Arkansas
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.
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.
“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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Arkansas State Police has announced that they are now accepting applications for Troop Class 2027-A as part of a two-month recruitment program.
The training program is a 21-week law enforcement training program scheduled to start in January that is open to both certified and non-certified applicants.
“With the return of The Big Hat Law has come a renewed investment in our Troopers,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police (ASP). “This is more than a job – it’s a calling. We’re looking for the best of the best who are ready to step up, serve with honor, and wear the hat with pride.
New Troopers will receive the following compensation package:
- Starting salary of $67,675
- Family health insurance coverage
- Non-contributory retirement plan
- Total compensation valued at $108,684
- Overtime Opportunities
In addition to the compensation package, ASP says that their new Troopers will also earn the privilege of serving the public on the front lines, protecting communities, enforcing the law, and being a part of the 91-year-old nationally recognized tradition.
“Arkansas is investing in the next generation of state Troopers because we know that more law enforcement equals safer streets, safer communities, and a safer state,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “There is no better state to serve in law enforcement than Arkansas, and I encourage anyone who shares the Arkansas State Police’s values of bravery, integrity, and public service to apply.”
Applications for Troop School 2027-A will be open from 5 p.m. on May 1 to July 1, 2026. ASP encourages those interested to get ahead of the process and start their application now.
For more information about Troop School or application requirements, click here or email the ASP Recruiting Office at recruiting@asp.arkansas.gov.
There are only three weekends remaining in the season as Arkansas baseball welcomes one of its permanent rivals to Baum-Walker Stadium.
The No. 24 Razorbacks (30-16, 11-10 SEC) host No. 18 Ole Miss (31-15, 11-10) for a three-game set beginning Friday, May 1. The Rebels are one of two teams, along with Missouri, who the Hogs will face ever season under the new SEC scheduling format that was adopted in 2025 when Texas and Oklahoma joined the league.
This weekend represents a chance for both teams to boost their resumes with the NCAA Tournament on the horizon. Arkansas won two-of-three games against Missouri in its last series, while Ole Miss went on the road and won the opener before losing the final two games against Georgia.
Here’s how to watch Arkansas vs. Ole Miss this weekend.
Watch Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss
Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss schedule
- Game 1: Friday, May 1, 6 p.m. CT, N/A, SECN+
- Game 2: Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. CT, N/A, SECN+
- Game 3: Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m. CT, SEC Network, Fubo
The Razorbacks and Rebels will be on SEC Network for the final games of the series. The weekend’s other two games will be available to stream on SECN+.
Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss probable pitchers
Arkansas pitchers listed first.
- Thursday: LHP Hunter Dietz (5-2, 3.62 ERA) vs. LHP Hunter Elliott (4-1, 4.82 ERA)
