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Boozman, Colleagues Push to Expand Access to Job Training Programs

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

Staff Reports

WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) to introduce the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, bipartisan legislation to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants –– need-based education grants for lower-income individuals –– to pay for shorter-term job training programs for the first time.

Currently, Pell Grants can only be used at two- and four-year colleges and universities. By expanding Pell Grant eligibility, the JOBS Act would help close the skills gap by opening access to job training that students might otherwise be unable to afford but need for careers in high-demand fields.

“Increasing the supply of workers ready and able to fill in-demand jobs is exactly what our economy needs to thrive. As more students choose to pursue skills-based careers, we can ensure this pathway is open to everyone including those who need financial assistance to start that journey. I’m pleased to champion this bipartisan effort that can help more Americans receive job training,” Boozman said.

“No one should be priced out of an education—including a technical education—but I hear from many Virginians that access to high-quality job training programs that align with their goals is out of reach because of financial barriers,” said Kaine. “Simultaneously, I hear from employers throughout the Commonwealth about their struggles to fill skilled labor positions. With these Virginians in mind, I wrote the JOBS Act to help remedy these issues and provide more workers with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs and provide for their families. This bill is good for workers, good for employers, and good for our economy as a whole.”

“Job training programs are proven, successful tools that help people gain the skills they need to prepare for rewarding careers,” said Collins. “By helping students in Maine and across the country access this career pathway, this bipartisan legislation would assist young people with obtaining good-paying jobs and make it easier for businesses to find qualified workers.”

The JOBS Act would allow Pell Grants to be used for high-quality job training programs that are at least eight weeks in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. Under current law, Pell Grants can only be applied toward programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in length, rendering students in shorter-term, high-quality job training programs ineligible for crucial assistance.

Specifically, the JOBS Act would amend the Higher Education Act by:
• Expanding Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in rigorous and high-quality, short-term skills and job training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials and certificates and ultimately employment in high-wage, high-skill industry sectors or careers.
• Ensuring students who receive Pell Grants are earning high-quality postsecondary credentials by requiring that the credentials:
o Meet the standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), such as meaningful career counseling and aligning programs to in-demand career pathways or registered apprenticeship programs;
o Are recognized by employers, industry or sector partnerships;
o Align with the skill needs of industries in the state or local economy; and
o Are approved by the state workforce board in addition to the U.S. Department of Education.
• Defining eligible job training programs as those providing career and technical education instruction at an institution of higher education, such as a community or technical college that provides:
o At least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a period of at least eight weeks;
o Training that meets the needs of the local or regional workforce and industry partnerships;
o Streamlined ability to transfer credits so students can continue to pursue further education in their careers; and
o Licenses, certifications, or credentials that meet the hiring requirements of multiple employers in the field for which the job training is offered.
The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (D-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The JOBS Act is supported by Advance CTE, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association for Career and Technical Education, the Association of Community College Trustees, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Business Roundtable, the Center for Law and Social Policy, the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, Higher Learning Advocates, HP Inc., the Information Technology Industry Council, Jobs for the Future, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, NAF, the National Association of Workforce Boards, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, the National Skills Coalition, the Progressive Policy Institute and Rebuilding America’s Middle Class.

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El Dorado School District To Offer Free Breakfast, Elementary School Supplies

Published

10 minutes ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — As families prepare for the start of a new school year, the El Dorado School District is working to ease some of the financial burden by providing free meals and classroom supplies for students.

District officials announced that all El Dorado School District students will receive free breakfast during the upcoming school year. In addition, students in kindergarten through fourth grade will receive free instructional school supplies, helping ensure they have the materials they need on the first day of class.

The district says the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting families, removing barriers to learning and helping every student begin the school year ready for success.

By providing essential resources such as breakfast and classroom supplies, school leaders hope students can focus on learning rather than worrying about basic needs.

The district encourages families to take advantage of the programs as they make final preparations for the new school year.

“At ESD, Every Student Deserves a great start,” the district said in announcing the back-to-school support initiatives.

News

City of El Dorado Seeks Applicants For Airport Commission

Published

12 minutes ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the El Dorado Airport Commission.

City officials are seeking qualified applicants to fill a position on the commission, which helps provide oversight and guidance for the operation and future development of South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field.

Those interested in serving are encouraged to submit an application before the 5 p.m. deadline on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Residents who would like more information about the position or the application process can contact City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or by email at [email protected].

The City of El Dorado encourages community members who are interested in contributing to the future of local aviation and economic development to apply.

News

Heat Advisory Continues For South Arkansas Counties

Published

28 minutes ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Dangerous heat will continue across South Arkansas today, with the National Weather Service warning that heat index values could climb as high as 109 to 115 degrees in some locations.

Much of Union County and the surrounding South Arkansas region, including El Dorado, remains under a Heat Advisory, while areas farther south and west across East Texas and northern Louisiana are under an Extreme Heat Warning.

Afternoon high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s to lower 100s, but the combination of heat and humidity will make it feel significantly hotter.

