Arkansas
updated
9:20 a.m.
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 
Remember Jim Keet’s (R-Florida) last press conference where he claimed that sawmill workers were being charged $10,000 by the state for filling out the wrong forms and got revealed to be a unconscionable liar? Well, his press conference today wasn’t quite as funny but still managed to be pathetic. In the face of revelations that he [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Wed 3:21 p.m.
A friend of mine who happened to be paying attention to KASU last week passed me this: Last week on a KASU radio program hosted by news director Greg Chance, excerpts of comments made by Republican First Congressional District candidate Rick Crawford were aired. Crawford once again revealed his ignorance of the real world by twice [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Wed 11:49 a.m.
The Iraq War is coming to a close, thank God. Tonight, President Obama announced that major combat operations in Iraq were ending. He didn’t do so on the deck of an aircraft carrier positioned so that it looked like he was way out at sea. He didn’t wear a flight suit. He didn’t have a [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Tue 10:43 p.m.
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
Representative Barbara Nix is one of my favorite members of the state legislature. Why? Because she gets results for one. But as a pleasant bonus, she is showing her constituents and people around the state what progressive representation can do for them. Republicans have done a great job painting progressives as east or west coast freaks [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Tue 1:28 p.m. - 2 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
According to the Kubler-Ross model, there are five discrete stages people go through when dealing with grief or tragedy: denial (“No…no…this isn’t happening! Lalalalalala, I can’t hear you!!” /sticks fingers in ears), anger (“ARGH! Me smash things! Stupid grief!!! /punches wall), bargaining (“Ok, God, look…just let me live long enough to see th...
Blue Hog Report - Mon 7:42 p.m.
Why are Democrats polling so poorly this year? I have a hunch that it’s overplayed (more on that tomorrow) but there’s no doubt that things are tough. So what caused it? This: According to the Commerce Department this morning, the country’s gross domestic product this spring grew at an anemic 1.6 percent. But [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Mon 2:44 p.m.
Boy, Jim Keet’s ethical issues keep getting better and better. Keet’s bigger problem is the song-and-dance he’s run through to justify failure to pay property taxes the last few years (as many as five) on a $135,000 Beechcraft airplane. The plane is owned by a Nevada corporation based in Clark County (Las Vegas). Keet has given [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Mon 2:02 p.m.
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
Okay, I was reluctant to do this story because female candidates tend to get all kinds of flack for their hairstyles and appearances. But still, this from Beth Anne Rankin is just…well…weird. Take a look- Before: After: Look like a certain Alaskan nit-wit you can think of? It’s almost scary. Okay…forget the almost part. ...
Blue Arkansas - Fri 6:05 p.m.
Yeah, I’m still on Causey’s case about his stupid comment regarding the President, and I’ll stay on it right up to November 2nd if I have to. That’s right-I’ll do a post on this every single day until he deals with this. Why? Because, I want Causey not only to win but [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Fri 10:03 a.m.
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
that it’s been quiet around here. Stupid real life getting in the way and whatnot. BHR should be back by Monday at the latest. And, if not, you will all be given a full refund of your BHR readership fees....
Blue Hog Report - Fri 7:46 a.m. - 2 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
Tim Griffin’s campaign is forwarding around portions of this article detailing the fears of “small business owners” that the Bush tax cuts will be allowed to expire. The full email: Karen Port of St. Louis fears that President Barack Obama’s plan to let tax rates rise for top earners will be a double whammy for [...]...
Blue Arkansas - Thu 10:40 a.m.
Defying logic and common sense to the bitter end, Robbie Wills continues to claim that he is exempt from taxation on the benefit of driving a state-owned vehicle as Speaker of the House. In an article in Monday’s Dem-Gazette, Seth Blomeley writes: House Parliamentarian Tim Massanelli said that whether people “like it or not,” legislators [...]...
Blue Hog Report - Aug 24
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
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University Union Voice - Aug 22
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
Steven Tyler joins ‘American Idol’ as a judge | Show Tracker | Los Angeles Times. Filed under: Uncategorized ...
Lynch at Large - Aug 18
Get this load of hot steaming nonsense. “My contract is up for my radio show at the end of the year and I’ve made the decision not to do radio anymore,” she told Larry King. “The reason is I want to regain my First Amendment rights. I want to be able to say what’s on [...] ...
