Hispanic population growth slows in Arkansas

ARKANSAS: Growth of Hispanic population slows

The state's Hispanic population grew by 5.7% from 2007 to 2008, its lowest level in at least a decade. Arkansas at one time had the nation's fastest growing Hispanic population. Now, according to experts, the growth has stalled due to economic woes.

Maribel Tapia, a Washington County housing counselor, says the problems in the mortgage market have hit Hispanics hard. Many manufacturing and poultry companies have cut hours and workers, leaving a growing number of her Hispanic clients unable to cover their mortgage payments. Fathers are moving out of state to South Carolina and Texas, where other family members have lines on menial jobs that support the families they left behind, Tapia said.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Legislators return to House to finish session

FLORIDA: State CFO Alex Sink to run for governor

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue approves budget, minus three line items

KENTUCKY: Bourbon industry to battle against new tax

LOUISIANA: Extended learning programs in jeopardy due to funding problems

MISSISSIPPI: Census analysis shows state has no ethnic majority

NORTH CAROLINA: Smoking ban approved by House

SOUTH CAROLINA: U.S. Rep. Inglis promotes new carbon tax

TENNESSEE: GOP plans to kill state election commission if Democrats don't bend

VIRGINIA: State Board of Elections will not fine Democratic Governors Asso.

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