Arkansas
updated
9:20 a.m.
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In what I can only assume was a momentary lapse in judgment, Jason Tolbert and Roby Brock were kind enough to ask me to play the role of left-leaning contributor on the Arkansas Election Line....
Blue Hog Report - 8:00 a.m.
The Keet campaign really has been an interesting spectacle to watch. It started off with Republicans desperately in need of a candidate to run against Beebe so they could keep their future ballot access. Keet, a washed up former state legislator who had lived and worked in Florida for years, was chosen to hold the spot [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Wed 10:48 p.m. - 6 clicks 
Debbie Murphy is giving her district a real choice in November. Consider the two candidates, Debbie and her opponent, David Sanders: Running for the Republicans is David Sanders. What’s he done with his career? He worked for Governor Mike Huckabee. He had his gig doing right wing newspaper columns. He [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Tue 3:21 p.m. - 6 clicks
Thanks, Max. I could not have said it better. Mayor Stodola’s glass: Half full | Arkansas Blog | Arkansas news, politics, opinion, restaurants, music, movies and art. Filed under: Arkansas, Little Rock ...
Lynch at Large - Tue 9:40 a.m. - 6 clicks
For the most part, the traditional media in Arkansas sucks, from the news you can get on tv down to the local papers. That’s not to say there aren’t a few bright spots. And it’s not to say it’s a local phenomenon. Nationally, traditional media outlits tend to be so scared of [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Mon 1:02 p.m. - 11 clicks
Since last week’s statement that he moved back to Arkansas “in July or August 2008,” there has been some rumbling that, assuming he is telling the truth, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Keet violated Florida law by casting an absentee ballot in Florida’s November 2008 election. Max Brantley: But by [sticking to his claim that he [...]...
Blue Hog Report - Mon 11:06 a.m. - 6 clicks
The Best Real Estate Markets In America: Local Market Monitor (PHOTOS). Filed under: Arkansas, Economy, Little Rock ...
Lynch at Large - Mon 7:43 a.m. - 8 clicks
Amtrak and the Union Pacific Railroad will work together on a study that could boost high-speed passenger rail service in East Texas and surrounding states, officials said Friday. The study aims to provide information about infrastructure and feasibility of upgrading or adding tracks to carry high-speed service in Texas, Lousiana and Arkansas. Longview News-Journal: – [...] ...
Lynch at Large - Sun 7:26 p.m. - 6 clicks
Boy, Republicans can sure pick ‘em. The Democrat-Gazette today ran through a litany of tax problems for Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Keet — claiming a homestead tax credit to which he wasn’t entitled; non-payment of property taxes on a plane kept in Arkansas; late payment of property and restaurant taxes. He’s settled up. (The case of [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Fri 9:09 a.m. - 22 clicks
I had been meaning to get around to this earlier but it kind of got buried in the news of the week. But there’s no time like the present, and on behalf of the entire Blue Arkansas community, I want to congratulate Blue Arkansas writer jsamuel, John, and his lovely wife Jenny, who have just [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Thu 10:10 p.m. - 10 clicks
Governor Beebe has (finally) made an issue of Keet’s time away from the state in Florida before his abrupt move back to Arkansas to keep the Republicans from losing their ballot position. Well, in the process of all this, Keet apparently came up with two explanations on just when he happened to move back to [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Thu 3:26 p.m. - 12 clicks
Since my pals over at the Arkansas Times blog linked to this story from the Dallas Morning News, and since it provoked a firestorm of negative comments towards me and my church, I thought it might be appropriate to have a little deeper analysis of the story. This is from the Get Religion blog. Preschool [...] ...
Lynch at Large - Thu 1:40 p.m. - 14 clicks
U.S. Rep. John Boozman said Wednesday that just because he’s a co-sponsor of a bill to replace the income tax with a 23 percent national sales tax doesn’t mean he necessarily supports it. Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Boozman: Yes, name on tax bill Doesn’t mean he is for it, he says Seth Blomeley August 26, 2010 [...] ...
