The Arkansas House Committee for Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative and Military Affairs met this week and reviewed the annual report from the Department of Human Services' Division of Children and Family Services. The report provided significant insights into the state's foster care system during State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2024.
At the conclusion of SFY 2024, Arkansas had 3,553 children in foster care, representing a notable decrease of 12 percent from the previous fiscal year's count of 4,023. This decline indicates progress in addressing the needs of children in the state's care.
One key highlight from the report was the observation that more children exited foster care during SFY 2024 than entered the system, demonstrating positive strides in achieving permanency for these vulnerable children. Neglect and substance abuse emerged as the predominant reasons for children entering foster care throughout the year.
Of the children who left foster care in SFY 2024, 42 percent were reunified with their families, 30 percent were adopted, and 9 percent were discharged to relative custody. Notably, a significant 92 percent of children exiting care in Arkansas achieved permanency through avenues such as returning home, placement with relatives, adoption, or other permanent arrangements.
The division’s goal is to have at least one foster home bed available for each child in foster care. The ratio of licensed foster home beds to children in foster care was 0.75 at the end of the year, identical to the previous year.
Foster parents help support families during a difficult time. They work as a team with the child’s case worker to ensure the well-being of the child in their care. A foster parent’s impact reaches far as they provide a positive influence across the community. If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, we’ve posted a link on our website with information about the process. Visit arkansashouse.org.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are starting to think about our shopping lists and where we want to spend our hard-earned money. Now is the perfect time to consider supporting small businesses in Arkansas.
First and foremost, shopping at small businesses is a direct way to support your local community. With over 280,000 small businesses across the state, they represent 99.3% of all Arkansas businesses. By choosing to shop locally, you’re not just supporting the owners and employees of these establishments; you’re contributing to the economic health of your neighborhood. Small businesses are often the backbone of communities, providing jobs and a unique sense of identity. In fact, 47.5% of all Arkansas employees work for small businesses, underscoring their importance in our local economy.
Many small retailers curate products made locally or sourced from independent artisans, allowing you to give truly one-of-a-kind gifts to your loved ones. By supporting these businesses, you are investing in the creativity and talent of artists and craftsmen within your community.
Moreover, when you spend your dollars at small businesses, you ensure that a significant portion stays within the local economy. Research indicates that 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the community, creating a ripple effect that helps to create jobs and contribute to the overall economic well-being of your area. This reinvestment is crucial, especially during the holiday season when many businesses are counting on the influx of seasonal shoppers to sustain them through the year.
Additionally, small businesses play a critical role in job creation, accounting for two-thirds of net new jobs in our country. They drive innovation and competition, which ultimately benefits consumers by providing more choices and better services.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate local businesses and the vital role they play in making Arkansas a vibrant place to live and work.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, members elected to serve in the 95th General Assembly gathered in the House Chamber for an Organizational Meeting. Members chose their seats and committees, and incoming freshmen drew numbers for seniority. You can find the seniority list and lists of committee memberships at arkansashouse.org.
As we move forward, members have begun filing bills that will be considered during the upcoming 2025 Regular Session. More than 50 bills have been filed so far in the House. The proposed legislation addresses topics from maternal health coverage to voter registration. Our website also includes a link to the recently filed legislation.
There was another big development this week at the Capitol as Governor Sanders presented her balanced budget proposal to members. The governor’s proposal calls for a 2.89% increase in spending. The governor says her proposal prioritizes education, maternal health, public safety, and government efficiency.
As Education Freedom Accounts will be available to any student in the state next year, the governor said she is proposing $90 million in additional funding, plus an additional $90 million in set aside funding to create a reserve for the program.
The proposed budget also includes $13 million in new Medicaid funding for proposals created by the Strategic Committee on Maternal Health. The proposal includes $100 million for Medicaid sustainability.
The proposal includes $3.15 million in new funding for the proposed state employee pay plan and nearly $50 million for the Department of Corrections.
