Pryor Encourages Arkansas Students to Seek Out Tuition Tax Credit
Pryor’s letter to Arkansas colleges and universities explaining the benefits of tax credit is pasted below: "As you know, helping our students afford a college education is critical to our economy now and in the future. That is why I’m seeking your help to spread the word about a relatively new tax benefit available to students and their families."
"The American Opportunity Tax Credit, originally included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, allows students to claim a tax credit of up to $2,500 per student. According to the Department of Treasury, less than one third of Arkansas families with tuition expenses filed claims for this benefit on their tax year 2009 returns. An estimated $200 million remain unclaimed for Arkansas families."
"Over the past several years, we have witnessed a sharp increase in the aggregate cost of tuition, fees, and room and board expenses at four-year public colleges and universities. We have also seen a recent rise in the number of college graduates accruing student loan debt. Specifically, in Arkansas, studies show that more than fifty percent of our students at public four-year institutions take out loans to pay for their higher education. Recent figures show an estimated $20,000, on average, in debt per student in the state upon graduation."
"In light of these rising costs, we should all work together to identify simple ways to alleviate pressure on our students and their families – especially in an economy as turbulent and tough as the one we’re facing."
"To claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit for tax year 2009 and 2010 income tax returns, students or their families need to complete Form 8863 at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8863.pdf and follow the instructions there."

The Arkansas Department of Health Personal Care Program is offering an Aide Training Class, at the Murfreesboro Municipal Building which is located adjacent from Diamond Bank. Classes are FREE of charge

This is a forty hour entry level training. You must be present the entire class time. Upon satisfactorily completing this class you will receive a "Certificate of Completion". With this "Certificate" you will be qualified to work for most Personal Care Agencies, State or Private. The Arkansas Department of Health is required by law to run a Criminal Background Check on all Aides considered for employment.

For more information contact Brittany Ward at 800-654-6493 or stop by your local Health Department for an application and complete a questionnaire.
The Arkansas Department of Health is an equal opportunity employer.

CADC USDA COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD (CSFP)
PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS IN PIKE AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES
Mt Ida and Glenwood, Ark. – Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) is signing up individuals 60 years of age or older for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
The CSFP is a monthly distribution of non-perishable food items. The service is offered in Clark, Hot Spring, Montgomery, Pike and Saline Counties. Proof of income and a valid picture ID is required when signing up for CSFP. Persons on this program cannot also receive the quarterly commodities food program (TEFAP).
Persons may sign up for the CSFP program at the following locations during regular business hours:
• Montgomery County: Mt. Ida Senior Activity Center, 158 Senior Dr. Contact Sue Ledbetter at 870-867-2313.
• Pike County: Glenwood Senior Activity Center, 229 Betty St. Contact Ellen Childers at 870-356-4212. The Murfreesboro Senior Activity Center, 120 E. Court, Suite A. Contact Vicky Hutson at 870-285-2312.
To be eligible to receive supplemental commodities, income guidelines must be met. The income guidelines for this program are based on 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Based on these guidelines, a one person household must make less than $1180 per month to qualify for this program.
CADC is a private nonprofit community action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the “War on Poverty.” The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information, please contact Evelyn Reed at 501-778-1133.