Lynch at Large - Thu 1:40 p.m. - 10 clicks
In their first joint appearance since their bitter run-off election — and nearly three weeks after being pegged as Senator Joyce Elliott’s Faulkner County Chairman – House Speaker Robbie Wills will join his former rival at a press conference in Conway to publicly announce his endorsement of Elliott’s run for U.S. Congress v. Bush/Rove cronie Timmy! Griffin. From the officia...
Blue Hog Report - Aug 23 - 9 clicks
Just how poorly is Blanche Lincoln polling right now? Worse than any “true” incumbent in history. If Lincoln does little to improve her standing in the polls, she will be in the running for the worst showing of any true Senate incumbent in history (a “true” incumbent is a non-appointee who has served a full [...]...
Blue Hog Report - Aug 21 - 5 clicks
Regarding Joyce Elliott’s chances and the recent Talk Business poll, Blue Arkansas writes: This was always going to be difficult. But like I said from the beginning, Elliott’s path to victory has always been one that involved a big win in Pulaski, more than 60 percent, and not getting destroyed in the other counties, keeping [...]...
Blue Hog Report - Aug 21 - 8 clicks
Murrel booked my Amtrak trips and mailed me the tickets back in the day. Great man. By: – Texarkana Gazette - Published: 08/20/2010 A special ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 28 at Texarkana’s Amtrak station. The ceremony will honor the service of Murrel Hogue, a former agent at the Texarkana station and [...] ...
Lynch at Large - Aug 20 - 2 clicks
AFL-CIO NOW BLOG | Hey, Blanche Lincoln: We Take Care of Working Families and We’re Union ...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council will meet at 5:30 on Thursday, March 25th. First on our agenda is Joe Holland, a Senior Staff Representative with the National AFL-CIO for almost 14 years, assigned to coordinate our Northwest Arkansas political activity in the U.S. Senate primary campaign. I think you’ll like Joe, who is a 3rd generation coal miner from Kentucky and proud UMWA Member for over ...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
President Obama must act immediately to restore the ability of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to protect the rights of American workers by giving recess appointments to two nominees who are being blocked by Blanche Lincoln and other Senate Republican obstructionists , AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said today. Writing on Huffington Post , Trumka put it this way: The NLRB’s j...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
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NWA Labor News - Aug 8
The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council has endorsed Beth Storey Bryan for Circuit Judge, Division Five . She has an exemplary record of public service, the relevant legal experience best suited for the position, a strong work ethic, and the deep sense of fairness and accountability that working families expect and deserve from our judges. We find Beth especially qualified for this position on ...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
The Special Convention of the Arkansas AFL-CIO is to be held August 21 st in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The purpose of the convention will be to take action on recommendations of State COPE concerning candidates who will be running for office in the November 2 nd General Election. Your credentials will be mailed to you soon. The registration fee is $50.00 per delegate, alternate, and gu...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council has endorsed Steve Zega for Circuit Judge, Division Seven. Mr. Zega has an outstanding record of public service, and we find him especially qualified for this position on the 4th Judicial District Circuit Court to serve Washington and Madison Counties. He has been a city and county prosecutor, and he has experience representing clients before experience before ...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
“The Fayetteville Green Jobs Training Center of Excellence will soon be a reality. Thanks to everyone involved in helping make this happen. I had lots of help. Joining me yesterday were Alderman Sarah Lewis, Representative Lindsley Smith, UA Engineering Professor Panneer Selvam, Stephen Smith from the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council, and Steve Clark from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, all ...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
The House of Representatives has approved the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 (H.R. 4899) that included an amendment incorporating the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (PSEECA), which would provide firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel with collective bargaining rights in Arkansas and other states and localities that do not currently provide...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
After a lengthy discussion about Senator Lincoln's position on Healthcare, the appointment of Greg Becker to the National Labor Relations Board, the Employee Free Choice Act, and trade issues, the Arkansas AFL-CIO Executive Board voted to support Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter for his candidacy in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate. We believe that Bill Halter will listen to ...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
America's workers congratulate Bill Halter on his almost unprecedented achievement in forcing a two term incumbent Senator into a run-off election. Halter gave voters a clear choice between someone who fights for the working families of Arkansas or a DC insider like Lincoln who is in the pocket of Wall Street and big business. With so much at stake, Arkansas workers are prepared to continue th...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
Please encourage eligible union members and representatives of working families to apply for these appointments. http://www.accessfayetteville. org/government/city_clerk/ documents/misc/Board_and_ Committee_Application_Form.pdf Board, Committee & Commission Vacancies CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE BOARD AND COMMITTEE OPENINGS ADVERTISING AND PRO...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
Editorial On Unions Cheap Shot NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Your recent editorial blaming unions for the troubles of the U.S. Postal Service (March 5) is another conservative cheap shot. In the early years, providing health care benefits instead of giving deserved increases in salaries was regarded as a benefit to companies - not to the workers....
