The Arkansas Legislative Council this week adopted a resolution urging federal leaders to take swift action to support Arkansas farmers amid mounting economic challenges. The resolution recognizes agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy and a vital part of America’s food security, noting that many producers are struggling with high interest rates, unpredictable weather, volatile markets, and rising costs for seed, fuel, fertilizer, and equipment.

These pressures have led to an increase in farm bankruptcies and closures across the state, threatening not only producers but also the rural banks, equipment dealers, and communities that depend on them. The resolution calls on the President and congressional leaders from both parties to work together to develop and implement a targeted relief package for the 2025 crop year to help farmers continue their operations and preserve the strength of Arkansas agriculture.

The Council also approved a PEER Subcommittee report that included the review of a transfer of $583,003 from Tobacco Settlement Funds for the Great Strides Grant Program to improve fitness trails, and $202,216 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the Water Quality Management Planning Program to help protect Arkansas’s water resources.

Members reviewed two proposed 10-year contract extensions for major vendors of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, including a $138.25 million extension with Intralot of Duluth, Georgia, for gaming operations from 2026 to 2036.

In committee work, the ALC Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disability Studies Committee continued its review of the Department of Human Services Division of County Operations. The division oversees eligibility for programs serving Arkansans in need, including Medicaid, SNAP, and Transitional Employment Assistance. Members were told there are currently 864,019 Arkansans enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, 222,513 in SNAP, and more than 1,700 receiving TEA benefits.

Through these actions, the Legislative Council continued its oversight and fiscal review role on behalf of Arkansas taxpayers.