Is this the beginning of the pandemic’s end?

Health care

By Steve Brawner
© 2021 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

In early December, I quoted British Prime Minister Winston Churchill saying after a World War II victory in 1942, “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

That’s how things felt in early December regarding the pandemic. Now, it feels like this might be the beginning of the pandemic’s end.

On Wednesday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson released the latest COVID numbers: 803 new cases, 10 more deaths, 496 total hospitalized.

Those would be jaw-dropping numbers if they had occurred a year ago, but they’re a huge improvement over what we’ve experienced in the recent past. On Dec. 29, the state reported that the cumulative death toll had increased by 66 that day. The new year began Jan. 1 with 4,304 new cases and 1,185 people hospitalized.

So we’re still at war, but the tide is turning. Continue reading Is this the beginning of the pandemic’s end? →

Hendren builds an independent home

Independents and third parties

Jim Hendren, tobacco taxBy Steve Brawner
© 2021 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

The Arkansas Legislature’s former Republican Senate leader is no longer a Republican.

On Feb. 18, state Sen. Jim Hendren of Gravette announced he was becoming an independent.

Hendren served until recently as Senate president pro tempore. He is also Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s nephew and close ally, which increased his influence.

But Hendren’s standing in the Republican Party has been diminished by his increasing bipartisanship, some of the stances he’s taken, and his obvious discomfort with the party’s direction.

Once a hard-right conservative, Hendren has evolved into a pragmatic problem-solver – like his Uncle Asa. He had a hard time making his peace with former President Trump’s style and rhetoric going back to 2016. He voted for him in November, but Trump’s and the party’s actions since then and the attack on the Capitol Jan. 6 were the last straw. Continue reading Hendren builds an independent home →

1,200 educators get their shots

Health care

By Steve Brawner
© 2021 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

Bryant High School wrestling coach Shane Clancy did not wrestle with his decision to be vaccinated for COVID-19. After his big right arm was stuck with a small needle at the River Center gym in Benton Feb. 13, he explained, “I’m ready to ditch the mask and just be normal.”

Clancy was one of 1,200 teachers and staff members from five area school districts who received their second and final shots at a mass clinic organized by six local pharmacies.

Among the others was John Goff, a junior high math teacher who’s at increased risk as a diabetic. Goff said this has been the most stressful year of his teaching career. In addition to his health concerns, teaching quarantined students online has been challenging. It’s particularly difficult for a math teacher who needs to see a face light up when a student understands a concept, and who needs to see the sheet of paper as the student works through a problem. Continue reading 1,200 educators get their shots →

When will we pay back all this newly borrowed money?

Debt and deficits

By Steve Brawner
© 2021 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

As Congress and President Biden debate yet again how much to spend in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, one detail is missing: How are we going to pay all this borrowed money back?

Since the pandemic began, the federal government has provided $3.4 trillion in COVID-19 relief, which is equal to $10,300 for every American, according to the New York Times.

Biden has proposed another $1.9 trillion that, among other provisions, would send $1,400 to adults making $75,000 or less. This would follow the $600 checks many of us received in December. The package also includes unemployment benefits, rental assistance, money for state and local governments, and $170 billion for schools, colleges and universities.

Whatever the final amount is, Arkansas will get a piece of the pie. Its previous pieces, in fact, are why the state is running a budget surplus this year. Continue reading When will we pay back all this newly borrowed money? →