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
The Northwest Arkansas Council, a business group funded by major corporate players, is in the process of developing a Strategic Regional Economic Development Plan for the four-county region of Northwest Arkansas. They have hired a consultant from out of state to interview "business leaders" about what they see as problems and what they want. They are not asking local unions or working families to...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
The Jobs for America Now coalition assembled leaders from across Arkansas for a press conference in Little Rock to release the report, "Putting Arkansas Back to Work: How Investment in Public Services will Save Jobs and Grow the Economy." Together, they called upon Arkansas' congressional delegation to support pending job-creation legislation under debate in Washington D.C. The need for mo...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
Governor Mike Beebe’s proposed balanced budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year contains no raises for state employees, according to state Department of Finance and Administration Director Richard Weiss. State employees were to have received a 2.3% pay increase, but all raises are suspended in Beebe’s proposed budget, Weiss told the legislative Joint Budget Committee on the first day of budget hea...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
Fulfilling Mayor Lioneld Jordan's dream of a Green Jobs Training Center in Fayetteville, Governor Mike Beebe announced on Thursday a $1.3 million grant for the program to be conducted by NorthWest Arkansas Community College. The facility is scheduled to be opened this summer. Pictured above at the announcement in Little Rock are Rick Mayes (NWACC Director of Building Sciences), Stephen Smith...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
Following on the news that University of Arkansas employees will get no merit raises or service awards this year, the UA Administration has also announced that workers will have to pay more for health care and dental care benefits. Health insurance costs to workers and their families will go up by 5% and dental insurance costs will be increased by 3%. The increases in the amount that employee...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart said there will be no layoffs or furloughs at the main campus this fiscal year, despite a $3.2 million budget shortfall. He made the announcement Monday while introducing Governor Mike Beebe during an observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Arkansas Union ballroom. ...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
Arkansas legislators conducting budget hearings in Little Rock next month will be reviewing the decision by the University of Arkansas and other universities to withhold full pay increases from classified employees despite a law that provided for the raises this fiscal year, according to the co-chairman of the Joint Budget Committee. All state agencies gave the full raises, but Arkansas Tech ...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
On July 1, the House passed by a vote of 239-182 its version of legislation funding for two critical education programs, FEMA funds to clean up the BP oil spill in the Gulf, and a provision to extend federal collective bargaining rights to public safety officers. John Boozman (R-AR3) was the only Arkansas Congressman to vote against it. The $10 billion education jobs fund include...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
Local physician Hershey Garner voiced his support for reformed health care in Arkansas on Saturday during a news conference outside of the Fayetteville Town Center. “As someone who works in Northwest Arkansas, I see first-hand how broken the system is,” he said. “It’s embarrassing that we are the only industrialized country that doesn’t have universal coverage. As a result, patients aren’t ge...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
The Fayetteville Civil Service Commission is responsible for examining and establishing eligibility lists for appointments and promotions within the Police and Fire Departments and acting upon appeals and disciplinary action taken by the Police and Fire Chiefs and the Mayor. To say it is unfriendly to the case of workers is an understatement. Not once in the last nine years has the Commissio...
