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Archive of Arkansas on Wednesday May 07, 2008
Study calls for overhaul of state's pay for Ark. employees
An overhaul of the state's pay plan that would boost entry-level salaries by nearly 14 percent has been proposed by the head of Arkansas' personnel office and legislative researchers. Read More
Fewer teachers leaving after first year, panel told
The number of public school teachers leaving the profession after their first year has dropped considerably in the past six years because of a more than 20 percent hike in minimum teacher salaries in 2004, officials told legislators Tuesday. Read More
State needs more health care professionals, experts say
Arkansas' dwindling health care work force needs a boost to meet the needs of the state's aging baby boomer population, health care officials told legislators Tuesday. Read More
Increase in pay for government workers recommended
To lower the turnover of entry-level government workers, the state should revamp pay scales by $46.7 million, the head of Arkansas' personnel office told legislators Tuesday. Read More
Candidates differ on casino, gas tax
FORT SMITH, Ark. - Sebastian County Democratic Chairman Lee Webb can't remember the last time two members of his party competed in a legislative primary here, especially one that pits a challenger against an incumbent. Read More
House district 49 race lacks incumbent
The race to replace Mark Pate, who was term-limited, in House District 49 has drawn two candidates for the May 20 Democratic primary: Educator Kieth Williams, 61, and farm consultant Johnny Wheetley, 47. Read More
State proposes $46.7 million pay overhaul
State and legislative staff members on Tuesday proposed an overhaul of the pay plan that covers about 35,000 of the state?s employees. It would cost $ 46.7 million. Read More
Silver Alert helps rescue lost seniors
When an elderly person with dementia is lost, seven states can trigger a Silver Alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states. Read More
Wal-Mart selects 20 capitols, including Pa.'s, for energy audits
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has announced partnerships with Pennsylvania, 18 other states and Puerto Rico to help them save on energy and electricity costs at their capitols. Read More
Execution is first since ruling
Georgia executed killer William Earl Lynd last night, ending a more than seven-month nationwide hiatus on capital punishment prompted by the Supreme Court's examination of lethal injection. Read More
Will states fix 2012 primary process?
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Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state’s new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in. Read More
Parents turn to states for autism help
(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs. Read More
Fairness of death-penalty panels questioned
Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views. Read More
Seeds of social issues dot 2008 elections
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Legislators prod Congress on Medicaid, Real ID
As some states tumble into what they fear is a recession, state lawmakers from across the country are pushing Congress for relief from impending federal rules that would force states to pick up more Medicaid costs and spend billions to make drivers’ licenses more secure. Read More
With justices' OK, voter ID moves ahead
A decision Monday (April 28) by the U.S. Supreme Court to let Indiana demand photo identification from voters paves the way for other states to do the same during November’s presidential election, experts say. Read More
More states offer choice in long-term care
More states are poised to offer a successful alternative to traditional Medicaid plans that allows elders and the disabled to avoid moving to a nursing facility by hiring friends, neighbors or family members to look after them in their own homes. Read More
Credit crunch hits states' college loans
(Updated 11:55 a.m. EDT, April 23, 2008)
The credit crisis has led some state lending agencies to suspend their federal and private student loan programs, forcing thousands of students to search elsewhere for money to pay for college. Read More
Partisan mix in R.I., Conn. poses challenges
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Will Democrats grow legislative edge in '08?
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'Purple' states turn a little more 'blue'
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Governors pitch ambitious programs
Billion-dollar deficits in California, New York and Arizona haven’t stopped governors there and elsewhere from proposing big-ticket items for 2008. Stateline.org looks at proposals from governors’ 2008 "state of the state" speeches and provides an exclusive summary of all the addresses so far.
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Commentary: Govs beat White House hopefuls as agents of change
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Iraq casts shadow on 2008 state races
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WORTH NOTING: Illinois gov runs up travel tab
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden. Read More |
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