It was a good week for…

KOCH INTERESTS DIVIDED. It was revealed this week that Koch Industries has committed $60 million to the Big River Steel “super project” in Mississippi County that Gov. Mike Beebe has asked the Arkansas legislature to support, through approval of $125 million in financing. Koch Industries is owned by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, who are active in right-wing and libertarian political causes. They’ve spent heavily to oppose environmental regulation, fight taxes of all sorts and universal health care, and work to elect Republicans who incessantly champion “free enterprise” and attack “government handouts.” Ironically, the Koch-funded political advocacy group, Americans for Prosperity, says it does not support subsidies for the steel mill.

Advertisement

THE MEDICAID SHORTFALL. New budget estimates from the Department of Human Services project a shortfall of $61 million for Arkansas Medicaid next fiscal year. That’s a $77 million improvement from the earlier forecast of a $138 million shortfall after the governor’s recommendation for putting $90 million in new money and $70 million from reserves into the program.

KELLY RODGERS. The North Little Rock School District named Rodgers, formerly superintendent of the Terrell Independent School District in Terrell, Texas, as its new superintendent of schools.

Advertisement

A NEW BRIDGE. The Pulaski County Quorum Court voted 10 to 5 in favor of Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines’ proposal to devote $20 million of road and bridge money toward a new Broadway Bridge. We’ll see if that means the bridge will be adorned with Villines’ proposed red, white and blue color scheme.

It was a bad week for…

Advertisement

COLLECTION PLATE THIEVES. As predicted in this space last week, a bill to allow concealed weapon permit holders to carry a handgun in church by Sen. Bryan King (R-Green Forest) sailed through the House. The governor has said he’ll sign the bill, though he may ask for more legislation to clarify matters of liability.

WOMEN. See this week’s cover story. Rep. Andy Mayberry’s unconstitutional ban on abortions after 20 weeks passed the House and Sen. Jason Rapert’s ban on abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected passed the Senate.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Tuesday topics Next article Hillary’s the one in 2016 — more polling coming today