Media Room

Press Releases, Press Clips, Press Contacts, Rich Media

Patty Barker: Lobbyist and Policy Director; Patty@CitizensFirst.org; Phone: 501-376-7913 x 15; [vCard ]
Bill Kopsky: Executive Director; Bill@ARPanel.org; Phone: 501-376-7913 x 12; [vCard ]

CITIZENS GROUP RELEASES 2009 LEGISLATIVE VOTE GUIDE May 27, 2009: Ranks Lawmakers on Performance
The Arkansas Citizens First Congress today released its 2009 Community Guide to the Arkansas Legislation Session detailing how Arkansas lawmakers voted on 41 pieces of legislation of special importance to the Congress and the state’s working families.
GOVERNOR SIGNS EDUCATION LEGISLATION AIMED AT CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP Apr 09, 2009: State education proponents joined Governor Beebe today at the State Capitol for a bill signing ceremony that will turn five important education bills into state law. The bills tackle a variety of significant issues that all address the state’s leading education crisis – closing the achievement gap.
CFC Alert! Put energy efficiency in Arkansas' Constitution Apr 06, 2009: Thank you for your calls on SJR6 to support energy efficient government buildings! SJR6 came up along with HJR1003 and HJR1004, but the committee did not make a decision today. All three are being pushed hard, and legislators are trying to find a way to combine the proposals. This will most likely be decided on tomorrow - your calls can still he
Energy Efficiency's Last Chance at AR Legislature Apr 05, 2009: Do Something About Global Warming and Save Money!

Advocacy in the Age of Obama Dec 01, 2009 The Nonprofit Quarterly: The Non-Profit Quarterly recently featured our work in an article on how non-profits are faring in today's economically challenging and tumultuous environment.. Their story spotlights some successes of our place-based organizing model, and also highlights the challenges that local groups face. Executive director Bill Kopsky talks about a prescient 1988 Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation study "Building Constituency" that pointed the way forward and is still relevant today.
Questions about proposed Lee Creek dam remain unanswered Oct 25, 2009
Energy change pushed in D.C.: Arkansans take part in lobbying Oct 08, 2009 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: A contingent from Arkansas pushed for a national renewable energy standard in Washington, D.C., this week in hopes of spurring related economic development in the state.
Group hands out grades Jun 03, 2009 Stuttgart Daily Leader: The Arkansas Citizens First Congress is a statewide grassroots organization comprised of other organizations. This group has come together to give state legislators a grade in performance.