Boozman a sponsor of plan to aid blind
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., introduced legislation last week called the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017.
"Access technology" includes electronic Braille displays, text-to-speech software and other resources.
"As an optometrist, I know firsthand how important access technology is for blind Americans trying to engage in their communities," the lawmaker from Rogers said in a news release. "With almost 60 percent of blind Americans unemployed, I am pleased to introduce this commonsense legislation to increase the availability and reduce the financial burden associated with these items to ensure the visually impaired receive the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, the workplace and within the community."
Similar legislation also has been filed in the House.
If approved, blind Americans and taxpayers with blind spouses or dependents could receive a refundable tax credit up to $2,500 per year.
U.S. capital aswarm as Arkansans visit
Numerous Arkansans went to the nation's capital last week, according to staff members for the state's congressional delegation.
Several attended the annual policy conference organized by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. U.S. Sen. John Boozman and U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman and French Hill traveled to the event and met with the Arkansas contingent.
Other groups visiting last week included members of the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce, Community Health Centers of Arkansas, the Agriculture Council of Arkansas and the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association.
Arkansans representing the American Diabetes Association included Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Cedric Thornton. The Star City native and former Southern Arkansas University football player made a similar trip to Capitol Hill last year.
Advocates for kids attend D.C. forum
Four Arkansans urged Congress to continue funding programs that benefit children.
The Rev. Jason Ferguson of Sherwood's First Christian Church said he and the three others attended Save the Children Action Network's 2017 Advocacy Summit, which ended Tuesday.
"It was informative and productive, it was a lot of fun [and] a lot of hard work," said Ferguson, a former Head Start volunteer.
The activists hoped "to be advocates for early-childhood education programs here at home and to be advocates for [children] abroad," he said.
On the final day, they traveled to Capitol Hill, meeting with two Republicans from Rogers: U.S. Sen. John Boozman and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack.
The visitors also met with staff members for U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton and U.S. Rep. French Hill.
Air Guard's chief tours in Fort Smith
U.S. Sen. John Boozman and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack helped welcome Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice to Arkansas last week.
Rice, who serves as director of the Air National Guard, had been invited by the two lawmakers and they joined him in Fort Smith on Friday.
The group toured Ebbing Air National Guard Base, learning about the 188th Wing's operations. Rice and the elected officials also were guests at a Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce lunch.
Rice's three-day Arkansas trip included time at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville.
Speech applauds young forestry team
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman gave a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives last week congratulating the Hermitage FFA Forestry team.
It took top honors at the 37th annual National Forestry Invitational as well as the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event, Westerman said.
During the speech, the Republican from Hot Springs praised Ethan Boykin, Hunter Sanders, Cade Wilkerson and Connor Wilkerson of Hermitage for finishing first.
"As the only registered forester in the House of Representatives, I recognize the many hours that these young men dedicated to competing on a national level and I admire them for their hard work. Additionally, special recognition is due to Mr. Taylor Gwin who coached the Arkansas Forestry Team, the parents of the team members, and the Bradley County Extension Service, all played a crucial role in making this victory possible," Westerman said.
"Agriculture and forestry are the main economic engines in Arkansas and there is little doubt in my mind that one day soon, talented and passionate young men and women such these will be called upon to lead our state into the future."
Westerman 'coffee' scheduled April 12
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman will hold a "Coffee with your Congressman" event April 12 at 8 a.m. in Hot Springs Village. The event will take place at the Woodlands Auditorium, 1101 DeSoto Blvd.
Last week, Westerman held a telephone town hall that appeared on Facebook Live. By Friday, the session had been viewed more than 10,000 times and nearly 500 comments had been left.
Late Navy captain in Hill's thoughts
U.S. Rep. French Hill paid tribute Wednesday to retired naval officer Capt. John Joseph Kearney, who died Dec. 7.
A graduate of Little Rock's Catholic High School and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Kearney served around the world, but returned to Arkansas upon his retirement.
He was 62 years old.
"Capt. Kearney dedicated his life to his distinguished military career and received numerous honors and medals for his service which included work here in Washington and on the 7th Fleet staff in Japan," said Hill, a Republican from Little Rock and fellow Catholic High School graduate. "John leaves behind a legacy of warmth and compassion and his example is one all Americans and Arkansans can admire. I extend my respect, affection and prayers to his fine family and loved ones."
Planning to visit the nation's capital? Know something happening in Washington, D.C.? Please contact Frank Lockwood at (202) 662-7690 or [email protected]. Want the latest from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Washington bureau? It's available on Twitter, @LockwoodFrank.
SundayMonday on 04/02/2017