Dr. Boozman's Check-up
Natural State Happenings: April 2026
Apr 24 2026
Spring in The Natural State is always a welcome change of pace, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time back home during the April State Work Period. Spending time with Arkansans who are working to strengthen their communities and grow opportunities across our state is one of the most important parts of my job. These face-to-face conversations provide the unique, hands-on perspective that help guides my work in Washington.
With the warmer weather, it’s also a reminder of how much our outdoors are part of life and culture in Arkansas. Whether it’s fishing, hiking or bird watching, Arkansans and visitors alike look forward to getting outside this time of year.
I had the chance to visit Norfork Fish Hatchery in Mountain Home, which plays an important role in supporting our outdoor economy. Fisheries across the region depend on local, state and federal partnerships to ensure proper management of the species that support this time-honored activity. I met with hatchery officials and partners from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leadership to hear more about the challenges Norfork currently faces and discuss ways to restore healthy trout populations for current and future generations to enjoy.
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Touring Norfork Fish Hatchery |
Speaking with U.S Army Corps of Engineers Leadership |
Like fishing, walking and hiking trails appeal to Arkansans of all ages. I joined local leaders in Pope County to celebrate a federal investment I secured to rehabilitate a pedestrian bridge that connects six miles of trails on a 200-acre site managed by the Corps of Engineers. Partnership on this project will restore full access to the trail again to thousands of Arkansans every year.
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Great day with recreational enthusiasts and community and civic leaders |
Visiting the Bona Dea Trail |
ICYMI: Local Reporting on my visit to the Norfork Fish Hatchery and Bona Dea Trail
Mountain Home Observer: Boozman to Visit Norfork Fish Hatchery Wednesday for Trout Loss Briefing
KTLO: Norfork Hatchery hosts Sen. Boozman Wednesday for talks on trout population rebuilding efforts
Baxter Bulletin: Boozman visits Norfork Hatchery
River Valley Now: Boozman tours local recreation projects
Russellville Courier: Boozman visits Bona Dea
When I’m back home, I make it a priority to sit down and have face-to-face conversations where I can share updates on my work in Washington. I enjoyed seeing the great team at KTLO Radio and local business leaders from Harrison and Boone County to talk about policies that support job growth and help families keep more of their hard-earned money, like the Working Families Tax Cuts.
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Interviewing with Heather at KTLO Radio. You can watch our conversation here |
Meeting with Harrison and Boone County business leaders |
Serving our small businesses and local communities are the diligent healthcare providers who work every day to offer care and improve the lives of fellow Arkansans. I appreciated spending time with health care professionals and advocates during visits to the NWA Health Summit and a site tour of the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center and was grateful to discuss ways to strengthen federal policies and programs that improve outcomes, expand access to quality care and support our medical workforce.
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Meeting with Arkansas Health Care providers at NWA Health Summit
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Touring NARMC with administrators and physicians |
ICYMI: Local Reporting on my visits to the NWA Health Summit and tour of North Arkansas Health Center
5 News & THV11: Arkansas leaders call for collaboration as state faces 'maternal health desert' crisis
Key contributions to Arkansans’ as well as our national wellness come from scientists, researchers and staff at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) in Jefferson. The work being done by the NCTR team plays an important role in protecting public health. As the only FDA center located outside of Washington, D.C., it has an established track record of vital scientific study and regulatory contributions. I have been pleased to support the facility for years and enjoyed visiting the site for an update from staff.
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Touring the NCTR
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I enjoyed meeting with the staff who bring value to our local and national communities. |
Strong communities start with strong educational opportunities. It was great to visit some of our state’s excellent schools including Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
ATU hosted me for a look at its impressive ag education programs and facilities that are designed to support our next generation of farmers and producers while also offering skilled training for in-demand careers. At UA Little Rock’s Bowen School of Law, I appreciated visiting with students involved in the legal clinic that helps veterans navigate important services –– an effort I was proud to support.
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ATU students, faculty and leaders
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Joining the Bowen Law School at UA at Little Rock |
ICYMI: Local Reporting on my visits to ATU and the Bowen Law School
KARK: UA Little Rock receives $12.75 million in federal funding to continue innovative research
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: UALR to get $12.75 million in federal grants for nanotechnology, cybersecurity and national defense research
THV11: Senator John Boozman announces plans for federal dollars to support projects in Arkansas
KLRT: Boozman Joins UALR Leaders for Federal Funding Announcement
I wrapped up the state work period with my 2025-2026 Congressional Youth Cabinet finale at the Arkansas State Capitol.
These students spent their school year researching public policy topics that matter to them –– like maternal and infant health, artificial intelligence, financial literacy and protecting our livestock industry –– and working alongside peers from across the state to develop thoughtful, real-world solutions. Their presentations reflected creativity, preparation and a strong understanding of the issues affecting their communities.
It’s always encouraging to hear from such impressive young Arkansans who care deeply about our state’s future, and I look forward to seeing all they continue to accomplish in the future.
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Listening to student presentations
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