The August in-state work period allows me more time to spend in the state. I appreciated having many productive visits with Arkansans to hear about issues and priorities that I can take back to Washington to help shape better policies. Here’s a roundup of local coverage of some of our meetings across Arkansas.

 

I was pleased to join Senator Cotton to promote workforce development and investment:

KJNB – A-State thanks Senators Boozman, Cotton and Rep. Crawford for Campus Visit

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Business Leaders Joined Senators Boozman and Cotton to Discuss regulatory climate, inflation and worker shortages

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Boozman, Cotton, Crawford hold listening session with Steel industry figures.

Arkansas Business – Boozman and Cotton Talk Labor Shortages, Regulatory Challenges and more in Little Rock 

Paragould Daily Press – NEA steel industry has worldwide impact, lawmakers told 

El Dorado News – Senator Boozman and Representative Westerman talk about economic development and the defense industry

KAIT – Lawmakers talk Natural State meat and steel industries in Jonesboro

KNWA – Boozman, Cotton tour Compass Cold Storage

 

I continued the conversation about improving maternal health in Arkansas during a roundtable in Bentonville:

Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - Improving Arkansas’ maternal health outcomes require collaboration and better access, panelists agree 

Talk Business – Collaboration, non-traditional solutions part of better maternal health

Axios NWA – How to improve maternal health in Arkansas

Arkansas Advocate – Panelists say telemedicine, doulas could improve Arkansas’ poor maternal health outcomes

40/29 TV – Arkansas is one of the riskiest places to have a baby

KFSM – Lawmakers, health professionals say lack of resources in rural Arkansas contribute to state’s high maternal mortality rates

UAMS – UAMS’s Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., Joins Panel of Experts to Discuss Maternal Health Issues  

 

I also celebrated the rollout of Poland’s new F-35 that will soon arrive at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith – a critical step in advancing Arkansas’s role in the defense of our nation and allies – and I also spoke at the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance Summit:

The Heber Springs Sun Times – Poland F-35s bound for Arkansas Skies

Batesville Daily Guard – Poland F-35s bound for Arkansas Skies

ED88Radio – Boozman Celebrates Poland F-35 rollout 

KATV – Poland to Train on New F-35 Jets in Arkansas Under US Foreign Military Sales Program

Southwest Arkansas Today – Boozman Celebrates Poland F-35 Rollout Marks Critical Step Before Aircraft Arrival in Fort Smith

Siloam Springs Herald-Leader – Arkansas Ranks High as a Growth Site for Defense

 

I was proud to honor Staff Sergeant Gregory Smith with the Purple Heart at a memorable ceremony in Fort Smith:

KARK – Sen. Boozman Honors Fort Smith Veteran with Purple Heart

KNWA – Sen. Boozman Honors Fort Smith Veteran with Purple Heart

KFSM – Senator John Boozman presents Purple Heart to Arkansas Vet Injured in Iraq

Batesville Tribune – Fort Smith Community Honors Local Hero with Purple Heart 

Heber Springs Sun Times – Trooper Receives Purple Heart for injuries sustained during 2020 attack Iraq

Van Buren County Democrat – Trooper Awarded Purple Heart

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently proposed a rule that has the potential to negatively impact volunteer fire departments with burdensome regulations. I met with Arkansas firefighters to hear their input and concerns:

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Boozman Meets with Firefighters in Sebastian County About Proposed OSHA Rule 

KNWA – Sen. John Boozman Talks Proposed OSHA rules at Fort Smith Volunteer Fire Department

KFSM – Sebastian County Volunteer Firefighters Raise Concerns Over Proposed Changes to OSHA Regulations

40/29 TV– Firefighters Fear OSHA Regulations Could Impact Rural Departments in Arkansas  

Resident News Network – Senator Boozman Discuss Proposed OSHA Rule with Sebastian County Volunteer Firefighters