The 2022 Midterm Elections have had record turnout across the United States, including here in Arkansas. The state as a whole had an increase of ballots cast by over 15,000, and Benton County had an increase of over 13,000 ballots cast at the polls. There were many shifts on the federal level, and the final counts to determine who will be taking charge in Washington came in shortly after election day. Continue reading to see how our region voted and what to expect moving forward.

Follow us on this journey to learn about the ballot issue concerning the Benton County Jail & Law Enforcement Sales Tax Proposal. Early voting began October 24 and the last day to vote is election day, November 8!

Election Day is just around the corner with early voting starting on October 24 for the General Election on November 8. The last day to register to vote is October 11. There’s a lot to be voted on, from candidates in local and state races to several ballot issues. In this issue, we help you breakdown the issues, introduce the candidates, and answer some of your questions about the looming election.

Election Day is just around the corner with early voting starting on October 24 for the General Election on November 8. We have four state ballot issues and one local ballot issue that will be on the ballot. 

Don’t Forget to Vote May 24 – Early Voting Starts May 9

The Advocacy & Government Affairs division of the Chamber was very active in the Arkansas General Assembly in 2021. Ending the year on a high note, Legislators finished a Special Legislative session where they approved Governor Hutchinson’s income tax reduction package.

Rarely does anything last for ten years in the world of politics. Presidential Administrations, Members of Congress, Governors, and State Legislators come and go in that amount of time. The one certain thing that does endure for ten years in politics is the process of redistricting.

One of the Chamber's five key focus areas for its mission-work is Advocacy and Government Affairs. We serve as the regional link between business and government to ensure the Voice of Business is represented and heard. We engage the community in the political process from contacting a legislator to registering to vote. By working together, our voices influence positive legislation outcomes for business-driven, public policy. This article examines the upcoming legislative redistricting and insights so you may influence districts being created with your business interests and concerns in mind.

The Arkansas General Assembly convenes every two years to exchange ideas, engage in debate, and pass legislation that allows our State and region to prosper.  At the time of drafting this article for publication (late April) legislators were winding down their activities for the 93^rd General Assembly. The following are some highlights from the Government Affairs division of the Chamber.

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs and Community Development Divisions serve as advocates for the Northwest Arkansas community as part of the Chamber’s overall mission. 

The election is over and now it is time for the members of the 93rd General Assembly to turn their attention to the business of governing. On Monday January 11, the legislature will convene amid one of the most uncertain and turbulent times this state and country have arguably faced since the time preceding the official entry of the United States into World War II.

With the backdrop of a newly refurbished Walmart AMP and a six-lane section of I-49 running through Pinnacle Hills, which is one of Northwest Arkansas’s most successful developments, Governor Hutchinson visited Rogers recently. His purpose was to campaign for Issue One, an election measure that was passed overwhelmingly by the voters of Benton County.

On Election Day, you decide more than who will represent you. You also vote whether to approve or reject new state laws and proposed changes to the Arkansas Constitution. This includes Ballot Issue One, continuing a one-half percent sales and use tax dedicated to funding the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s construction and maintenance of state highways and bridges, county roads, city streets and bridges, and other surface transportation important for economic growth.

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Division hosted recent Legislative Candidate Forums for local State Representative and State Senate races. View them here!

Governor Asa Hutchinson has expressed to the members of the Arkansas General Assembly that he would like to pass a Hate Crimes Bill. Arkansas is one of a few states left without a hate crime law (Wyoming, South Carolina) that enhances criminal penalties for targeting a victim because of that person’s attributes or situation. This bill is very similar to recently passed legislation in Utah and Georgia. A Special Session to pass this bill is the goal. However, if a Special Session is not called this year, the Governor has expressed that he wants to address this issue in the regular legislative session which begins in January.

A message from Chamber SVP of Government Affairs Jon Moran

On March 31, two primary runoff elections were held for two state legislative seats.

Un Mensaje de Geovanny Sarmiento, Vicepresidente de Participación e Inclusión de la Comunidad de Rogers.

A Message From Jon Moran, Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce SVP of Government Affairs

By Jon Moran, Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce VP of Government AffairsOnce, on an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies, Jed Clampett lamented that he needed to have a long talk with his nephew, Jethro Bodine, about his interest in politics. ...

Blog post courtesy of Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of ArkansasARKANSAS WORKSA key issue in this Fiscal Session is passage of the Department of Human Services (DHS) appropriation for medical service operations, SB 30. This ...

Information courtesy of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of ArkansasThe 91st Arkansas General Assembly convened its Fiscal Session at noon on Monday.Arkansas Fiscal Sessions are limited to 30 days, but can be extended an ...

The House Republican Steering Committee has recommended that Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) be named chairman of the House Budget Committee, to succeed Rep. Diane Black (R-TN). House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement:“I believe ...

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 96th Annual Celebration of Business & Community (Annual Celebration) on February 22, 2018 will establish a new award to be presented in the spirit of outstanding community service. The Barclay-Matthews ...

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted a Washington, D.C. Fly-in for a dozen members and their guests on September 27 and 28. International ...

Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders (NWAEL) exists to connect and engage Northwest Arkansas young professionals through personal and professional development experiences. Membership is open to anyone in Northwest Arkansas that has a desire to get ...

Governor Asa Hutchinson will deliver remarks to kick off the 2017 Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders (NWAEL) Ready to Run program. This year’s event will be held on Monday, July 31 at The Record, located at 104 S.W. A Street in ...