The University of Arkansas at Little Rock officially has a downtown space where visitors can learn about the university, attend occasional lectures and view a mural painted in 1935.

The university held its opening ceremony Wednesday afternoon, which featured speeches from UA Little Rock officials and the mayor.

UA Little Rock Chancellor Dr. Andrew Rogerson spoke on how since he began his tenure over two years ago, there was talk about the necessity of a downtown space, especially as the only four-year public research university in the city. 

Democrats in the Arkansas Legislature responded to Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s State of the State address Tuesday by detailing their priorities for the session that is just getting underway. In particular, they voiced concerns about the impact the governor’s proposed tax cut plan would have on the state budget.

Two freshmen representatives, Megan Godfrey of Springdale and Jay Richardson of Fort Smith, read a prepared statement saying that allocating money for highways and expanding pre-kindergarten education would benefit more Arkansans than expanding tax cuts .

Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s plans for Arkansas this year include more money for teacher pay, an increase in funding for the Department of Agriculture and the third phase of a tax cut plan. Hutchinson outlined parts of his proposed state budget and goals during his State of the State address Tuesday morning.

Speaking after taking his inaugural oath in the Arkansas House of Representatives, Hutchinson outlined what his idea for Arkansas’s future looks like.

The 92nd General Assembly of Arkansas began Monday afternoon. Thousands of bills are expected to be considered in the coming months with proposals to cut individual income taxes and a reorganization of state government among the top issues.

Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Dan Kemp first gave the oath of office to the 100 members of the House of Representatives. He then went to the Senate to give the oath to its 35 members.

As the partial federal government shutdown continues, ripple effects are being felt by more than federal employees. Monday the Arkansas Department of Human Services announced that qualified Arkansans will receive their Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits earlier than usual.

The money that allows low-income participants to purchase food is released monthly, and February's allotment will be distributed on January 17, according to DHS spokeswoman Marci Manley.

The Arkansas State Legislature begins its 92nd General Assembly on Monday.

While lawmakers are officially in Little Rock, some have already been working by filing bills ahead of the start of the session. Legislators could begin filing bills as early as November 15 of last year. Topics range from budget bills, to bills on abortion to one on automatic voter registration.

Andrew DeMillo covers the legislature for the Associated Press. He believes one of the biggest issues for this year’s legislature will be tax cuts.