Arkansas Legislative Council

The Arkansas Legislative Council spent much of the week examining state finances, agency oversight, and the challenge of setting priorities amid finite public resources.

Members began with an update on state revenue, learning that year-to-date gross general revenue collections stand at approximately $3.31 billion. That total is about $58.9 million, or 1.8 percent, higher than collections at the same point last fiscal year, providing a cautiously encouraging view of the state's financial outlook.

The Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee also received an update on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and SNAP programs, which play a key role in helping Arkansas families meet basic needs while working toward greater stability. On Monday, Department of Human Services officials briefed lawmakers on the outlook for TANF subgrants. DHS said several nonprofit organizations may be given more time to spend remaining funds, but the amount of future federal allocations remain uncertain. These subgrants support services such as housing assistance and youth programs.

The council approved a range of temporary appropriations to support public health initiatives, higher education grants, state police equipment, driver's license operations, and emergency management activities. Members also cleared multiple federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests focused on disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation, and strengthening community resilience statewide.

In addition, lawmakers approved several personnel actions, allowing new positions to be created across multiple agencies. These included positions within the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor and Licensing through the Office of Personnel Management growth pool, as well as new roles for the Department of Military through the surrender pool.

Taken together, the week's agenda highlighted the careful balancing act lawmakers continue to navigate as they work to maintain fiscal discipline while supporting essential programs and planning for Arkansas' long-term needs.