In fact, 16% of Arkansans are currently uninsured. And despite what some might think, a majority of those who are uninsured are hardworking citizens who have jobs, but whose employers don’t offer health insurance. 

As a small business owner, I understand the struggles many business owners face when trying to provide health insurance to their employees. This is why we must find a solution that addresses this explosive and growing problem. 

Unfortunately, one measure passed in the House this week that I did not support was legislation authorizing the implementation of Association Health Plans.  The House passed this legislation despite the opposition of more than 500 organizations, including the Republican and Democratic Governor’s Association, the American Nurses Association, and the American Academy of Actuaries. 

Association Health Plans will compound the problem of the uninsured by creating an un-level playing field that will likely lead to cherry-picking, adverse selection, and increased costs for sicker individuals. 

Instead of supporting Association Health Plans, I co-sponsored and voted for a measure that would have created a Small Employer Health Benefits Plan.  Similar to the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan, this legislation would have offered coverage to all small businesses with fewer than 100 workers. And unlike Association Health Plans that are largely dependent on the private sector, the measure I supported would have provided a tax credit of up to 50% to aid small businesses in offering insurance to their employees.

The health insurance crisis America faces today is a crisis that affects everyone, not just the uninsured. As a Member of Congress, reducing the high-cost of health insurance so that more Americans may have adequate health coverage is one of my top priorities. We live in the wealthiest, most-advanced country in the world, and the fact that nearly one in six Americans lack health insurance today is unacceptable.

"Our local airports should be as safe and technologically advanced as possible, and I’m pleased that these six airports are receiving this important funding," Sen. Blanche Lincoln said. "Airport improvement funds are critical to keeping our local airports modern and they’re a vital economic development tool for our communities." 

“This funding will go a long way toward helping Arkansas complete construction and maintenance projects that keep our infrastructure strong and enhance the safety of pilots and passengers,” Pryor said. 

“I am pleased six airports in my district will collectively receive $2.6 million to make critical improvements and upgrades to their facilities,” said Ross. “Investing in our region’s airports and other transportation facilities is a crucial step toward ensuring our region’s long-term, economic development.” 

In the Fourth Congressional District, grants were awarded as follows: 

·    City of Hot Springs: $1,539, 096 to improve the runway and extend Taxiway D and construct Taxiways K and L at Memorial Field. 

·    City of Arkadelphia: $217,265 to rehabilitate the taxiway lighting system at Dexter B Florence Memorial Field. 

·    City of Mena: $484,176 to strengthen the taxiway at Mena Intermountain Municipal 

City of Dequeen: $150,000 to rehabilitate parking apron at J Lynn Helms Sevier County Airport. 
·    Camden Regional Airport Commission: $150,000 to install perimeter fending and acquire land for approaches at Camden Region Airport (Harrell Field). 

·    City of Fordyce: $61,750 to conduct airport study that will evaluate and prioritize future development work items for the airport.