In this episode of Believe in Arkansas, host Ryan Norris sits down with Dr. Liya Palagashvili, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Labor Policy Project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, for a conversation on one of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—facing Arkansas’s modern workforce: how to support independent contractors and gig workers in a rapidly changing economy.

Dr. Palagashvili’s research dives deep into the intersection of labor policy, entrepreneurship, and the gig economy. Her work has been featured in leading outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Hill, and she brings an economist’s precision to a policy conversation that impacts everyone from rideshare drivers to freelance professionals and small business owners. A former professor of economics at SUNY–Purchase and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Law & Policy, Liya has testified before Congress and state legislatures on how to modernize labor policy for a more flexible, fair, and innovative economy.

Together, Ryan and Liya explore how portable benefits—benefits that follow workers from job to job—could bridge the gap between flexibility and security for Arkansas’s growing independent workforce. They unpack how states like Utah are leading the way, why Arkansas is uniquely positioned to innovate, and what policymakers, entrepreneurs, and everyday Arkansans can do to build a system that empowers work—not bureaucracy.

It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking discussion on the future of work, economic freedom, and how Arkansas can lead the nation in making work work for everyone.

To learn more and see how AFP-Arkansas can help you or your organization increase your impact in our state, email us at infoar@afphq.org or visit us at believeinar.com.

In this episode, host Ryan Norris talks with Dr. Emily Hamilton of the Mercatus Center and Duke McLarty, Executive Director of Groundwork in Northwest Arkansas. Together, they explore why affordable housing is so hard to build—and what Arkansas can do about it.

Dr. Hamilton brings a national perspective on how zoning and land-use rules drive housing costs, while McLarty shares how Groundwork is advancing smart, local solutions to expand housing options for working families.

If you’ve ever wondered why home prices keep climbing or how policy can make housing more attainable, this episode connects the dots between regulation, reform, and real opportunity for Arkansans.

To learn more and see how AFP-Arkansas can help you or your organization increase your impact in our state, email us at infoar@afphq.org or visit us at believeinar.com.

In this timely Believe In Arkansas episode, Ryan Norris, State Director for Americans for Prosperity–Arkansas, welcomes Congressman French Hill for a conversation on the looming expiration of the tax cuts passed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) and what it means for hardworking Arkansans. If Congress fails to act, the average Arkansas family could face a $2,220 cost of living increase— an average of $1,271 of which would come directly from increased income tax rates. Arkansas businesses aren't immune either, with an average tax increase of $1,218 expected and over 6,200 local jobs potentially impacted. Congressman Hill discusses the path forward in Washington, how to protect these vital tax reforms, and what everyday Arkansans can do to ensure their voices are heard. Don’t miss this critical discussion on safeguarding our state’s prosperity and freedom.

To learn more and see how AFP-Arkansas can help you or your organization increase your impact in our state, email us at infoar@afphq.org or visit us at believeinar.com.

Energy policy impacts every American’s wallet and the reliability of the power grid. In Power Play, we break down which policies keep the lights on and energy affordable—and which ones drive up costs and threaten reliability. Hosted by Ryan Norris, of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, and with guests Amy Cooke, President of Always On Energy Research and a national leader in free-market energy policy, and Glen Lyons, founder of Advocates for Consumer Regulated Electricity with 40 years of industry experience, this podcast brings insider expertise, real-world analysis, and no-nonsense conversations about the policies shaping America’s energy future. Whether you're a consumer, policymaker, or industry professional, this episode will help you understand how government decisions impact your energy bill—and what can be done to fix broken policies. Tune in for bold, honest, and insightful discussions on the fight for reliable and affordable energy.

To learn more and see how AFP-Arkansas can help you or your organization increase your impact in our state, email us at infoar@afphq.org or visit us at believeinar.com.

Americans for Prosperity Foundation - Arkansas hosted the "Arkansas Tax Policy: Past, Present & Future" panel, where experts discussed past achievements, current challenges, and bold ideas for the future of Arkansas's tax landscape. The conversation highlighted opportunities to enhance economic competitiveness, streamline tax structures, and drive growth.

1. Greg Kaza: Greg Kaza has been the Executive Director of the Arkansas Policy Foundation since 2001, leading impactful research on taxation, business cycles, and economic efficiency. With an M.S.F. in International Finance, his initiatives, like the Efficiency Project with PricewaterhouseCoopers, have significantly influenced state fiscal policy and are featured in prominent publications.
2. Joe Bishop-Henchman: Joe Bishop-Henchman serves as the Executive Vice President of the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, leveraging his legal expertise to advocate for taxpayer rights through research, litigation, and public outreach. A noted tax policy expert with a J.D. from George Washington University, he has influenced landmark cases, including South Dakota v. Wayfair, and advises policymakers nationwide.
3. Richard W. Evans: Richard W. Evans is a Senior Economist at the Abundance Institute, specializing in large-scale economic models and policy analysis. With a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Texas, he has supported organizations like the World Bank and founded the Open Source Economics Laboratory, driving innovation in tax and benefit policy modeling.

To learn more and see how AFP-Arkansas can help you or your organization increase your impact in our state, email us at infoar@afphq.org or visit us at believeinar.com.

Join Believe In Arkansas and Karla Phillips-Krivickas, CEO of Think Inclusion, as we explore how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) empowers private school and homeschool students with disabilities. Discover little known federal resources, learn how to access vital services, and hear from experts about maximizing educational opportunities and ensuring equitable support for all students.

Email infoar@afphq.org to receive a free copy of "Access for All: Leveraging IDEA to Support Students with Disabilities in Private School Choice Programs.

To learn more and see how AFP-Arkansas can help you or your organization increase your impact in our state, email us at infoar@afphq.org or visit us at believeinar.com.

Join us on the Believe In Arkansas podcast as we delve into the pressing issue of Certificate of Need (CON) laws and their potential repeal. Our special guest, Alasdair Whitney, legislative counsel for the Institute for Justice, will provide expert insights on the topic. Alasdair advocates for legislative reform across various domains, including economic liberty, free speech, property rights, and civil liberties. With a distinguished background that includes serving as an assistant attorney general in Illinois, Alasdair brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. Tune in as we explore how repealing CON laws could enhance healthcare access, quality, and affordability for Arkansans needing senior and mental health care.

To learn more and see how AFP-Arkansas can help you or your organization increase your impact in our state, email us at infoar@afphq.org or visit us at believeinar.com.

The United States, a nation built by immigrants, stands firmly on the principles of rule of law, with a government responsible for ensuring our safety and protecting our rights. However, nowhere are these government obligations more neglected than in the realm of border security and immigrant processing.

Chief Patrol Agent Chris Clem (Ret.) has said, “We need tall fences and wide gates to secure the border.” This perspective informs the AFP's Four Pillars policy framework, which is designed by those who have firsthand experience in border protection, like Chief Clem. The framework emphasizes border security, economic competitiveness, and adherence to the rule of law.

Sam Peak, a senior policy analyst at AFP, discusses these principles and their importance on the “Believe in Arkansas” podcast. For more detailed information on the Four Pillars, please click here.

To learn more and see how AFP-Arkansas can help you or your organization increase your impact in our state, email us at infoar@afphq.org or visit us at believeinar.com.