Local legislators offer updates from Little Rock

Nicks, Ferguson keeping tabs on state committee meetings

By Ralph Hardin

ralphhardin@gmail.com

The Arkansas General Assembly is not in session at the moment, but the wheels of state government continue to turn in Little Rock with various committees and caucuses meeting through out the fall.

Crittenden County’s two state representatives in the Arkansas House offered a look at some of what has been happening in meeting rooms at teh Capitol.

Legislative Council looks at LEARNS, other issues

State Rep. Milton Nicks (DMarion) reported that the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and ALC subcommittees convened this week.

“In these meetings, members received an update regarding the implementation of LEARNS, an update regarding a study of our state’s firearms laws, and approved funding to expand nurse training programs in the state,” said Nicks. “Education Secretary Jacob Oliva updated the council on the use of Education Freedom Accounts.”

Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) is a school choice initiative that provides funding for eligible students to attend participating private schools.

Secretary Oliva told the council that 4,795 students and 94 schools are currently participating.

For this school year, EFA’s are limited to first-time kindergartners, students coming from “F” rated schools, students with a disability, foster care children, or children of active-duty military.

“Students with a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act represent the largest share of participating students,” Nicks said, “amounting to 44 percent of total participants. First-time kindergarteners likewise represent a sizable share of the total participants, making up 31 percent of the participants’ population.”

Upon request, the council approved the disbursement of federal American Rescue Plan funds including a request from the Department of Commerce for $25 million to educate more nurses in Arkansas.

Nicks said, “The department says the funding will be used for a grant program to expand nursing apprenticeships, increase nursing program capacity, and tuition reimbursement. A portion of the funds will also be used for career center licensed practical nurse pathway development. These centers provide high school seniors and juniors college credit while in school.”

The Council was also informed that the Game and Fish and State Police Subcommittee will meet on Monday, November 13 at 1 p.m., in the MAC building behind the Capitol to begin hearing information presentations regarding federal laws related to firearms.

“This is the beginning of the Arkansas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study,” explained Nicks. “The public will have an opportunity to provide comments at the meeting. There will be a link on the General Assembly website for public comment, and there will be a signup sheet at the committee meeting. Only those members of the public who have signed up in one of those two ways will be allowed to come forward and present their comments to the Subcommittee.”

A look at joint committee ongoing work this fall

Last week, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee convened with the Senate Children and Youth Committee.

“Members were presented with the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council Annual Report,” reported State.

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FERGUSON NICKS UPDATE

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Rep. Deborah Ferguson (D-West Memphis). “These findings shed light on the alarming statistics surrounding Alzheimer’s disease in the state, revealing both present challenges and future hurdles facing our state.”

In 2021, the 93rd General Assembly initiated Act 391 which established a permanent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council. “This move demonstrated the state’s commitment to addressing the issue head-on,” Ferguson said. “Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that not only affects those living with it but also places a significant burden on their families and caregivers.”

The statistics, she said, are sobering. In 2020, it was estimated that 58,000 Arkansans aged 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s.

“This number is expected to rise to approximately 67,000 by 2025,” Feguson said.” This number highlights the urgent need to confront this disease. Another heart-wrenching aspect of Alzheimer’s is the toll it takes on caregivers. Arkansas currently has around 154,000 unpaid caregivers who provide support and care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. The impact of these dedicated individuals cannot be overstated. They face immense emotional, physical, and financial challenges while caring for their afflicted family members.”

Most Arkansas caregivers are over the age of 50, More than 41% of caregivers have an annual household income of less than $50,000.

Members of the committee were also given some alarming statistics regarding Arkansans experiencing early warning signs.

“In Arkansas, 11.5 percent of those aged 45 and over report they experience confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or getting worse,” said Ferguson. “For those with worsening memory, 60 percent say it has created functional difficulties that have caused them to give up day-to-day activities or interfere with work or social activities.”

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, research is showing that people can reduce their risks by making key lifestyle changes including maintaining good heart health.

“In recognizing the pressing need to address Alzheimer’s, the 94th General Assembly strengthened with Advisory Council with Act 102,” Ferguson explained.

“This act adds two members from underrepresented healthcare providers. They include a representative from Arkansas Home-based Services Association and the Arkansas Residential Assisted Living Association.”

The 94th General Assembly also passed Act 682 which establishes the position of Dementia Coordinator within the Division of Aging at the Department of Human Services.