Opinion

Thursday, July 17, 2025 During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed several new laws aimed at strengthening election procedures.

Whenitcomes to kitchen tools, few items are as classic or as simple as the iron skillet. This hefty piece of cookware has evolved from a staple of our grandmother’s kitchens to a trendy must-have in modern homes. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to channel their inner iron chef?

The Arkansas sales tax holiday this year will be on the first weekend in August, Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3.

I can’t believe that after nearly 50 straight years, I still can’t get to the license bureau with all it takes to get the license renewed on Ole Blu. I try. I even came up with what I thought was a sure thing by keeping every scrape of paper that has anything to do with the car, even repair bills, warranty on tires and battery, insurance papers, pink slip, proof of taxes paid, in a plastic (grocery store) bag inside the car. Feeling confident as all get-out last Friday, I approached Sandy in the revenue office, flopped the bag on her desk and said, “It’s all in there, everything that I need to get license.” After the initial shock, she looked through the papers briefly and said, “Where’s your inspection slip?” The moment of truth had arrived… I gathered up my papers, bid her farewell, and headed for the inspection station. Naturally, by the time I got back the place was swarming with people and I spent more time in line than it required to actually get the license stickers. But, as Kim said, “The rules haven’t changed… we just can’t get the people to change.”

About 325,000 Arkansas children have qualified for Summer EBT, which provides them with $120 for food purchases during the months when they do not receive free or reduced priced meals at school.

This week at the Capitol, legislative committees continued their interim work, focusing on public health, judicial reform, and corrections oversight.

As Arkansans gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, we are reminded that the spirit of independence lives in both our history and our land. From the Ozark trails to the Ouachita River, Arkansas offers some of the most spectacular outdoor experiences in the country. And this year, thanks to legislation passed during the 2025 Regular Session, we’re investing in that promise like never before.

This week, the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative Affairs met jointly with the Senate Children and Youth Committee to review important reports focused on child safety and well-being in Arkansas. These committees are charged with addressing issues related to children, youth, adoption, custody, and the challenges facing our aging population. Regular updates and data help lawmakers shape policies that better serve Arkansas families.

Thank you, thank you to all the folks who came for our 4th of July Celebration. It wouldn’t be the same without you or your financial assistance… besides that, we like to see each of you and renew acquaintances. Please start planning right away to be here next year as we will be celebrating our 59th year at Wynn Park.

The incentive program is part of the LEARNS Act, a sweeping series of education reforms that were proposed by the governor and enacted by the legislature. It raised starting salaries for teachers from $36,000 to $50,000.