Natural State News

Arkansas Department of Commerce official updates effects of unemployment fraud measure

By Mary Lou Lang | Jul 13, 2021

A new act to further ensure unemployment fraud prevention was signed into law in April and expanded the state's ability to recover benefits that were acquired fraudulently.

Arkansas House member: Medicaid proposal must 'achieve quality goals'

By Mary Lou Lang | Jun 29, 2021

Arkansas' Medicaid overhaul plan is being submitted once again to the Biden administration, and one state lawmaker said the focus is to achieve quality in health care for residents of the state.

Bill to waive licensing fees for low-income Arkansans introduced by Ray, Gilmore

By Mary Lou Lang | Jan 29, 2021

Arkansas state Rep. David Ray (R-Maumelle) along with Sen. Ben Gilmore (R-Crossett) filed legislation last week that would help waive initial occupational licensing fees for low-income state residents to remove barriers and expand opportunity.

Arkansas governor utilizing businesses for contact tracing

By Mary Lou Lang | Jun 12, 2020

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson allowed certain businesses to reopen May 6 and these establishments must collect customer’s personal information and turn it over to state officials if asked as part of the state’s COVID-19 contact tracing program.