On taxes, broccoli, and instant gratification
Despite the desperate need for pre-K funding, lawmakers sank their teeth into a nice, juicy capital gains tax cut for the rich this session. Fighting to keep state coffers adequately […]
Poverty can change how kids learn
Children from lower-income families have fewer resources, and this directly impacts a child’s brain development. A new study published by Nature Neuroscience adds to a growing body of evidence that “pulling […]
Revenues down in March
The tax collections that fund statewide programs like pre-K, education and roads took a dip last month, but are still ahead of schedule for the year as a whole. Because […]
Capital gains tax cuts for the wealthy make a comeback
It could be time to say goodbye to the most progressive part of Asa Hutchinson’s tax plan, the part that scales back capital gains tax cuts for the super-rich. Under […]
More threats to unemployment benefits on the horizon
The Arkansas legislature recently struck a huge blow to unemployment insurance by passing HB1489, (now Act 412) which reduces total benefits to unemployed workers by $50 million a year. It […]
Three bills don’t pass the test
The poorest Arkansans may be forced to submit to intrusive drug tests before receiving TANF or SNAP benefits because of three new bills (HB1924, HB1785, and SB600). Temporary Assistance for […]
Tax cuts for the super-rich could return
The wealthiest Arkansans might be bringing home a little more tax-free money thanks to Representative Shepherd’s bill (HB1402) that would reinstate the 2013 capital gains tax cuts benefiting mostly wealthy […]
Hard times ahead for Arkansas families?
People who are between jobs could face harder times ahead because of a bill that threatens to cut public benefits. Honest folks who are still struggling to find work in […]
Reducing soda pop tax will take the fizz out of Medicaid
A new bill filed this week will affect the daily life of many Arkansans not by saving them money on soda, but by cutting funding to Medicaid. SB725 does two […]
February revenue above forecast
Growth in net general revenue collections for February and the year as a whole could allow policymakers to boost funding for education, healthcare, and other services. Revenue from February was […]