University Union Voice - Aug 8 - 3 clicks
The Arkansas Sierra Club honored two members of AFSCME Local 965 at their annual awards banquet last night. Mayor Lioneld Jordan, past president of Local 965, received the environmental group's top award, "Conservationist of the Year." In making the presentation, Sierra Club President Rob Leflar cited Jordan's outstanding leadership for low impact development, energy conservation, and expansio...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
The University of Arkansas has announced it will cut the budget by another $2.6 million for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The cut is the second for UA and brings the total cuts since the start of the fiscal year in July to just more than $5 million. UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart says he understands the economic problems facing the state. But he say...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
AFSCME Local 965 members will spend Saturday morning, May 22, volunteering for litter pickup and removal at Greathouse Park in south Fayetteville. With the end of the school year, the park will be more heavily used by neighborhood youngsters, so let's help make it a safe and enjoyable experience for them. Members should arrive by 8:00 a.m. for the project that includes the six-acre playground...
University Union Voice - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
Each year, the Texarkana Arkansas School District gives out an award for volunteer work within the school district. My mom won this award in 1993. This year, it went to Sandy Varner -- well deserved. ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
I'll be on the "Talk of South Arkansas" this morning (KXAR 1490 AM) in Hope with Rep. Bubba Powers , who is campaigning with me on the trail some today. Tune in at 8:15 a.m. if you're in the area. ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
The Arkansas Supreme Court just reversed the Arkansas Public Service Commission's approval of the Turk power plant in southwest Arkansas. In a ruling released this morning, the court reversed a decision by the to grant a permit for the Southwest Electric Power Co.'s $1.6 billion plant near Fulton in Hempstead County. The ruling sends the case back to the PSC. The justices said the PSC should n...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
Here's a link to a letter to the editor appearing in today's Texarkana Gazette . ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
As you've read by now, Governor Beebe has authorized the release of rainy-day funds and other fund transfers to protect state services after an unanticipated shortfall in April revenue. The anomaly in non-wage revenues, also appearing in other states around the country, has led the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to recommend a reduction in the FY2010 budget forecast of $41 mil...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
I'm back after a brriief hiatus to get elected to the Senate and to take some time to get caught up here at the office. Thanks for waiting patiently, and I'm eager to join the Arkansas blog scene again. ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
Governor Beebe has set a special election for the open seat being vacated by Rep. Steve Cole, who resigned on June 30 to become chancellor of Cossatot Community College of the UofA. My first cousin Nate Steel won the primary for the seat and will take office in January with no Republican challenger. Of course, he'd like to become the representative of the seat now to hit the ground running -...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
Thanks to former Arkansas High QB and Bronco Wide Receiver Rod Smith for helping out on the campaign yesterday. ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
Don't forget to vote in tomorrow's preferential primary elections here in Arkansas. Here are details on the election: Early Voting: You can still early vote today at your county courthouse from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Voting at the polls tomorrow: The polls will be open from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm tomorrow. Not sure where to vote or want to confirm your polling place? It's easy -- just go ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
Here's a CNN Money article about "rural sourcing" -- sending employment opportunities to job hungry places in America rather than India -- with an emphasis on Jonesboro, Arkansas. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have skilled, low-cost labor that actually can compete with places like India and China, but broadband internet, increased infrastructure, etc., makes Arkansas a prime candidate for this...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
Governor Beebe has requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government for nine Arkansas counties impacted by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning April 30. The letter includes requests for Conway, Crittenden, Jackson, Lonoke, Mississippi, Poinsett, Pulaski, Saline, and Van Buren Counties. In addition, Beebe has also sent a request to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vils...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
ATRS Executive Director George Hopkins provides this update on the retirement system. ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
The University of Arkansas is predicting another record enrollment year for the fall of 2010, but the administration is not addressing the concerns about additional faculty needs or compensation plans for existing staff. Last year the official enrollment was 19,849 for the fall semester. This year more than 20,700 students are expected to enroll. A record number of new freshmen are also expe...
University Union Voice - Jul 19 - 2 clicks
