Although my work in the U.S. Senate requires me to spend a lot of time in Washington, I am always grateful to come home and connect with the people and places that make up the fabric of Arkansas. Thankfully, the 2026 legislative calendar has already afforded an early occasion for in-state visits, and I was fortunate to spend a few days making stops in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley before a powerful winter storm confined us all to our homes.

What struck me most was the growth and opportunity we have in The Natural State at this moment, and the incredible partnerships making things happen. It is something you’ll see throughout our state because of a concerted effort by people across all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, businesses and motivated individual leaders who believe in the future of Arkansas.

One of those exciting projects is Patriot Park in Fayetteville. This 60-unit complex will help provide veterans with a safe, affordable place to live, near amenities and services they need. It was exciting to visit with county officials, veterans advocates and builders to see the progress and learn about this unique public-private partnership that I am confident will serve as a model for the nation.

When I returned to Capitol Hill last week, I had the chance to mention the project to U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins and invite him to see it firsthand.

I was also pleased to see the support small businesses are getting in our state. The Wiginton family’s Red Barn Donut Shop in Rogers is a great example of what is possible when hard work meets opportunity. In addition to being a great family business with delicious apple fritters and other treats, it also highlighted how success can follow valuable support from organizations like the Arkansas Small Business Development and Technology Center (ASBDTC) as well as the optimism about the Working Families Tax Cuts’ benefits for entrepreneurs and their employees.

From no taxes on tips to making the small business deduction permanent and reducing burdensome paperwork, this landmark legislation is now delivering for hardworking Arkansans and our economy.

Later stops in the week were also insightful about the intersecting nature of our industries and public policy.

Van Buren is home to Bekaert Manufacturing, a global company whose largest plant in North America is located in Crawford County with more than 450 employees. Bekaert is also growing, thanks to the area’s tremendous skilled workforce and unique transportation infrastructure developed collaboratively and intentionally for several decades. 

Nowhere is that progress more apparent than along the Arkansas River where business leaders, local officials and engineers are working through the final hurdles to begin work on a slackwater harbor. It was great to see how the project is interwoven with I-49 construction and, only seven miles away, the bridge over the Arkansas River is currently under construction. With these critical resources in progress, local businesses and communities are looking forward to even more expansion and opportunity.

I am honored to do my part in Washington to support the people and places that are making things happen in Arkansas. Over the coming year, we will put many more miles in while listening, learning and locking arms across our great state.