With state legislators, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the mayor of Springdale, Department of Human Services Director Cindy Gillespie, and a large contingent of the Marshallese in attendance – Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed House Concurrent Resolution 1012 on Wednesday afternoon. The resolution was celebrated in what evolved into a festive, joyous gathering.
The resolution instructs DHS to submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide access to Medicaid coverage for migrant children and pregnant women from The Compact of Free Association Islands. The individuals eligible to benefit from the resolution are to have migrated from: The Republic of Palu, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
“This is a legislation that our delegation and the general assembly have worked very hard on,” Hutchinson said. “We recognized how important it was to the Marshallese community.”
The governor also commended the Marshallese for the positive impact they’ve made in Arkansas.
“We’re very proud of the relationship we have with you,” he said. “You’re so much a part of the fabric of the community of Northwest Arkansas.”
The signing concluded with a Marshallese song performed in the native language and dancing in the Governor’s conference room.