LITTLE ROCK, AR (KATV) — A seat in the Arkansas Senate is opening up, but political observers say the bigger story may be what the move signals about the state’s political future.

State Sen. Ben Gilmore announced he is resigning from the Arkansas Senate to become a senior advisor in Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office. His new role begins July 1.

While the move marks the end of Gilmore’s time in the Legislature, some political analysts believe it also represents a strategic shift inside Arkansas politics.

“It’s a major pickup for the attorney general,” political analyst Bill Vickery said.

Vickery described Gilmore as one of the Legislature’s most respected conservative leaders.

“Gilmore is a very experienced and well-respected political mind. He is a breadth of institutional knowledge and understanding of conservative policy. I liken it to the AG’s office getting a five-star through the transfer portal.”

For Vickery, the hiring carries significance beyond staffing.

“The attorney general has not been shy about talking about being governor of Arkansas one day,” he said. “When you add someone the caliber of Ben Gilmore to your staff, you’re clearly sending a signal that Tim Griffin is going to be a very formidable person when the next governor’s race comes open.”

Gilmore’s departure also leaves a leadership void inside the Arkansas Senate.

Vickery called the resignation “a big loss” for the chamber, pointing to Gilmore’s role as chair of the Arkansas Legislative Council—one of the Legislature’s most influential positions.

“It’s a big loss for the Arkansas State Senate,” Vickery said. “He’s a leader in the state Senate, serves as chair of the Legislative Council, a very powerful position.”

Gilmore was serving a term that was set to run through January 2029. His resignation triggers a special election in Senate District 1, which includes Ashley, Bradley, Chicot and Cleveland counties, along with portions of Drew, Grant, Jefferson and Lincoln counties.

One candidate has already begun campaigning.

Missy Wardlaw said she plans to spend the coming weeks meeting voters across the district.

“They should expect me to be knocking on doors and shaking hands with every person that I can,” Wardlaw said. “The district, of course, is a lot larger than what I’m used to working with, but I plan on just starting now and hitting the ground running.”

The Governor’s Office has not announced when the special election will be held. When asked about the timeline, a spokesperson said there was no comment.

In a statement announcing the hire, Attorney General Tim Griffin praised Gilmore’s experience, saying, “Ben’s extensive experience dealing with numerous public policy issues at the state and federal level gives him unique insight and will be a force multiplier for the office.”

Gilmore officially begins his new position on July 1.

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Arkansans receiving Medicaid will be required to have a job beginning July 1, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Human Services announced Friday.

The state’s welfare-to-work requirement will soft launch next Wednesday. Full implementation of the program will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Who is affected

Under the new requirement, healthy adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who are enrolled in the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME) Medicaid program must work, volunteer or go to school for at least 80 hours per month.

Pregnant and postpartum women, disabled veterans, caregivers and those with special needs are exempt.

What the soft launch means

During the soft launch, DHS will begin running automated processes to determine if beneficiaries are exempt, meeting or not meeting the work and community engagement requirement, according to Friday’s news release.

Beneficiaries will be notified of their status so they can meet the requirements when they go into effect next year.

Those who do not meet the requirements by Jan. 1, 2027, will have 30 days to show compliance before their Medicaid benefits are suspended.

What officials are saying

“Most Arkansans work hard to pay for their health insurance — and they shouldn’t have to subsidize healthy adults who choose to stay on the sidelines,” Sanders said. “If you’re young, healthy, and get government assistance, you should work, go to school, or volunteer.”

DHS Secretary Janet Mann said the program is designed to help beneficiaries advance economically.

“Finding a job brings purpose, meaning, and economic independence, which we know leads to better health,” Mann said. “The ARHOME Community Engagement and Work Requirement is a key program that will help our beneficiaries advance their careers and become self-sufficient, and we look forward to a successful implementation.”

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Bismarck, Ark. (KATV) — If your idea of a perfect summer getaway includes a clear lake, plenty of elbow room and enough activities to keep the whole family busy for days, DeGray Lake might be calling your name.

In the run-up to America’s 250th birthday, DeGray Lake is being highlighted as Arkansas’ only resort state park — a place designed to be a one-stop vacation spot where guests can settle in and stay put.

“We are Arkansas’s only resort state park, and with that, we have enough to keep a guest and their family busy for really a whole week,” a park representative said.

The park’s setup is meant to keep everything in one place, from the lodge and pool to the restaurant and swim beach. Visitors can also find trails, four stables, golf, disc golf, fling golf and interpretive programs held every day during the summertime.

“So really, the whole package is designed so that people, they would never leave, never need to leave the park while they’re here on vacation, they can be here all week,” the representative said. “We’ve got your food, we’ve got your lodging, we’ve got plenty to keep you busy and having a good time. That’s what makes us Arkansas’s only resort state park.”

Water sports are a big summertime draw, and the park also offers a range of ways to stay overnight — whether you want comfort, something in-between, or a more traditional camping experience.

“If you like getting in the outdoors, but you don’t like staying in the outdoors, you can come stay in our comfy lot,” the representative said, noting the lodge has 96 rooms. For a “step up from camping,” the park also has three yurts available, described as a more glamorous option with bunk beds, a sky dome and a door that locks. Campsites are also available, ranging from RV hookups to simple tent sites.

For anglers and lake lovers, the park representative said the fishing is great and the water is clear, with options that include line fishing, spear fishing and scuba diving.

“It’s a beautiful lake,” the representative said. “We’re nestled right here in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains.”

The park is described as a little off the beaten path — but that’s part of the charm.

“I tell people all the time it’s kind of like the best kept secret, because you look out there at that lake, not too busy,” the representative said.

For more information on planning a visit, click here.