Some state news

From the executive branch:

• Governor Beebe today announced his intent to grant ten pardons. These applicants have completed all jail time, fulfilled all parole-and-probationary requirements and paid all fines related to their sentences. There is a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the pardons before final action is taken. Here's the list.

• Governor Mike Beebe has signed an executive order granting up to a week of paid emergency leave for Arkansas state employees who suffered substantial damage during the tornadoes and thunderstorms of February 5. More info.

• AG Dustin McDaniel announced that Arkansas has joined 28 other states in settling consumer protection claims against Caremark. The States allege that Caremark engaged in deceptive business practices by encouraging doctors to switch patients to different brand name prescription drugs and representing that the patients and/or health plans would save money. Our share in the in the $38.5 million settlement is $654,971.