Arkansas

Arkansas income tax cut proposals expected to go to governor's desk Wednesday • Arkansas Advocate

Published

2 years ago

June 18, 2024

Arkansas income tax cut proposals expected to go to governor's desk Wednesday • Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas House and Senate on Tuesday each passed its version of two identical bills that seek to cut income taxes, setting up the conclusion of a special legislative session on Wednesday.

The legislation would lower the top corporate income tax rate from 4.8% to 4.3% and the top individual income tax rate from 4.4% to 3.9%, retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year. House Bill 1101 passed the House Revenue and Tax Committee on Monday while Senate Bill 1 passed the equivalent Senate committee.

Later on Tuesday, each committee passed the bill from the other chamber with no debate or dissent. Both chambers had suspended the rules so that bills could be discussed in committee without any mandatory waiting periods.

The tax cuts would be the state’s third in 15 months. In April 2023, the Legislature approved more than $100 million in tax cuts, reducing the top individual tax rate from 4.9% to 4.7% and the top corporate tax rate from 7.1% to 5.1%. During September’s special session, legislators lowered the top individual and top corporate income tax rates to 4.4% and 4.8%, respectively.

Reducing the top income tax rates should make it easier “to recruit companies and individuals to the great state of Arkansas,” said Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, the Senate sponsor of both bills.

The tax cuts would reduce the state’s general revenue by a cumulative $483.5 million in fiscal year 2025, which begins July 1, and by $322.2 million each fiscal year afterward, according to the state Department of Finance and Administration’s fiscal impact report on the legislation.

The bills require $290 million in general revenue to be set aside in a reserve fund in case the money is needed to make up for any decrease in state general revenue due to the tax cuts.

Sen. Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, speaks in opposition to tax cuts on the Senate floor during a special session on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

Republican lawmakers have said that the state’s budget surplus means taxes are too high and that reducing income taxes will keep money in the pockets of working people. Democrats have said the cuts will primarily benefit wealthy Arkansans and reduce the state’s ability to fund its services.

Senate Minority Leader Greg Leding and Rep. Denise Garner, both Fayetteville Democrats, spoke against the tax cuts in their respective chambers.

“I know cutting taxes is easy, it’s great in an election year… but there are things we can do to more meaningfully help make life a little bit easier for everyday Arkansans,” Leding said.

He suggested putting money into the as-yet-unused Arkansas Housing Trust Fund, creating a tax credit for people who rent their homes and making two-year community and technical colleges tuition-free.

Garner said the state should not cut taxes while the cost of Education Freedom Accounts, the school voucher program created by the LEARNS Act of 2023, is still undetermined since it is not yet available to all Arkansas families but will be next year. She also said the state could invest in programs that reduce its high rates of maternal mortality, infant mortality and teenage pregnancy.

Rep. David Ray, R-Maumelle, said cutting taxes does not mean the state is not invested in making life better for Arkansans.

“We can walk and chew gum at the same time,” Ray said. “There are always going to be societal problems and things that we have to address, and many of the people in this room, almost all of us, are working on policies that alleviate those problems.”

Arkansas Coalition for Strong Families held a press conference on the first floor of the Capitol early Tuesday afternoon, where coalition co-chair and Arkansas Support Network CEO Syard Evans listed a wide range of policy issues that lawmakers could focus on instead of cutting taxes, such as funding the foster care system, services for people with disabilities and broader internet access.

Syard Evans, CEO of the Arkansas Support Network, leads a press conference at the Arkansas Capitol on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

“Our state has far too many unmet needs and unfulfilled promises to once again push forward with more income tax cuts,” Evans said.

SB1 will go to the House floor for final approval Wednesday, and HB1001 will go to the Senate floor. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has expressed support for the tax cuts and is expected to sign them into law.

Additionally, the House passed House Bill 1002 and the Senate passed Senate Bill 3, identical bills to increase the homestead property tax credit from $425 to $500. Lawmakers previously increased the tax credit from $375 to $425 during the 2023 legislative session.

The credit is available to property owners on the property that is their primary residence, reducing their real property tax liability, which is paid at the county level.

The homestead tax credit bills passed with bipartisan support, and the House and Senate Revenue and Tax committees each passed the bill from the opposite chamber with no debate or dissent later on Tuesday. The legislation is expected to pass each chamber again Wednesday and go to Sanders’ desk.