- Friday: LHP Cole Gibler (4-1, 2.91 ERA) vs. RHP Cade Townsend (4-1, 2.33 ERA)
- Saturday: TBA vs. RHP Taylor Rabe (3-3, 4.24 ERA)
Arkansas baseball 2026 schedule
| Date | Opponent |
| Feb. 13 | Arkansas 12, Oklahoma State 2 |
| Feb. 14 | TCU 5, Arkansas 4 |
| Feb. 15 | Arkansas 6, Texas Tech 5 (11 innings) |
| Feb. 16 | Arkansas 3, Tarleton State 1 |
| Feb. 20 | Arkansas 5, Xavier 2 |
| Feb. 21 | Arkansas 7, Xavier 6 |
| Feb. 22 | Arkansas 11, Xavier 0 (8 innings) |
| Feb. 24 | Arkansas State 12, Arkansas 4 |
| Feb. 25 | Arkansas 1, Arkansas State 0 |
| Feb. 27 | UT Arlington 4, Arkansas 3 |
| Feb. 28 | Arkansas 9, UT Arlington 0 |
| March 1 | Arkansas 11, UT Arlington 1 (7 innings) |
| March 3 | Arkansas 10, Oral Roberts 2 |
| March 6 | Arkansas 7, Stetson 1 |
| March 7 | Arkansas 13, Stetson 1 |
| March 8 | Stetson 4, Arkansas 1 |
| March 9 | Stetson 6, Arkansas 4 |
| March 13 | Arkansas 5, Mississippi State 4* |
| March 14 | Mississippi State 7, Arkansas 2* |
| March 15 | Arkansas 7, Mississippi State 3* |
| March 17 | Arkansas 13, Northern Colorado 2 |
| March 18 | Arkansas 9, Northern Colorado 4 |
| March 20 | Arkansas 22, South Carolina 6* (7 innings) |
| March 21 | Arkansas 3, South Carolina 2* (10 innings) |
| March 22 | South Carolina 9, Arkansas 4* |
| March 24 | Central Arkansas 15, Arkansas 2 |
| March 27 | Florida 9, Arkansas 4* |
| March 28 | Florida 7, Arkansas 4* |
| March 29 | Florida 7, Arkansas 6* |
| March 31 | Missouri State 15, Arkansas 14 |
| April 2 | Auburn 10, Arkansas 2* |
| April 3 | Arkansas 3, Auburn 2* |
| April 4 | Auburn 8, Arkansas 3* |
| April 7 | Arkansas 7, Little Rock 0 |
| April 10 | Arkansas 7, Alabama 5* |
| April 11 | Arkansas 15, Alabama 6* |
| April 12 | Arkansas 3, Alabama 2* |
| April 14 | Arkansas 12, UAPB 2 |
| April 16 | Arkansas 6, Georgia 3* |
| April 17 | Georgia 5, Arkansas 3* |
| April 18 | Georgia 26, Arkansas 14* |
| April 21 | Arkansas 12, Missouri State 4 |
| April 23 | Arkansas 5, Missouri 4* |
| April 24 | Arkansas 6, Missouri 0* |
| April 25 | Missouri 6, Arkansas 1* |
| April 29 | Northwestern State |
| May 1 | Ole Miss* |
| May 2 | Ole Miss* |
| May 3 | Ole Miss* |
| May 8 | Oklahoma* |
| May 9 | Oklahoma* |
| May 10 | Oklahoma* |
| May 14 | at Kentucky* |
| May 15 | at Kentucky* |
| May 16 | at Kentucky* |
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 22 Arkansas (30-16, 11-10 SEC) and No. 17 Ole Miss (31-15, 11-10 SEC) clash in a pivotal SEC series this weekend at Baum-Walker Stadium. First pitch in the opener between the Razorbacks and Rebels is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, May 1, on SEC Network+ with Brett Dolan (play-by-play) and Troy Eklund (analyst) on the call.
Game two of the weekend series gets underway at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, on SEC Network+ with Dolan and Eklund in the broadcast booth. Arkansas and Ole Miss conclude the weekend with a 2 p.m. first pitch in the series finale Sunday, May 3, on SEC Network with Tom Hart (play-by-play) and Chris Burke (analyst) on the call from Baum-Walker Stadium.
The Razorbacks have won five consecutive weekend series against the Rebels (2021-25), including each of the last two weekend series played inside the friendly confines of Baum-Walker Stadium in 2022 and 2024. Arkansas and Ole Miss, both 11-10 in league play, are tied for sixth in the SEC standings with nine conference games remaining in the campaign.
