Dr. Boozman's Check-up
Economic Impact Payment Resources
Jan 29 2021
Arkansans have a lot of questions about the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) that Congress approved at the end of 2020. The media often refers to these payments as ‘stimulus checks.'
The IRS has been issuing these payments. The best place to start in finding the status of a payment is the Get My Payment button on the IRS website. This will show if and when the payment was processed. It is important to note that it is taking approximately three to four weeks from that processing date to receive the payment. Arkansans with a January 6 date on the IRS website have told me they just received their check in the mail this week.
If the IRS website indicates the payment status is “unavailable” you may still be able to get one. The IRS added a line to this year’s tax forms so you can claim an unreceived EIP from both 2020 and 2021. You will have to file a tax return to see if there is any money through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
I understand this impacts many Arkansans who don’t normally file a tax return. If you need help with this to pursue your EIP, check out the file for free resources from the IRS or find the closest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site.
During August, I had the privilege of visiting our great health care workers at several hospitals and clinics across the state.
These visits gave me an opportunity to hear from frontline health care workers to gain an inside look into the needs of Arkansas’s health care system during the COVID-19 public health emergency. I appreciate their dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality care to Arkansans. Their resilience and bravery have not gone unnoticed and is greatly valued by us all.
I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure our frontline heroes are fully equipped with every resource necessary to care for COVID-19 patients while keeping themselves safe.
Here are some of the highlights from my visits as covered by media outlets in Arkansas:
- Booneville Democrat – Boozman: Additional hospital aid legislation expected
- 5 News – Senator Boozman visits Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks
- KAWX – US Senator John Boozman to thank Mena Healthcare Heroes
- Searcy Daily Citizen – Sen. John Boozman talks COVID-19, salutes heroes at Unity Health
- Baxter Bulletin – Boozman visits BRMC, honors Free
- KTLO – Boozman visits BRMC, discusses Coronavirus impact on healthcare community
- ArkLaTex – Arkansas Senator tells Texarkana hospital officials a new testing option is on the way
- Times Record – Mercy-Booneville could benefit from ICU space, telehealth
- Newton County Times – Senator Boozman visits NARMC, staff
- Harrison Daily Times – Sadler recognized by NARMC, senator
- Jonesboro Sun – Boozman offers insight into virus battle
- Malvern Daily Record – Sen. Boozman makes stop at local hospital
- White River Current – Senator makes stop at Calico Rock Hospital
- Russellville Courier – Boozman thanks healthcare workers
- Batesville Daily Guard – Campbell honored as "Healthcare Hero"
- Texarkana Gazette – Senator Boozman makes swing through region
- HopePrescott.com – Senator Boozman Tours Pafford Headquarters in Hope
- Mena Star – Boozman visits Mena to thank frontline heroes
Today marks the centennial anniversary of the formal adoption of the 19th Amendment into the U.S. Constitution. This landmark victory—which granted women the constitutional right to vote— was the culmination of more than 70 years of persistent and determined work by suffragists to ensure women enjoyed the same right as their male counterparts to cast ballots in elections and make their voices heard on questions of representation and public policy. Generations of women fought to achieve this milestone.
While women’s suffrage saw little progress at the federal level initially, efforts to modify state suffrage requirements progressed. Advancement at the state level is largely attributed to the development of women’s suffrage organizations and the influential work of their members. Two such groups formed in Arkansas: the Arkansas Women Suffrage Association in 1881 and the Political Equality League in 1911. Leaders of these two organizations tirelessly lobbied the Arkansas State Legislature for an equal suffrage law and eventually saw success in 1918 when women won the right to vote in Arkansas primary elections. However, the fight was not over.
In 1919, Congress passed the Susan B. Anthony amendment, which became the 19th amendment, pushing the bill to the states for ratification. In overwhelming support of women’s suffrage, Arkansas became the 12th state to ratify the amendment and other states quickly followed.
Thirteen years later, Arkansas voters helped break the glass ceiling for women legislators when they elected Hattie Caraway to serve in the U.S. Senate. She became the first woman to win election to the Senate in 1932. Her portrait hangsoutside of the U.S. Senate chamber as a reminder of the trail she blazed for future generations of women.
As we celebrate 100 years of the ratification of the 19th amendment, we recognize the pioneers who championed women’s rights and those who continue to fight for opportunities granted by the American promise.
Created by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the program provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals who have been unable to benefit from these programs while closures are in place.