The National Weather Service says prolonged exposure to these conditions can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions and anyone working or exercising outdoors.

Residents are encouraged to:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, as fans alone may not provide enough cooling during extreme heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing if spending time outside.

Officials also remind residents to check on neighbors, relatives and pets during the prolonged stretch of dangerous heat and never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles.

The heat advisory remains in effect through this evening, with forecasters expecting another round of dangerously hot conditions later this week.

News

El Dorado Business Leader Madison Murphy to Receive Statewide Leadership in Free Enterprise Award

Published

20 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Sandy Sanford

Madison Murphy being honored as tourism person of the year at the Governor's Conference on Tourism. Photo from GoElDorado.com

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Throughout his career, Madison Murphy has earned a reputation as one of Arkansas’ most respected business leaders, with decades of service spanning corporate leadership, education, philanthropy, and the arts. This fall, that legacy will be recognized on a statewide stage.

The El Dorado native has been named one of two recipients of the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award, presented by Economics Arkansas, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing economic and personal finance education across the state.

Murphy graduated from Hendrix College in Conway in 1980 with a degree in economics and business administration before returning to El Dorado to begin his career with Murphy Oil Corporation as a junior accountant. He quickly advanced through the company’s ranks, serving as a junior auditor and associate auditor before accepting international assignments in London, England, with Murphy Eastern Oil and in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Murphy’s Ocean Drilling and Exploration Company.

Despite opportunities abroad, Murphy chose to return home in 1988, joining Murphy Oil as vice president of planning. Over the years, he held several executive leadership positions, including treasurer, chief financial and administrative officer, and ultimately chairman of the board. He continues to serve as a member of the Murphy Oil Board of Directors.

Beyond Murphy Oil, his leadership has extended across Arkansas’ business and civic landscape. Murphy served for a decade on the Arkansas Highway Commission, spent more than 11 years on the board of BancorpSouth, and also served on the board of Deltic Timber Corporation.

He is a founding member of the Murphy Arts District (MAD), co-owner of Presqu’ile Winery, president of the Murphy Foundation, and has served as chairman of the board of Murphy USA since the company’s 2013 spinoff from Murphy Oil.

Economics Arkansas selected Murphy for the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award in recognition of his commitment to promoting the principles and success of free enterprise throughout Arkansas.

Formerly known as the Arkansas Council on Economic Education, Economics Arkansas equips PreK-12 educators with the training and classroom resources needed to teach economics and personal finance. The organization believes that preparing teachers creates a multiplier effect, allowing generations of Arkansas students to gain practical financial knowledge and a stronger understanding of the marketplace.

Murphy will be honored during the organization’s annual awards ceremony on Nov. 4 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. Also receiving recognition that evening will be Walter Hussman Jr., chairman of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Tickets for the event are $125 and may be purchased online or by calling 501-682-4230.

Featured

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers Joins Downtown El Dorado’s Christmas in July Celebration

Published

23 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. – Christmas is coming early to historic downtown El Dorado as Murphy-Pitard Jewelers invites the community to celebrate the Christmas in July festivities, taking place Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25.

Following the success of last year’s event, Murphy-Pitard is bringing the celebration back with an even greater focus on festive fun, holiday planning, and the excitement of brand-new jewelry arrivals.

Throughout the three-day event, customers will have the opportunity to get a first look at the store’s newest collections, recently hand-selected at market, while shopping the best selection before the holiday season begins.

“The response to Christmas in July last year was incredible, and we couldn’t wait to bring it back,” said Amanda Pitard, owner of Murphy-Pitard Jewelers. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate with our community, introduce the new pieces we found at market, help customers start their Christmas wish lists early, and remind everyone it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays. Whether you’re beginning your Christmas shopping or simply enjoying the festivities downtown, we hope you’ll stop in and celebrate with us.”

Guests can enjoy holiday treats, festive decorations, Christmas music, and plenty of Christmas cheer while exploring the store’s newest arrivals. Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is proud to join the Downtown Business Association and Main Street El Dorado, celebrating Christmas in July as downtown businesses spread holiday cheer with festive activities and create a fun shopping experience throughout historic downtown El Dorado.

Customers are encouraged to create their Christmas wish list during the event for a chance to win a $500 Murphy-Pitard Jewelers shopping spree through a special Christmas in July Wish & Win giveaway.

For the first time, Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is introducing a special Christmas layaway program during Christmas in July. The three-day offer allows customers to reserve gifts with 0% down, NO interest, and five equal monthly payments, making it easy to plan ahead for the holidays while securing the store’s newest arrivals. (Restrictions apply. See store for complete details.)

Additional highlights include Santa Savings, featuring select merchandise specially marked for the event, as well as a visit from Summer Santa on Saturday.

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers’ Christmas in July will take place during regular business hours:

Thursday- Friday, July 23- July 24: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Murphy-Pitard Jewelers, visit the store in historic downtown El Dorado, call (870) 863-8818, or follow Murphy-Pitard Jewelers on Facebook for event updates and sneak peeks of the newest arrivals.