MyPulseNews.com Mena Arkansas News covering Polk County and the surrounding area 
Governor Hutchinson Weekly Address: As many of you know, we’ve wanted to establish a work requirement in Arkansas Works for a long time. We were unable to garner support for this reform under the previous administration in Washington, but the Trump Administration is encouraging states to pursue this important innovation. As a result, we secured federal approval in March, and ...
June, 2018
- 1 June
State Capitol Week In Review
Each year there are more babies born in Arkansas with illegal drugs in their systems. The state Division of Children and Family Services has been keeping records since the legislature enacted Garrett’s Law in 2005. It is named after a child who was born in 2004 with crystal methamphetamine in his body, and who lived only a few months. The ...
January, 2018
- 22 January
What Can Be Learned from the Logic of an Illogical Shutdown
by Congressman Bruce Westerman – September 30 is an important date in our nation’s capital. It’s the end of the fiscal year for the federal government and about 30% of Uncle Sam’s programs depend on new congressional discretionary appropriations each year to remain operational. The list includes Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Interior and other departments that are funded through 12 ...
September, 2017
- 21 September
It’s hard to see Hurricane Maria through all this smoke
Our forest fires are going to keep getting worse if we can’t reform the way we fight fires. By Ken Fisher and Bruce Westerman, Opinion contributors The following opinion piece, co-written by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), originally appeared in the September 20 issue of USA Today. Earlier this month, standing on a hill overlooking the Columbia River that runs between Oregon and ...
- 8 September
Preparing for the Unexpected
SUBMITTED BY U.S. SENATOR DR. JOHN BOOZMAN – The worst of Mother Nature brings out the best of the human spirit. We witnessed the bravery and heroism of first responders, emergency officials and volunteers who saved the lives of Texans trapped by Hurricane Harvey’s devastating flooding. Arkansans mobilized efforts to assist our neighbors in need. The Arkansas National Guard responded ...
- 8 September
‘Renewed Hope’ Report Shows Hope for Foster Care System
SUBMITTED BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN MADDOX – Often times, it takes years to see the full impact on legislation we pass. But then there are times, like this week, that we see how just a few changes in the law can make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children in a matter of weeks. The Arkansas Department of ...
- 8 September
State Studies Results of ACT Scores
SUBMITTED BY THE OFFICE OF SENATOR LARRY TEAGUE – LITTLE ROCK – The ACT is the most important standardized test for high school students in Arkansas, and every year parents and educators anticipate the releasing of test scores to see how our students are performing. In the past decade Arkansas students have shown steady improvement because more of them are ...
February, 2017
- 23 February
Senate Proposes Attorney Fee Limits
FROM STATE SENATOR LARRY TEAGUE – February 17, 2017 LITTLE ROCK – After a lengthy and impassioned debate, the Senate voted to refer to voters a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit attorneys’ fees in civil lawsuits and limit the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded. The measure is Senate Joint Resolution 8. The Senate vote is a ...
- 23 February
Boozman Invites Arkansans to Participate in Tele-Town Hall Monday
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman will host a telephone town hall on Monday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. CT to connect with Arkansans and discuss topics under debate in Washington. This statewide event allows Arkansans the ability to ask Boozman questions over the phone or listen to the conversation about the issues impacting them. Arkansans interested in participating in ...
January, 2017
- 26 January
Gov. Hutchinson, ADE Launch Reading Initiative
January 26, 2017 LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Education are excited to announce the R.I.S.E. (Reading Initiative for Student Excellence) Arkansas reading initiative. R.I.S.E. Arkansas will build a culture of reading through stakeholder collaboration and provide additional instructional support to current and future teachers. “Reading and literacy skills are vital for success in the classroom and ...
