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Archive of Arkansas on Thursday May 08, 2008
Proposal to cut alien benefits gets go-ahead
Backers of a proposed initiative aimed at cutting state benefits to illegal aliens are in a hurry to round up thousands of petition signatures after Attorney General Dustin McDaniel approved the proposal's ballot wording Wednesday. Read More
Beebe -- Ark. party leader right to urge stop to GOP help
Gov. Mike Beebe said Wednesday that he supports the state Democratic Party chairman sending a letter admonishing lawmakers in his party to avoid supporting Republican lawmakers in campaigns. Read More
Ark. 211 service helps get callers to social services
An operator handling the first call for the Arkansas' new 211 service heard a familiar voice on the other end of the line: Gov. Mike Beebe. Read More
Ark. governor, congressional delegation oppose gas-tax holiday
A summerlong suspension of the federal gas tax may be the brainchild of former Arkansas first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, but the idea is resoundingly opposed by the state's governor and congressional delegation. Read More
Ark. first lady urges better mental health care for children
Ginger Beebe doesn't like public speaking but will put aside her nervousness to speak on behalf of children with mental-health problems. Read More
At-risk gubernatorial seats increase
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Beeb -- Democratic leader right to rebuke members who help GOP candidates
Gov. Mike Beebe said Wednesday he supports state Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney in his effort to discourage elected Democrats from supporting Republican candidates. Read More
Rice hulls touted as fuel source as soy prices rise
Arkansas is still working to develop its place in the alternative fuels market, but Agriculture Secretary Richard Bell said Wednesday the state is well-positioned to use rice husks to generate ethanol. Read More
Legislators hear benefits of statewide trauma system
A statewide trauma system would save the lives of 200 to 600 Arkansans who die each year because they can't get needed emergency care fast enough, health officials told legislators Wednesday. Read More
Democrats, Green Party seeking opponent for Dobbins
Several potential write-in candidates have surfaced to possibly challenge a former state House member seeking to return after resigning his seat amid allegations he fondled a teenage girl, the Democratic Party of Arkansas said Wednesday. Read More
McDaniel approves wording of illegal immigration measure
After rejecting two previous versions, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel on Wednesday approved the name and ballot title of a proposed ballot initiative that would make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to receive public benefits in Arkansas. Read More
Fiscal office explains $107 million cut in state budget next year
An anticipated drop in individual income tax collections and sales tax collections in line with an economic downturn are the reason for a $107 million cut in Arkansas' budget forecast for the 2009 fiscal year, state fiscal officers said Wednesday. Read More
Beebe makes call to kick off new 211 system
Gov. Mike Beebe made a call to Arkansas' new 211 system during a news conference Wednesday marking the official launch of the program, which seeks to connect Arkansans with community services and volunteer opportunities. Read More
Ark. surplus to grow to $164M, officials tell lawmakers
Arkansas' accumulated surplus could grow to more than $164 million by July 1, despite calls for budget cuts in the coming fiscal year, state finance officials told a legislative panel Wednesday. Read More
State forecasts surplus of $94.8 million
State officials said Wednesday that they expect a $94.8 million surplus when this fiscal year ends June 30. Read More
Silver Alert helps rescue lost seniors
(Updated 9:30 a.m EST, May 8, 2008) When an elderly person with dementia is lost, eight states can trigger an alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states. 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
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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