PRIDE Month Activities:

Arkansas Kids Count

Register today to attend the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition Children’s Policy Summit in Northwest Arkansas on July 11th from 1:30 - 4 p.m. at the Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary’s (1200 W. Walnut, Rogers).

Hundreds of bills were passed this legislative session that will impact the lives of children and families in our state. Join the Coalition for a conversation about some of the major new laws, missed opportunities, and important victories for kids in the 94th Arkansas General Assembly. Share your thoughts on what came out of the state Capitol this year and how you think the new laws will affect your community. There will also be opportunities for advocacy even now that the legislature has adjourned.

Help Arkansans Keep Medicaid Coverage

Due to the end of the pandemic, Arkansas is reviewing the list of Arkansans who receive Medicaid coverage. Since starting the review, nearly 150,000 Arkansans have lost their coverage this year, over 1/3 of those are children. Most of the lost coverage is attributed to clerical reasons.

Here are some things you can do:

Applications for the Arkansas State Chamber sponsored Leadership Arkansas 18th class are now open. The program is designed for leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries. It offers participants a nine-month program filled with immersive experiences, expert-led sessions and engaging discussions about all things Arkansas. Previous local class participants include Rogers City Council Member April Legere, Attorney Bourgon Reynolds, Democratic Candidate for JP District 8 Carol Vella, and Democratic Party of Benton County Communications Chair Clint Schaff.

The application process includes an online application submission, color photograph, biography, $25 application fee, and two letters of recommendation. The application period will close on August 4th.

Latest News from Tracy Neal with the NWA Dem Gazz

Benton County School Districts - FREE Student Summer Meal Programs!

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families released their 2023 Legislative Summary on the bills that became law and the missed legislative opportunities from this year’s session. Read the entire report HERE.

from the Public Policy Center:

Attorney General Tim Griffin certified the third attempt at a ballot title for the Arkansas LEARNS Act referendum, submitted by Citizens for Arkansas Public Education and Students (CAPES).

Griffin's certification means CAPES can now start collecting voter signatures. The citizen group will need to collect at least 54,422 valid voter signatures from two-thirds of Arkansas' 75 counties by the end of July.

If they succeed, voters would decide the referendum on Nov. 5, 2024, more than a year after legislators approved Act 237 as the LEARNS Act is officially known.

If you are interested in being trained on signature collecting, sign up with CAPEs HERE.

from the Democratic Party of Arkansas:

We need more dedicated and passionate Arkansans who care deeply about our communities to step up and run for office. Even if you have never been involved in a campaign, you likely have the skills, experience, and drive to make a real difference in the lives of your constituents.

As an engaged citizen, you have likely seen firsthand the challenges that our state is facing. You know what needs to be done to improve our schools, our public safety, and our healthcare system. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her extreme policies are standing in the way of a brighter future for Arkansas.

We know that running for political office can be a daunting task. It takes a lot of time, effort, and money. However, we also know that Arkansans are tough and up for the challenge. If you are a hard worker and unafraid to fight for what you believe in, then consider running for office. Even if you are not totally sure, we encourage you to sign up, as we’ll reach out and talk through important details to help you come to a decision.

Filing to be a Democratic candidate on the ballot is in November, only five months from now. There are county, state, and federal offices in your area that are ready for real representation that works for a better, safer, fairer, and healthier Arkansas. We’ll get in touch ASAP with resources, guidance, and answers to questions you may have about running for office.

Progressive Change Campaign Committee online candidate trainings in 2023; click HERE to sign up for free online training covering messaging and pivoting, digital campaigning and email, deep canvassing, media training, GOTV, lobbying and the legislative process, and transitioning to a new role.

National Democratic Training Committee will be hosting two upcoming “So You Want to Run for Office?” virtual live trainings - good place to start if you ever considered running (also email me)