This proposal will be considered by the 95th General Assembly during the 2025 Regular Session. The session begins on January 13, 2025.
Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Arkansas is home to more than 182,000 veterans. As we approach Veterans Day, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them for their selflessness and bravery. We are also grateful to families of service members and veterans who also serve this nation with their support and sacrifice. Whether they served in times of war or peace, our veterans all share an unwavering belief in the cause of freedom.
The Arkansas General Assembly continually reviews ways to ensure our veterans and their families are well cared for and that our policies make life a little easier for those who call Arkansas home.
In 2017, we passed Act 141 which exempts military retirement benefits from state income tax.
In the 2023 Regular Session, we passed several pieces of legislation aimed at improving benefits for veterans including Act 395. This act amends the definition of “homestead” for purposes of the property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and minor dependent children of disabled veterans.
Act 201 seeks to have veteran disability benefits excluded as income for eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by directing DHS to seek a federal waiver.
ACT 137 adds consideration of national certifications toward initial occupational licensure and extends the application of the Arkansas Occupational Licensing of Uniformed Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses Act of 2021 to spouses. The act also eliminates the one-year limit for veterans to apply service education, training, or certifications toward initial occupational licensure.
ACT 649 repeals the deadline by which students must apply for school transfers under the Public School Choice Act of 2015 for children of uniformed services families and allows a child to be eligible for enrollment in the public school of his or her choice if certain conditions are met.
We will continue to study policies that support our veterans and their families.
We encourage Arkansans to consider ways they can support our veterans this Veterans Day and throughout the year. There are numerous volunteer opportunities across the state. Medical facilities, VA hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics need volunteers to perform a wide range of duties.
Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
It is almost time to make your voice heard in the upcoming General Election. Early voting starts next week on Oct. 21, 2024. Election Day is November 5. This is your chance to vote for local, state, and federal offices, as well as participate in annual school board elections for districts that vote in the fall. Additionally, there will be local ballot issues and a runoff election for the Arkansas Supreme Court.
In 2023, the General Assembly passed Act 300, which requires that special issues, such as sales tax proposals and bond issues, be included on the same ballot as candidate elections. This means that your vote could have an even greater impact on the future of your community.
When you go to the polls, an election official will ask you to state your name, address, and date of birth. The election official will also request that you provide an approved form of I.D. If you are unable to vote in person on Election Day, you can apply for an absentee ballot by the appropriate deadline. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail or electronic means is October 29. If applying in person, the deadline is November 1. If you have questions about absentee voting, contact your county clerk.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, the House and Senate Education Committees approved a proposed recommendation for educational adequacy. The plan to increase state funding to $8,162 per-pupil for the 2026 school year and $8,371 per-pupil for the 2027 school year reflects a commitment to investing in the future of Arkansas students. The current funding amount is $7,771 per-pupil.
The Arkansas General Assembly has a long history of prioritizing education funding. The foundation funding model established in 2003 has been instrumental in determining the essential resources needed for an adequate education, and the recent approval of the educational adequacy report builds upon this foundation.
The funding matrix used by Arkansas calculates per-student funding based on a variety of factors, ensuring that students have access to equal opportunities in areas ranging from teacher salaries to technological resources. The approved recommendation also addresses important evolving needs for students, such as school safety and mental health support.
One key aspect of the proposal approved by the committee this week is the increase in funding for schools to hire more special education teachers and provide higher wages for classified staff. While school districts have discretion in how they use these funds, these recommendations are designed to support the overall improvement of educational outcomes for Arkansas students.
This report will now be delivered to the Governor, the House Speaker, and the Senate Pro-Tem for review. It will assist the General Assembly in not only determining educational funding but also in shaping the state budget as a whole.
We’ve posted a link to the report at Arkansashouse.org.
October is Farm to School Month in Arkansas - State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we enter the month of October, Arkansas gears up to celebrate Arkansas Farm to School Month – a time dedicated to connecting schools, early childhood education sites, and various organizations with local farms to provide children with access to fresh, healthy food.
