ICYMI: Dr. Bobby Howard, Arkansas Appleseed Legal Justice Center
February 5, we hosted Drinks & Dialogue, a League of Women Voters event at Crisis Brewing. The event drew a standing-room-only crowd, demonstrating strong community interest. Dr. Bobby Howard, Executive Director of Arkansas Appleseed Legal Justice Center, spoke about the work his organization is doing in our community and provided actionable steps for advocacy.
Arkansas Appleseed focuses on research, legal action, and policy change to promote justice, freedom, and opportunity in the state. Dr. Howard shared insights on key issues facing Arkansas and how residents can engage in the legislative process.
Arkansas Issues Discussed and Ways to Advocate:
HB 1333 – A bill requiring insurance providers to cover breastfeeding and lactation consultations.
HB 1064 – A proposal allowing individuals over age 63 to vote absentee. This bill was introduced by House Representative David Whitaker.
Medicaid Expansion – Currently, Arkansas provides Medicaid coverage for mothers for only two months postpartum, whereas an expansion would extend it to 12 months. Most maternal mortality occurs after childbirth, and 92% of these deaths in Arkansas are considered preventable. One suggested action was to contact the governor’s office to express opinions on the issue.
HB 1221 & HB 1222 – These bills propose changes to the process of collecting signatures for ballot initiatives and would give the Attorney General more oversight in approving them. Supporters argue this strengthens oversight, while opponents are concerned it may limit direct democracy. House Representative David Ray and Senator Kim Hammer are the sponsors of these bills. Constituents can reach out to their legislators to share their perspectives.
SB3 – This bill seeks to eliminate affirmative action in college admissions, which would impact scholarships and the procurement of state contracts. Supporters argue it ensures a merit-based system, while opponents express concerns about reducing opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. The bill has passed the Senate and is currently under consideration in the House.
Taking Action
To get involved in state-level advocacy, community members can contact their legislators:
Arkansas House In Session: 501-682-6211
Arkansas Senate In Session: 501-682-6107 These numbers allow individuals to leave messages for their representatives.
For those interested in federal issues, download the 5 Calls app which provides information on representatives and suggested scripts for advocacy.
The Arkansas Legislature website is a valuable resource for tracking bills and learning more about legislative developments.
Additional Community Engagement
Laura Kellams of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) also participated in the discussion, encouraging attendees to sign up for action alerts from AACF, which works on issues affecting children and families in Arkansas.
The League of Women Voters of Arkansas is hosting a virtual event, Unpacking the Legislative Session, on February 18 at 6:00 p.m.
Additionally, a new civic engagement group, NWA Indivisible, has formed, focusing on organizing community advocacy efforts. Those interested in learning more or getting involved can reach out for further information.
Encouraging Civic Participation
The event was a reminder that civic engagement at both the state and federal levels is important. Dr. Howard emphasized that while national issues matter, local and state advocacy often has a more immediate impact. Participants discussed ways to stay engaged, from contacting legislators to educating their communities on policy issues.
For those looking to get involved, there are many opportunities to connect with advocacy organizations, stay informed on legislative developments, and take action in ways that align with their values.
