Natural State News

As per the latest reports, things are looking up for Arkansas, and economic recovery is on its way, with employment rates in manufacturing rising steadily.

When compared to several other states in the U.S., Arkansas had a low employment rate, and things weren't looking good in the initial part of the year. However, recently, multiple industries have started improving, and positive signs are cropping up with respect to the economic recovery for the Natural State, Natural State News reported July 6.

"Last month's revenue report continues to provide encouraging news for the state of the Arkansas economy. The current surplus puts us in good position for meeting the priority needs of state government & confirms more people are confident with the economy & wages are increasing," Gov. Asa Hutchinson tweeted Sept. 2.

Arkansas' state revenue in July exceeded expectations by 9.4%, beating the forecast by $51.6 million. While still 21.7% less than revenue collection in July of 2020, Hutchinson was still overall positive about the trend. He believes that the surplus is indicative of Arkansas' economy continuing to grow and thrive, Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported. This follows his decision to opt-out of the federal unemployment bonus as a means to motivate residents to return to work.

In the month of July, the state's unemployment rate dropped to 4.3%, whereas for the past four months, it had remained at 4.4% at a stretch. Ever since July 2020, over 47,000 citizens of the state have found employment, the Times Record reported.

"Our unemployment rate continues to be significantly below the national rate, and the fact that unemployment is now down to 4.3% reflects a growing economy in the state," Hutchinson in a statement, according to the Times Record.

The state of Arkansas recently launched the "Ready for Life" website, where people can find as many as 8,800 jobs listed, KTBS reported.