This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to foster a deeper connection between communities and local food producers, enriching the lives of students and families alike. By changing food purchasing and education practices within schools and alternative learning environments, Arkansas Farm to School Month aims to empower children to make informed food choices while contributing to the local economy and creating vibrant communities.
One of the key components of Farm to School is the implementation of school gardens, which serve as invaluable educational tools. These gardens not only provide students with the opportunity to consume healthy foods but also enable them to engage in hands-on learning through gardening and farming. Studies have shown that when children are involved in growing their own food, they are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and are more willing to try new varieties.
Currently, Arkansas boasts an impressive 350 school gardens across the state, each varying in type and design, including greenhouses, raised beds, and containers inside classrooms. These gardens not only promote healthy eating habits but also foster a deeper connection to nature and provide valuable lessons in nutrition.
The Arkansas General Assembly passed The Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act in 2017 and amended the act in 2019. The act requires institutions to set a goal of spending at least 20% of their purchase of food products on local food. It also requires institutions to complete a reporting form, created by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, on their local food procurement budget on a yearly basis.
In the most recent reporting cycle, 284 institutions serving children aged 18 and younger reported spending over $194 million on food, with nearly 20% of their food budget allocated to local foods.
As we celebrate Arkansas Farm to School Month, let us recognize the importance of promoting healthy eating habits, supporting local farmers, and providing educational opportunities for our youth. By fostering a connection between students, communities, and local food producers, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is fast approaching. If you are not already registered, you have until Monday, October 7 to turn in your registration form. The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on November 5.
Early voting begins on October 21. Polls for early voting will be open between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday. Early voting ends at 5:00 pm on the Monday prior to the election.
Voting is a cornerstone of democracy, a fundamental right that empowers citizens to influence the direction of their government and society. It gives Arkansans a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their daily lives. When Arkansans participate in elections, they express their opinions on critical issues, ensuring that their values and priorities are represented.
Submitting your voter application at a state agency, in a voter registration drive, or through the U.S. Postal Service does NOT guarantee your registration. You should follow up on the status of your registration just as you would on any other personal business matter. Before considering yourself a registered voter, you must receive an acknowledgment of your registration from the county clerk. Feel free to call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. You may also check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org.
Voter registration applications may be found at sos.arkansas.gov. If you are registering to vote by mail you must provide either your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on your Arkansas Voter Registration Application, or check the box in #9 on the application to indicate that you do not possess either a driver’s license or Social Security number.
We encourage you to verify your registration and make plans now to cast your ballot.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we welcome September, it’s a time to recognize the vital role that rice plays in Arkansas and to celebrate National Rice Month. Our state stands proud as the number one producer of rice in the United States, contributing significantly to both our economy and our communities.
Every year, Arkansas harvests an impressive 200 million bushels of rice, supporting nearly 25,000 jobs across the state. This remarkable industry not only boosts our economy, contributing over $6 billion annually but also enriches our agricultural heritage. It’s worth noting that 96% of the 2,300 rice farms in Arkansas are family-owned and operated, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication that defines our communities.
In addition to its economic impact, the rice industry is committed to sustainability. Over the past 30 years, our rice farmers have made tremendous strides in reducing environmental impact by cutting water use by 52%, greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, and the land required to grow rice by 39%. These efforts demonstrate our farmers' commitment to not only producing high-quality rice but also protecting our natural resources for future generations.
Moreover, the rice industry plays a crucial role in fighting food insecurity within our state. Each year, Arkansas rice farmers generously donate over 200,000 pounds of rice to help those in need. This act of kindness highlights the community spirit that binds us together as Arkansans.
Rice is grown in over 40 counties throughout our state, showcasing the agricultural diversity and richness of Arkansas. As we celebrate National Rice Month, let us take the time to appreciate the hard work of our rice farmers and the impact they have on our economy, environment, and community well-being.
Consuming Arkansas-grown rice helps support our neighbors. You can help celebrate rice month by purchasing Arkansas-grown rice at your local supermarket.
Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Our neighborhoods are more than just places where we live. They are the very essence of our communities, reflecting our values, aspirations, and pride.
Arkansas is the Natural State. We pride ourselves on the beauty of our lakes, rivers, woods, and trails. We should also take that same pride in our sidewalks, parking lots, and city streets. That’s why we are encouraging Arkansans to sign up for the Great Arkansas Cleanup.
This year, the Great Arkansas Cleanup will take place from September 7 to October 31.
In 2023, the hard work and dedication of Arkansans paid off, with nearly 150,000 hours spent participating in cleanup activities. Volunteers removed a staggering 514 tons of bulky waste from 2,132 miles of roadways and 772,051 acres of parks and public areas in all 75 counties.
Not only did volunteers clean up alongside waterways and shorelines, but they also collected 6,227 tires, 2,418 tons of recyclables and planted over 1,878 trees, shrubs, and flowers. Additionally, 182 litter grabber kits were distributed to individuals who wanted to clean their communities but were unable to join larger cleanups.
The impact of the Great Arkansas Cleanup goes far beyond just picking up litter. In 2023, the total economic value returned back to communities in Arkansas was nearly $5.4 million. This shows that investing in keeping our state clean pays off in more ways than one. Additionally, there were nearly 23,000 volunteers, representing a 63% increase over the last 5 years. This demonstrates the growing commitment of Arkansans and the power of community coming together to keep Arkansas beautiful.
By taking part in this statewide community improvement campaign, you can make a difference in your community and help keep Arkansas beautiful for generations to come. Find information on how to organize a cleanup event in your community and register your event to receive free bags, gloves, and t-shirts (while supplies last) at keeparkansasbeautiful.com.
Together, we can continue to make our state a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant place to live. Let's work together to make Arkansas even more beautiful!
Weeklly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we approach Labor Day, it’s crucial to highlight a significant initiative aimed at making our roads safer. From August 16 through September 2, including the Labor Day holiday weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will partner with Arkansas law enforcement for the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" high-visibility enforcement campaign. This effort is designed to deter impaired driving and prevent the tragic accidents that have marked previous Labor Day weekends.
To underscore the importance of this campaign, consider the statistics from 2022. During the 2022 Labor Day holiday period (from 6 p.m. on September 2 to 5:59 a.m. on September 6), there were 490 traffic crash fatalities across the nation. Alarmingly, 39% of these fatalities (190) involved a drunk driver, and 25% involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) nearly twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). For drivers aged 18 to 34, the numbers are even more concerning—47% of those who died in crashes during the holiday were driving with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Here in Arkansas, we are committed to reducing these preventable tragedies. In 2022, our state saw 643 traffic fatalities, 153 of which involved drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. Over the Labor Day weekend alone, we lost five lives in traffic accidents, one of which was caused by a drunk driver.
The Arkansas General Assembly has taken steps to strengthen our laws concerning drunk driving. In 2019, we passed Act 783, making it a Class C felony for anyone who recklessly causes serious injury to another person while driving under the influence.
The Arkansas Highway Safety Office offers several recommendations to ensure your safety:
Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1.
If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, help them find another way to reach their destination.
Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against a drunk driver.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Additionally, learn about Arkansas' "Toward Zero Deaths" campaign at https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ as we work together to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.
Stay safe this Labor Day—don't drink and drive.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Recently, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) issued a reminder for parents to remain vigilant in recognizing and preventing online predators from targeting children. This summer alone, ASP has issued several Missing/Endangered Advisories for missing children and teens, including five Amber Alerts since May. Disturbingly, multiple Arkansas teens have been lured away by predators they encountered through online messaging apps.
In our increasingly digital world, it's more important than ever for parents to monitor their children's online activity and educate them on the dangers of the internet. Major Stacie Rhoads, Commander of the ASP Criminal Investigation Division, warns that online predators often attempt to engage children and teens in inappropriate sexual conversations, arrange in-person meetings, or even send explicit materials while requesting images in return.