Lynch at Large - Aug 18
“Yes, I was on the pole,” said Fullilove. “I was having a good time but I wasn’t drinking. “I went overboard because I was trying to do the Soul Train. I was dancing on the pole and I was just trying to have a good time. “It was over the top. It was over the [...] ...
Lynch at Large - Aug 18
Miami-Dade County Passes Historic Measure Poised to Inspire Other Communities Miami-Dade County yesterday overwhelmingly passed the first county-wide ordinance in the country to combat wage theft , making it easier for workers to bring legal action against employers who fail to pay or underpay them . “This is momentous,” sai...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
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
Yesterday President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to drive an immigration reform bill forward this spring. We echo the urgency in the President’s message. The AFL-CIO and the entire labor movement remain committed to comprehensive immigration reform and united around the framework for reform that we put forth a year ago. Our framework protects American workers, secures our borders, ensures th...
NWA Labor News - Aug 8
A new report released last week by the Center for Economic and Policy Research examines unionization rates, the size and composition of the unionized workforce and the wages and benefits for union workers in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. "The union presence varies across states, but unions substantially raise wages and benefits for workers in every state," said John Schmit...
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
Help Stamp Out Hunger! On Saturday, May 8, 2010, the 18th annual National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO) Food Drive will take place across the country. Every year, this highly anticipated event has brought hope, goodwill and sustenance to millions of people in need. The annual food drive has grown into the nation's largest one-day effort to help "Stamp Out Hunger" in America. More now...
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
In an historic vote more than 60 years in the making, the House of Representatives late last night voted to approve(219-211) what AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka calls a "momentous step toward comprehensive health care.” The bill survived a $100 million lie-and-distortion campaign by Big Insurance to kill it -the same kind of tactics these groups have aimed at health care proposals fors...
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
Working people across America welcome the news that the Senate has passed a jobs bill today as a first step to put Main Street back to work. Senator Reid has said more actions need to be—and will be—taken. We couldn’t agree more. We need much bigger and bolder actions to ensure that we create 10 million jobs and Wall Street pays the bill to fix the financial disaster. In a turn of head spin...
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
Congratulations to our new officers for 2010-2011. President Betty Martin; Vice President Dwight Morris; Treasurer Bruce McNully; Secretary Theresa Sims. ...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
Did you know Jelly Belly's, Peeps and Jelly Beans are union-made? When you're searching for something for an Easter basket, why not buy union-made-in-America treats . Here's a brief list of choices of candy products made by members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM); snack foods by members of the United Food and Commercia...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
It took two years of tough bargaining, but University Professional and Technical Employees/CWA Local 9119 won a tentative agreement last week covering 9,000 researchers and technicians at the University of California . The five-year agreement provides for pay increases of 14.5 percent over the contract term, plus a $1,000 lump sum payment to be paid this July. The tentative settlement will ...
University Union Voice - 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
"Renewable energy, and the green jobs that come along with it, are key to our economic growth. It is essential that in order to lead the world in renewable energy technologies, and create good jobs that support our families and communities, we must look at ways to rebuild and revitalize American manufacturing. We can’t keep doing what we’re doing. We’re just making countries like China rich...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
On January, 18, 2010, people of all ages and backgrounds come together to remember the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He devoted his life's work to the causes of equality and social justice. He taught that through nonviolent direct action, problems such as hunger, homelessness, prejudice, and discrimination can be overcome. Dr. King's teachings continue to inspire and guide us ...
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
Addie Wyatt, former officer of the United Food and Commercial Workers, used to start a meeting with this union prayer. "Each of us is a link in this great union chain that stretches around the world. I will try every day to keep my link, united, active and strong." Addie L. Wyatt (1924-) Labor leader, civil rights pioneer, pastor ...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
AFSCME Local 965 will be hosting our Spring Picnic on Sunday, May 2, 10:00am to 2:00pm, at the Gardens Main Pavilon on Razorback Road across from Faciities Management. Free Food!! Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Chips, and Drinks! Fun!! All are Welcome. Bring the Family !!! Celebrate the end of the semester and International Workers Day . New Location for Picnic. This...
