Taxes on businesses have little to do with economic development, another study shows. The Atlantic's Richard Florida explains a new study, "Competitiveness of State and Local Business Taxes on New Investment: Ranking States by Tax Burden on New Investment," a collaboration between the Council on State Taxation (COST) and  Ernst & Young,which  ranks the 50 states according to a business tax competitiveness index.

Arkansas Lawmakers Ensure Kids Keep Coverage as Private Plans Leave the State

Finding enough foster homes for children has always been tough, but finding homes for kids with disabilities is often harder. Arkansas Support Network facilitates Care and Training/Respite homes for families willing to open their homes to kids needing a safe, healthy residence. This program is licensed through the Department of Human Services. Currently, the program is in need of families willing to share their homes with these individuals.  While this opportunity can be challenging, it can also be very rewarding.  These individuals live in a family setting and obtain skills to both live in a home and be a part of their community.

Mother's Day is coming up. As a mom, I can't help thinking what a big help America's new health care law will be to moms like me around the state in promoting and protecting our children's health and the strength of our families.

Four state legislators received awards Tuesday for their tireless work on behalf of children in this year's regular session of the Arkansas General Assembly.

During the next few months we are all going to hear a lot about capping federal spending. It's an idea that sounds appealing to many people, but the harsh reality is that such a move could paralyze the nation's economy. Now is not the time for fundamental change. It is the time for moderate, balanced approaches to budgeting and deficit reduction.

Congress has unveiled a budget plan called "The Path to Prosperity." Prosperity for whom? For those already prosperous, it seems.

Now that Congress has averted a federal government shutdown, all eyes turn to the 2012 budget. President Obama announced his budget proposal in February, and recently House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R - WI) announced his budget proposal. The U.S. House of Representatives will take up Mr. Ryan's bill in the coming weeks. It's very important that we all understand what Mr. Ryan's proposal means to Arkansas.

Statement from AACF Executive Director Rich Huddleston on the U.S. House of Representative budget proposal for 2012:

Without exception, the House Republican's 2012 spending plan places a greater value on millionaire tax breaks than the quality of life for low-income children, people with disabilities and seniors. Not only would today's children endure cuts to health care services, but they'd face a future with no guaranteed ability to pay for health care after retirement.