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Arkansas

Way-Too-Early Top 25: Ranking College Basketball’s Best for 2026-27

Published

11 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Way-Too-Early Top 25: Ranking College Basketball’s Best for 2026-27

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With the transfer portal reshaping rosters overnight and elite freshmen arriving every summer, projecting the next college basketball season has become an exercise in controlled chaos.

Still, a handful of programs have positioned themselves early as national title contenders through roster continuity, program consistency and coaching stability.

Arkansas will once again be in the mix, but its true preseason forecast will come once the portal is mostly wrapped up. Coach John Calipari knows what type of player he needs to add for his team to advance past the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 and probably won’t sleep a whole lot until he signs at least one major contributor in the paint.

No. 1 seed Michigan had a stellar run in its second season under coach Dusty May, who competes for a national championship against No. 2 seed UConn Monday night. He goes up against two-time championship coach Dan Hurley, who is looking to join elite company by winning his third trophy with the Huskies.

Which teams are best equipped already for next season? Here’s an early look at who can make a run in 2026-27.

1. Michigan

UConn Huskies forward Jaylin Stewart (3) possesses the ball against Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) in the first half during the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Wolverines absolutely make sense regardless of if they win a national title Monday night. May added a commitment from 5-star guard Brandon McCoy Saturday who projects to be a lead guard at the next level.

Key big man Yaxel Lendeborg will be a huge loss after being a critical piece to Michigan’s championship game run. Power forward Morez Johnson should return after averaging over 13 points and seven rebounds per game.

Another likely returnee is Trey McKenney, who played well as a freshman averaging 11 points and 44% shooting in the month of March.

1B. UConn

UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) reacts after a made three point basket against the Michigan Wolverines during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Whether Hurley’s bid for a third title falls short, his brilliant coaching in the NCAA Tournament is worth keeping the Huskies near the top of all college basketball rankings.

Veterans such as Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed are seeing their eligibility expire while freshman Braylon Mullins could opt to enter the NBA Draft.

Veteran guard Silas Demary has been a nice addition from Georgia out of the portal this season and will likely return as the Huskies’ starting point guard.

3. Duke

The Blue Devils are set to lose the Boozer twins, but have signed capable replacements in true freshmen Cameron Williams and Deron Rippey, Jr.

Coach Jon Scheyer’s group will continue to run the ACC until anyone else decides to be up for the challenge. If he can find a way to keep Patrick Ngongba around for next season as his key big man, then there’s no reason to count out Duke as national title favorites once again.

Duke Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer speaks with the media during a press conference ahead of the east regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

4. Michigan State

No one will ever doubt coach Tom Izzo’s ability to assemble a championship contender and he did just that with Coen Carr, Jeremy Fears and company this season.

With a top high school recruiting class and a couple of key portal additions on the perimeter, the Spartans will be Big Ten title contenders and earn a Top 4 NCAA Tournament seed.

5. Illinois

Coach Brad Underwood has made the Fightin’ Illini a raging success and nearly led his team to the promised land this season.

He discovered freshman wing Keaton Wagler before anyone else, and became a household name and potential lottery pick after arriving to school as aTop 150 prospect.

Lightning might not strike twice next year, but he’ll probably have another solid team built for a deep NCAA Tournament run. Sharpshooter Andrej Stojakovic and forward David Mirkovic are both expected to return after playing key roles in Illinois’ first Final Four run in two decades.

6. Arizona

The Wildcats were no match for Michigan in the Final Four and are likely going to lose key freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries to the NBA Draft. Keeping veteran big man Mo Krivas and key wing Ivan Kharchenkov in the rotation is key.

Adding McDonald’s All-American MVP Caleb Holt won’t hurt either as the next great freshman for the Wildcats.

7. Arkansas

Coach John Calipari knows his biggest assignment will be adding a big man or two to round out his rotation. He has a three 5-star freshmen in Jordan Smith, Jr. (No. 2 ranked prospect, JJ Andrews and Abdou Toure coming in with potential key returnee Billy Richmond to potentially lockdown the perimeter.

Jordan Smith Jr during the McDonalds All American Boys Game at Desert Diamond Arena. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arkansas fans are hungry to see their team get back to the Final Four and have been inching closer each of the previous five seasons.

