Arkansas Budget

Assessing Arkansas' Tax Policy and Legislative Challenges with Rex Nelson and Michael Cook

Roby Brock

Arkansas' tax policy and legislative challenges: Rex Nelson and Michael Cook discuss budget issues, tax cuts, and education funding.

Andy Davis, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Relations at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Dr. Joe Thompson, President and CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, speak to the Arkansa Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Screenshot courtesy of Arkansas Legislature)

Policy and Politics

Arkansas to start midwifery program with diverted health data funds

Tess Vrbin

Arkansas shifts $500,000 from health data services to start a midwifery program in 2026, aiming to enhance maternal health care amidst debate.

The empty Arkansas Senate chamber as seen in August when lawmakers last convened. On Tuesday, the legislature will be called together for a special session primarily to consider Gov. Asa Hutchinson's tax cut proposal.

Business & Economy

Record surplus prompts Arkansas Governor to call special session

Michael Tilley

The previously estimated Arkansas budget surplus of $1.473 billion grew to a record $1.628 billion, which resulted in Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday (July 5) calling for an Aug. 8 special session to discuss possible tax cuts.

Governor Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) presenting his budget to Arkansas legislators in Little Rock.

Governor touts tax cut, budget surplus in State Chamber speech

Steve Brawner

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said his budget calls for reducing the top individual income tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years. Doing so would attract tech and manufacturing talent and also retirees.

Funding

WATCH: Arkansas Governor Hutchinson presents budget to state lawmakers

KASU Newsroom

Recently re-elected Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (R) is presenting his budget to state legislators today in Little Rock. Watch his presentation…