Former Democratic state Sen. Linda Chesterfield spoke to lawmakers about the sweeping higher education legislation known as Arkansas ACCESS Monday.

Chesterfield, who previously served as a state lawmaker for over two decades, re-introduced herself as the Education Liaison for Pulaski County. She said her new responsibilities include establishing relationships between public schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the county, in order to “take advantage” of new funding provided through ACCESS.

Chesterfield told members of the Legislative Black Caucus she has concerns about parts of the 122-page higher education bill, but first addressed parts of ACCESS she said could offer a significant boost to students.

Former state Sen. Chesterfield talks ACCESS, HBCUs, student rights at legislative meeting