Arkansas is taking some quick stop-gap measures to shore up the state budget in the face of shortfalls due to COVID-19. The state was projected to see a $353 million budget deficit by the end of this fiscal year (June) due to an extension of income tax deadlines and as a result of economic activity grinding to a standstill across …
Democrats & Congress Pass Historic Relief Package, More Needed ASAP
COVID-19 Relief Package Passes Congress The Democratic House of Representatives helped shepherd into law the largest relief package in the history of the nation. It includes a $1,200 direct payment to individuals; subsidized loans, grants and tax breaks to small businesses faced with a near total economic shutdown; a massive investment in public health; and vital support for state and …
Update on April 3 Fisher-Shackelford Dinner & May 30 Special State Convention
In consultation with party leaders and staff and following the guidance of health officials, the Democratic Party of Arkansas provides the following updates. FISHER-SHACKELFORD DINNER – April 3 (postponed) As many of you know, this time of year is when we gather to celebrate the accomplishments of Democratic women across the state. In light of the recent of COVID-19 pandemic …
COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Is Needed In Arkansas NOW
The Arkansas Legislature may soon convene for a special session to deal with the severe impact of COVID-19. The Governor’s call for a special session should include a restoration of Unemployment Insurance benefits to 26 weeks and a state created pool of unemployment benefits for barbers, stylists, restaurant owners and others who have been forced to close due to COVID-19. Unemployment …
Barbershops, Salons, Tattoo Studios Close: Where’s Their Financial Support?
Arkansas is making smart moves to curb the spread of COVID-19, but taking away people’s paychecks without support isn’t a good enough solution. Arkansas’s leaders need to make sure that working people are taken care of during this crisis. Closing all but essential services is a wise public health move. State health officials ought to be applauded for working to …
Sounding the Alarm: Break The Curve NOW
Arkansas isn’t expected to see the spread of COVID-19 peak for another 6-8 weeks. It is going to push our medical system to the brink. But we still have a choice to minimize the damage, as state Representative Denise Garner outlined in an opinion letter in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. We must take decisive public health prevention and suppression action now …
Don’t lose hope.
It’s important we take COVID-19 — and prevention measures — seriously, while at the same time remaining level-headed. The challenges we face personally, as individual communities, and as a nation are daunting. We are all living through something that we haven’t quite been through before. But that doesn’t mean we have to live in fear or paralysis. Now, more than …