8. Purdue

The Boilermakers are set to lose All-American guard Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn which will be hard to come back from for any team.

However, Matt Painter continues to reload with guys who often fly under the radar or lesser known on the recruiting trail out of high school. His next team may not be as talented, or veteran laden but should be fixtures in the Big Ten no matter what the offseason brings.

9. St. John’s

Arkansas guard Boogie Fland (2) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) fight for a rebound against St. John’s guard Aaron Scott (0) during the second half of a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game at Amica Mutual Pavilion. | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Red Storm will find it tough to replace versatile big man Zury Ejifor, but if anyone can do so it’s hall of fame coach Rick Pitino. His team has been close to breaking into national title contention over the previous two seasons.

Pitino’s combination of Ian Jackson, Dylan Darling and Ruben Prey can give St. John’s a boost next season.

10. Alabama

Nate Oats has the Crimson Tide at a level never before seen in Tuscaloosa with at least a Sweet 16 or better finish in each of the previous four seasons.

Star guard Labaron Philon is probably headed to the league as a mid-first round prospect which leaves a gaping hole in Alabama’s rotation for next season.

Top 20 freshman guard Qadyden Samuels is potentially a solid replacement with a complete offensive skillset as a three-level scorer. If his length translates well to college, he can be an exceptional perimeter defender.

Oats will need to find a way to keep key big men such as Amari Allen and Aiden Sherrell around or pick up a couple out of the transfer portal to stay near the top of the SEC.

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats looks on in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. | David Banks-Imagn Images

11. Iowa State

The Cyclones were on the verge of a breakthrough before falling short in the Sweet 16. Losing All-American Joshua Jefferson early in the tournament sidelined any hopes of coach T.J. Otzelberger leading his team to its first Final Four since 1944.

Iowa State will probably make a strong run in the portal to replace other key contributors. But one thing is sure that this program has staying power on the national scene.

12. Kansas

Kansas Jayhawks forward Justin Cross (25) is welcomed by Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self before the Sunflower Showdown game against Kansas State Wildcats inside Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. | Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Each passing year it seems that the biggest question is whether or not coach Bill Self will return for another year.

He is, at least this year, but even with his exceptional recruiting skills and a deep portal budget, it seems like a slight nosedive has taken place since winning the national title in 2022.

Star freshman Darryn Peterson’s one-and-done stay in Lawrence certainly didn’t live up to the hype. Big man Flory Bidunga is currently evaluating his options, which shouldn’t give anyone a reason to rank the Jayhawks higher.

13. Iowa Hawkeyes
14. Gonzaga Bulldogs
15. Florida Gators
16. North Carolina Tar Heels
17. Louisville Cardinals
18. Wisconsin Badgers
19. Nebraska Cornhuskers
20. Houston Cougars
21. Providence Friars
22. St. Louis Billekins
23. Texas Longhorns
24. Auburn Tigers
25. LSU Tigers

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Arkansas

EDITORIAL: What a ride | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

23 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

EDITORIAL: What a ride | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Arkansas’ Best News Source

Editorial

Get the tight pants out

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Arkansas

6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk Supports Cancer Research in Arkansas

Published

1 day ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk Supports Cancer Research in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — A major event aimed at raising awareness and funding cancer research in Arkansas is coming up this weekend.

The 6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk benefits the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, helping fund cancer research, clinical trials, and long-term survival studies, with every dollar raised staying in Arkansas.

Joining us this morning are Elizabeth Birrer, co-chair of the walk, and Lesley Murphy, this year’s emcee.

Murphy, a professional travel journalist, has shared her own cancer prevention journey after undergoing a preventative double mastectomy at UAMS when genetic testing revealed she carried the BRCA2 gene. She now uses her experience to help educate and raise awareness about cancer prevention.

The walk is designed to bring the community together, survivors, families, and supporters, while highlighting the importance of research and patient care. Participants can expect a day of walking, activities, and opportunities to learn more about the institute’s ongoing work.

Online registration is available at here and closes at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 1st. In-person registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2nd at War Memorial Stadium, Gate 1.

Every dollar raised during the event directly supports research and clinical studies here in Arkansas, helping to advance treatment and improve outcomes for patients across the state.

The 6th Annual Be a Part of the Cure Walk is a community effort that combines awareness, education, and support, all focused on the fight against cancer.

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