Opinion

LITTLE ROCK – Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic Arkansas has received billions of dollars in federal relief funding. The PEER subcommittee of the Legislative Council has grown significantly in importance because it reviews how state agencies, institutions of higher education and public schools proposed to spend those federal relief dollars.

This week, it was announced that a tentative deal has been reached between union workers and Class I railroads, avoiding a threatened strike that would have halted the nation’s freight and passenger rail service. As Ranking Member of the House Transportation Committee’s Railroads, Pipelines, & Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, I was monitoring the situation and keenly aware of the significant and devastating effects a nationwide rail strike would have on industries in the First District and our country’s economy as a whole.

I recently read an article titled “35% of Americans believe president should able to remove judges over decisions” from UPI (United Press International). In this “article” 1001 people was surveyed with 35% of the people believe that the President should have the right to remove Supreme Court Justices for “bad legal decisions”.

Every community feels the impact when adults lack a high school diploma or the skills to compete in the 21st century workforce. Not only is it devastating for the adults who may dream of a better life for their families, but it may impact education for future generations.

In Arkansas, 554 lives were lost to suicide and over 100,000 adults had suicidal thoughts last year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Today I’d like to talk about a proposed federal rule dealing with construction contracts and my efforts to lead the 17 other governors who oppose this executive order. Earlier this year, President Biden signed an executive order which requires Project Labor Agreements for federal construction projects.

Rep. Jack Fortner It is estimated that more than 20 percent of Arkansas households are food insecure.