Michael R. Wickline

State Capitol Reporter501-244-4404501-244-4404mwickline@arkansasonline.com

Recent stories by Michael R. Wickline

State lottery’s August revenues rise to $50.2M; funds for scholarships drop The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery’s revenues in August increased slightly over a year ago, but the amount raised for college scholarships slipped from the same month last year. The lottery’s total rev... September 10, 2021

Little Rock businessman Chris Bequette announces bid for lieutenant governor Little Rock businessman Chris Bequette on Tuesday announced his bid for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor next year. Bequette is the 56-year-old owner of a wealth management firm who ... September 7, 2021

State pension holdings gain $2.6B in year Buoyed by robust stock markets, the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System’s investments gained $2.6 billion in value in the fiscal year that ended June 30 to reach $11.6 billion, the system’s in... August 19, 2021

Sarah Huckabee Sanders raises $4.2M for governor campaign in 2nd quarter Republican gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders raised $4.2 million in contributions in the second quarter of this year, including more than $1.5 million from Arkansans, she announced on Thu... July 15, 2021

State’s general revenue surplus a record $945.7M in fiscal ‘21 Arkansas' general revenue surplus totaled $945.7 million in fiscal year 2021 that ended Wednesday, the state Department of Finance and Administration reported Friday morning. That’s a record surplus ... July 2, 2021

State general revenue booms in May With the help of a rebounding economy and federal stimulus payments, Arkansas state general revenue in May increased by $341 million, or 70.8%, over a year ago and exceeded the state’s April 2, 2020 f... June 2, 2021

State general revenue in February dips to $493.6M State general revenue tax collections in February dipped by $7.9 million from a year ago to $493.6 million and exceeded the state’s April 2 forecast by $31.7 million. The state’s sales and use tax co... March 2, 2021

Hendren to leave GOP, become independent Sen. Jim Hendren of Sulphur Springs announced Thursday morning that he’s leaving the Republican Party to become an independent. “I am making this decision because my commitment to our state and our c... February 18, 2021

Cherokee Village lawmaker tests positive for covid-19 State Rep. Marsh Davis, R-Cherokee Village, has tested positive for covid-19. House spokeswoman Cecillea Pond-Mayo said Davis informed House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, on Friday of his po... February 12, 2021

Bills aim for road agency retirement tweaks LITTLE ROCK — Five bills that proponents say are aimed at improving the financial sustainability of the Arkansas State Highway Employees Retirement System are trying to wind their way through the Legi... February 12, 2021