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
On Friday, June 18, UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart sent University workers an email stating that he just learned on Thursday, June 17, “that the Governor’s freeze on state raises did, in fact, apply to higher education. This information has caught the entire higher education community by surprise.” How that could have been a surprise instead of a delayed announcement is puzzling. Last mont...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
President Obama made it clear last night that he will fight for jobs. He knows that we cannot lose sight of the millions of working families who are still suffering from the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression . Too many Americans are out of work and too many jobs are at risk. The President and Congress must act now or millions of Americans could lose their jobs in th...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
As one of the fastest growing unions in the United States , AFSCME is constantly in search of skilled, motivated and passionate activists who are interested in a career in the labor movement. Through the AFSCME/UNCF Union Scholars Program, you can join us in the effort to support public service employees who are organizing unions. Are You Eligible? If you meet the following el...
University Union Voice - Aug 8
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
This is the week we've been waiting for — the week when members of the House of Representatives choose to stand with us or the insurance companies . The insurance industry operatives and Republican talking heads you see on cable TV say we need to start over and spend another year — or another decade — before we pass reform. They twist the facts to say that the public opposes reform, bu...
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
Here's what came on the radio in the Chevy this morning out on the trail. A few pictures from the weekend: Nicholas Wells shows his support for Steve Harrelson at the Big Bass Classic weigh-in. His dad Troy Wells picks up his check for 5th place overall and for the fish closest to 6 lbs. Photo of the day comes in from this house in Rondo with seven Steve Harrelson signs in ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
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 video of UALR Law School Dean John DiPippa discussing the Kagan confirmation on Today's THV ...
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
Here are a few pictures from the last weekend on the campaign trail: Stamps fishing tournament Finally got bit by a dog out going door to door down near Mars Hill. Don't let this little sucker fool ya...he can bring it Hamburger supper in Spring Hill (Hempstead Co.) Rocky Mound Cemetery Pie Auction east of Fouke Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk -- Team Joshua Weeke...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
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
Our Senate race will be profiled on KSLA-12 (CBS-Shreveport) soon. Here are a couple of pictures from the interview: ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 3 clicks
All legislative and county candidates in Sevier County met yesterday to speak and answer questions in DeQueen. The forum also aired on KDQN 92.1 FM and KMTB 99.5 out of Nashville. ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
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
Here's a link to a recent study on state budgets by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. States are likely to see the largest shortfall yet in this recession, and closing this gap in many states will have severe effects on services and jobs. ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
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
I'm still recovering from the election and transitioning back to my law practice for a bit while I stay tuned to the run-off elections taking place around the state. Here's the cover of the June Four States Living, which hit the racks 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
Complete but unofficial results in my bid for the state senate have me with 54% of the vote . It was a long, hard campaign, and I look forward to serving in the state senate. Thanks to each of you who helped make this happen. Scroll down for election results . Election results: Miller County Precinct Harrelson Cowling Bradfield 52 (74%) 19 (26%) College Hill Middl...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
We had a good turnout for the Whistlestop Festival in Ashdown over the weekend. We set up shop right outside Harrelson Headquarters in Ashdown with a cotton candy machine and popcorn machine. Here are a few pictures: ...
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
Stateline.org has compiled an extensive list of issue-oriented and political blogs from each of the states. Click the link for the list . ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 3 clicks
I took a little time yesterday to tour the new $350 million expansion of Ash Grove Cement in Foreman. Here are a couple of pictures: ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8
I ran down to Patmos with Rep. Bubba Powers last night to speak to their city council meeting: ...
Under The Dome - Aug 8 - 2 clicks
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
Fighting for the Importance of Public Education - For Our Children, Our Economy, Our Communities and Our Future A strong public education system is essential to the individual and collective well-being of our state and its people, and to the development of an informed and engaged citizenry, without which no democracy can exist and flourish. A strong, universal system of public edu...
NWA Labor News - Aug 7
It’s simple: Working women are the experts on the challenges working women face at work, at home and getting by in a tough economy. And if you want to know something, the best thing to do is ask an expert. That’s what Working America and the AFL-CIO are doing with the 2010 Ask a Working Woman survey , and they could use your help. If you’re a working woman (whether you work outside or insi...
NWA Labor News - Jul 23
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