Schedule
Friday, May 1
#17 Ole Miss vs. #22 Arkansas – 6 p.m. – SEC Network+ – Listen – Live Stats
Saturday, May 2
#17 Ole Miss vs. #22 Arkansas – 2 p.m. – SEC Network+ – Listen – Live Stats
Sunday, May 3
#17 Ole Miss vs. #22 Arkansas – 2 p.m. – SEC Network – Listen – Live Stats
On the Mound
Friday, May 1
Ole Miss – LHP Hunter Elliott (4-1, 4.82 ERA)
Arkansas – LHP Hunter Dietz (5-2, 3.62 ERA)
Saturday, May 2
Ole Miss – RHP Cade Townsend (4-1, 2.33 ERA)
Arkansas – LHP Cole Gibler (4-1, 2.91 ERA)
Sunday, May 3
Ole Miss – RHP Taylor Rabe (3-3, 4.24 ERA)
Arkansas – TBA
Tune In
Friday and Saturday’s games between No. 22 Arkansas and No. 17 Ole Miss will stream on SEC Network+ with Brett Dolan (play-by-play) and Troy Eklund (analyst) on the call. Sunday’s series finale, meanwhile, will televise nationally on SEC Network with Tom Hart (play-by-play) and Chris Burke (analyst) in the broadcast booth at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The entire weekend series between the Razorbacks and Rebels can also be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from Learfield, including locally in Fayetteville on 92.1 FM or through the Razorback app, with Phil Elson (play-by-play) and Bubba Carpenter (analyst) on the call from Baum-Walker Stadium. A full list of radio affiliates is available here.
History Lesson
Arkansas is 64-55 overall against Ole Miss since 1982, including a 29-23 record in games played in Fayetteville, Ark. In the Dave Van Horn era (2003-pres.), the Razorbacks are 39-45 overall and 17-19 at home against the Rebels.
The Hogs, 7-3 in their last 10 games and 13-7 in their last 20 games against Ole Miss, have not lost a home weekend series to the Rebels since 2019. In the last series between the two teams at Baum-Walker Stadium in 2024, Arkansas collected its first weekend series sweep of Ole Miss since 2002 and first sweep of the Rebels in Fayetteville since 1997.
Here’s The SEC Situation
With the second half of SEC play underway, Arkansas, currently 11-10 through 21 league games, must post a 7-2 record over its final nine games of the year to reach the 18-win mark in conference play for the ninth consecutive season.
Entering the 2026 campaign, the Razorbacks have won 18 or more SEC games in eight consecutive seasons (2017-25) and are one of only two teams in conference history to accomplish the aforementioned feat. LSU is the only other SEC program to record at least eight consecutive seasons of 18 or more SEC victories (10 from 1996-2005).
Dazzlin’ Dietz
Plagued by injuries during the first two years of his collegiate career, Arkansas’ Hunter Dietz is now fully healthy and quickly proving why he is one of the top left-handers in college baseball. Through 11 starts on the mound this season, the Trinity, Fla., native owns a 5-2 record with a 3.62 ERA and an SEC-leading 92 strikeouts in 59.2 innings of work.
After beginning the season as the Razorbacks’ game two starter, Dietz will make his fourth consecutive series-opening start Friday night against the Rebels. The left-hander has turned in a team-leading six quality starts this year, the most by a Razorback pitcher in a season since LHP Zach Root logged a team-high seven quality starts during the 2025 campaign.
1. UT Arlington (Feb. 28) – 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO
2. Stetson (March 7) – 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 12 SO
3. South Carolina (March 21) – 6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 12 SO
4. #18 Auburn (April 3) – 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 SO
5. #8 Alabama (April 10) – 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 SO
6. Missouri (April 23) – 7.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO
Dietz has also recorded three double-digit strikeout efforts, tied for eighth most in a season by a Razorback pitcher:
1. Stetson (March 7) – 12 SO
2. South Carolina (March 21) – 12 SO
3. #18 Auburn (April 3) – 11 SO
With his next double-digit strikeout game, Dietz will move into a tie for seventh most in a season by a Razorback pitcher:
1. 11 – Hagen Smith, 2024
T2. 8 – Nick Schmidt, 2006
T2. 8 – David Walling, 1999
T4. 6 – Trevor Stephan, 2017
T4. 6 – David Walling, 1998
6. 5 – Jess Todd, 2007
7. 4 – Isaiah Campbell, 2019
T8. 3 – Hunter Dietz, 2026
T8. 3 – Zach Root, 2025
T8. 3 – Mason Molina, 2024
T8. 3 – Blaine Knight, 2017
For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).
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