One of the best parts of State Work Periods is the opportunity to spend time traveling across The Natural State and visiting directly with the people who make it such a special place to call home. I recently had the chance to meet with local leaders, educators, law enforcement officers and small business owners who are working every day to strengthen their communities and create new opportunities for Arkansans. 

From economic development and workforce training to public safety and small business growth, each visit highlighted the strong work ethic, innovation and community spirit that continues to move Arkansas forward. 

In Fort Smith, I joined local and international partners for the groundbreaking of the F-35 Multi-Country Academic Training Center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The foreign pilot training mission represents a major investment in our national defense capabilities and strengthens Arkansas’s role in supporting military readiness and global cooperation. It will also bring long-term benefits to the region and reinforce Fort Smith’s importance in our nation’s defense infrastructure. Getting work started on the facility represents crucial progress that will ultimately result in the best F-35 training site in the entire world. 

ICYMI: Local Reporting on my visit to Ebbing Air Base

40/29: Construction begins on new pilot training center in Fort Smith
KNWA: Ebbing Air Base gets new F-35 center, boosting pilot training
5 News: Ebbing Air National Guard breaks ground on new F-35 training center
River Valley Democrat Gazette: Groundbreaking ceremony held for new F-35 pilot training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base
Southwest Times Record: F-35 training facility in Fort Smith targets 18-month build
Talk Business: Work begins on F-35 academic training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base

While in Sebastian County, I spent time in Greenwood receiving updates on the ongoing construction of the Greenwood bypass, a critical infrastructure project that will improve traffic flow and support economic development in the area. It was encouraging to see the momentum and investment taking place throughout the community.

I enjoyed meeting with Greenwood’s police chief, fire chief, city clerk, parks department and wastewater director to discuss infrastructure needs, economic development and public safety priorities. Conversations like these provide important insight from the local leaders serving Arkansans every day.

In Little Rock, I toured the Little Rock Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center and saw firsthand how technology and coordination are helping bolster public safety efforts. I appreciated hearing about the impact of federal support, including funding I secured to establish the Arkansas Criminal Intelligence Network (ACIN), and how these tools are helping law enforcement and first responders better prevent and respond to crime in central Arkansas and beyond. 

ICYMI: Local Reporting on my visit to Little Rock Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Officials tour Little Rock’s Real-Time Crime Center, preview Arkansas Criminal Intelligence Network
KATV: AI-powered Arkansas Criminal Intelligence Network set to change game for law enforcement
THV11: Senator Boozman tours Little Rock Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center

Another highlight of the work period was celebrating a federal investment I championed for the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College to construct a Workforce Center alongside local leaders and community partners. This project reflects strong collaboration between the school, the Little Rock Port Authority, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and many others committed to increasing the supply of skilled labor for this world-class industrial site.

The new facility will provide hands-on training in manufacturing and logistics, helping prepare Arkansans for in-demand careers while supporting continued growth at the Port of Little Rock. Workforce development remains critical to expanding economic opportunity across our state.

ICYMI: Local Reporting on my visit to UA-Pulaski Technical College Workforce Center

KATV: Boozman’s $20M federal boost backs UA-Pulaski Tech workforce hub by Port of Little Rock

Another stop during the work period was the Lonoke Business Academy, which provides high school students with hands-on training in agriculture and other skilled trades. Programs like this help prepare the next generation for successful careers while supporting Arkansas’s largest industries and future workforce needs.

I also enjoyed sitting down with Dave Elswick for a conversation about the issues facing Arkansans and my work in Washington on behalf of our state, particularly in support of our farmers, ranchers and rural communities. You can listen to our full conversation here.

It was great to visit Hy-Conn and D&M Holding Company, a major employer in Lonoke County and a strong example of Arkansas innovation in manufacturing. Hy-Conn, founded by an Arkansas entrepreneur, is developing products that support first responders, while D&M continues providing quality manufacturing jobs and economic opportunity in several rural parts of the state. These companies demonstrate what is possible when innovation, investment and hard work come together.

To celebrate Small Business Week, I stopped by several Arkansas small businesses that showcase the creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that help drive our state’s economy.

At Kopper Kettle Candies in Van Buren, I toured the facility and saw firsthand the craftsmanship behind its products. I even helped pack a box of employee-favorite treats before presenting the business with a certificate recognizing its achievement of being named one of the top candy stores in the country.

In Cabot, I enjoyed visiting Sage Teas and Treats and learning more about owner Amy Thompson’s business and the specialty products she offers from Arkansas and around the world.

And it was a pleasure to end the week at Holland Bottom Farm, purchasing fresh Arkansas strawberries and supporting one of our state’s many outstanding agricultural producers. It represents the special role these operations play in our communities and why they are so beloved over years and years, sometimes even decades.

The May In-State Work Period concluded with the honor of receiving the Arkansas Optometric Association Lifetime of Excellence Award. Having practiced optometry for many years in Arkansas before my time in Congress, this recognition is especially meaningful to me. I remain grateful for the friendships and experiences from my time in the profession and appreciate the dedication of Arkansas optometrists who continue working every day to provide quality vision care to patients across our state.

ICYMI: Local Reporting on being honored with the Arkansas Optometric Association Lifetime of Excellence Award

Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Whether its strengthening national defense, supporting small businesses, investing in workforce development or improving public safety, Arkansans are leading the way. I am grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from people across our state and bring those conversations back into my work in the Senate.