $1.20 more than what were we paying just one year ago. It’s not only fuel prices that are spiking, but energy costs across the board are snowballing out of control. ...

Business activity was severely affected by the pandemic last year across most areas of the economic spectrum, from the largest corporations to small businesses and individual wage earners. In spite of the challenges created by the pandemic, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission signed incentive agreements for 48 projects that will create or preserve 2,917 jobs in the state. The average wage of those jobs is $22.10 an hour...

We have two deadly diseases around that someone dies from everyday, they are COVID-19 and cancer. I lost my mother in February 1982 from cancer. I was sitting in my chair the other day, and something popped into my head. Why is it that it it just took a few months to find a shot for COVID-19, but cancer has been around for a long time and has killed so many people and is still killing people. But they can’t make a medicine to keep people from having cancer...

Washington Democrats want to add trillions of dollars in new spending, and they are getting creative to fund portions of their proposal. They claim they don’t want to raise taxes on working-class families – but their policies would do the exact opposite. ...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of breast self-exams, mammograms and the life-saving effect early detection has in the fight against this disease. We must ensure we have the resources to prevent it and treat those who develop this cancer...

There are two big developments this week regarding our state’s economy. Unemployment in Arkansas continues to decline, and our budget forecast was adjusted to reflect an increase in revenue. The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services says Arkansas’ unemployment rate decreased two-tenths of a percentage point from 4.2% in August to 4.0% in September...

While today’s spending by Congress may not suggest as much, our nation does indeed have a debt limit – that is, a cap on how much the federal government can borrow in order to spend. If you turned on the news or read the paper lately, there is a good chance you have seen Democrats in Congress turning the issue into their latest self-created crisis...

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. It is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among women. In 2018, there were 2,339 new breast cancer cases and 368 cancer deaths in the state. ...

The market for workers’ compensation insurance remains competitive in Arkansas, thanks to efforts by the legislature to hold down rates. According to the most recent data available from the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Arkansas has some of the lowest rankings for losses. Factors that drive rates include the frequency of claims, medical costs and the price of prescription drugs...

To prevent further spread of the coronavirus, we should require everyone to get fully vaccinated (including a possible third dose)--unless exempted by a sincerely held religious belief or medical condition. We should write to our legislators and executives at all levels of government...

The Washington political establishment just doesn’t understand Missouri. Missourians have felt the effects of COVID. Most of us have family, loved ones, friends, neighbors, or acquaintances who have had COVID. Those who have suffered it ourselves or watched a close family member suffer from it know what a serious disease it can be...

This week, the House passed legislation outlining new boundaries for Arkansas’ four congressional districts. HB1982 and SB743 are identical bills that divide the state into the following districts: The first congressional district includes the counties of Arkansas, Baxter, Boone, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Fulton, Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, Randolph, St. ...

Cyberattacks on individuals, businesses and government entities are a growing problem. Cybercriminals are becoming more brazen and their crimes are increasing in size and scale. This year, hackers infiltrated a Florida water treatment facility, forced the temporary closure of a major pipeline and disrupted operations at a major meat supplier. Bad actors are constantly looking for targets and we must implement defenses to safeguard our nation’s interests...

In an extension of this year’s regular session the legislature drew new boundaries for the four Congressional districts in Arkansas, and approved exemptions for workers at companies that require staff to be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. The legislature was prepared to convene again, in the event that the governor vetoes any of the bills and lawmakers want to override the veto...

I am glad to see an increase in vaccination numbers. This will help us turn the corner on this virus and enhance our abilities to return to a normal existence. Remember to practice social distancing and wear a mask where and when you believe it is necessary to protect your health...

By Phill Brooks Missouri has lost one of the most influential Senate leaders in at least the past half century. It would be difficult to exaggerate the accomplishments of Jim Mathewson who died Sept. 28 from cancer. The Democrat from Sedalia served nearly one-quarter of a century in Missouri’s Senate achieving a pile of major legislative accomplishments...

Earlier this summer, President Biden walked out of the White House touting the success of negotiating a “bipartisan” infrastructure deal amongst a handful of U.S. Senators. Mere hours later, Nancy Pelosi muzzled their celebration. Instead, Speaker Pelosi made clear that she viewed the infrastructure bill as nothing more than a political tool that she could use to pass a laundry list of liberal priorities to appease the progressive flank by spending trillions more of Americans’ tax dollars on a maze of new Washington programs and handouts. ...

Drug overdose deaths increased by nearly 30 percent nationwide last year. Recent data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show this record high was fueled by the pandemic and the rise of fentanyl abuse. In Arkansas, fentanyl has surpassed methamphetamine as the leading cause of overdose deaths...

By Chuck Jones, Adventure First Travel Club representative for First Community Bank – chuck.jones@firstcommunity.net 870-612-3400 October is “Cybersecurity Awareness Month.” And for good reason. Every year, cybercriminals develop even more sophisticated techniques...

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. That equates to more than 10 million women and men. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Communities and advocacy organizations across the country connect with the public and one another throughout the month to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and ways to stop it...

The legislature reconvened to draw new boundaries for the four Congressional districts in Arkansas, and to consider responses to federal vaccination mandates. The Senate made very slow progress, because of the long-term importance of the measures and their controversial nature...

When I decided to seek the job of Republican Leader of the Budget Committee, I did so because our country desperately needs to get its fiscal house in order. Spending and deficits have exploded under both parties, yet every time there is a fiscal crisis, Washington politicians fail to do anything that will prevent these crises from reoccurring in the future. ...

House members are expected to return to the Capitol on Wednesday, September 29, to address congressional redistricting. The Arkansas legislature reviews congressional districts after every U.S. Census to see if changes to boundary lines are needed. This once-a-decade review process is called “redistricting.”...

The Senate and House Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs are reviewing bills to draw new geographic boundaries for the four Congressional Districts in Arkansas, in preparation for a session of the entire legislature at the end of the month...

The Senate and House Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs are reviewing bills to draw new geographic boundaries for the four Congressional Districts in Arkansas, in preparation for a session of the entire legislature at the end of the month...

The Internal Revenue Service has the power to garnish wages, demand documents and open criminal investigations related to financial crimes. A federal agency this powerful and far-reaching should be transparent, accessible and forthcoming, yet the IRS isn’t...