During the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 689, which prohibits social media companies from allowing minors in Arkansas to create new accounts without the explicit consent of a parent or legal guardian. The act requires age verification through a third-party vendor, establishes liability for failing to perform this verification, and outlines penalties for violations. However, enforcement of the act has been delayed due to a legal challenge, which is still pending in the judicial system.
Recently, the governor sent a letter to Arkansas legislators, urging us to continue our efforts to implement meaningful restrictions on children’s use of social media platforms.
For resources to help parents protect their children from online predators and technology-facilitated exploitation, visit aricac.org. Schools, civic groups, and other organizations can also request online safety presentations through this site. To report suspicious online activity, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST(1-800-843-5678).
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives and celebrating recovery from mental illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 23% of Arkansans reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders from March to April of this year, which is 2 percentage points higher than the national average.
The Arkansas General Assembly has been proactive in addressing mental health needs in the state. Earlier this year, the Arkansas Legislative Council allocated $30 million from the American Rescue Plan funds, following a request from the Department of Human Services, to enhance mental health and substance abuse services statewide.
During the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 513, which directs the Arkansas Medicaid Program to provide a supplemental reimbursement rate for physician practices enrolled in the patient-centered medical home program participating in a team-based, evidence-based pediatric practice transformation model of care.
Additional legislation passed to address mental healthcare includes:
· Act 260: Creates the Counseling Compact in Arkansas, allowing licensed professional counselors in the state to treat clients in person or via telehealth in other compact member states. Currently, 17 states are members.
· Act 494: Requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program and insurance policies to reimburse for behavioral health services.
· Act 316: Mandates screening for depression in birth mothers at the time of birth and requires insurance policies to cover the screening.
· Act 30: Permits individuals who voluntarily seek mental health treatment in an institution or facility to petition the court for a license to carry a concealed handgun two years after treatment.
· Act 61: Establishes a specialty court program for families involved in dependency-neglect proceedings affected by substance abuse or mental health disorders.
· Act 512: Creates the Arkansas Legislative Study on Mental and Behavioral Health to continue reviewing the state's needs and make recommendations for future legislative sessions.
We remind Arkansans that if you or someone you know is in emotional distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis, you can call 988. By calling, texting, or chatting 988, you will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing lifeline network.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The 2024 Fiscal Session is now underway.
The House and Senate convened for a Joint Session on Wednesday to hear an address from Governor Sanders.
The Governor told members she would sign a budget that funds critical services for Arkansans while slowing the growth of government.
The Governor’s proposed budget calls for a 1.76% spending increase. The proposed increases prioritize education. Additional funding is also proposed for public safety and human services.
On the second day of the session, the House passed HB1003, the General Appropriation Act for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.
The House also passed HB1001 which allows for session expenses. There is no increase in either appropriation.
Fiscal sessions are limited to only the consideration of appropriations unless 2/3 of both the House and Senate vote in favor of a resolution substantially describing a bill for introduction.
The Governor is also requesting the legislature to approve a temporary pay plan for state employees which would authorize a one-time 3% increase and raise the minimum pay to $15/hr by July 1.
A resolution requesting the introduction of that legislation has been filed and assigned to the House Rules Committee.
Several resolutions requesting the introduction of legislation regarding digital asset mining have also been assigned to the House Rules Committee.
We will continue to update you throughout the Fiscal Session.
You can find the daily agendas for committees and House floor proceedings as well as links to the live-stream of meetings at arkansashouse.org.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, has captured the attention of Arkansans and visitors alike. The path of totality will stretch over 100 miles across The Natural State, extending from the southwest to the northeast. In some locations, lucky observers will experience over four minutes of total darkness. It is expected that 53 of Arkansas' 75 counties will fall within the path of totality, including major cities like Little Rock, Hot Springs, Texarkana, Conway, and Jonesboro.
With the potential to mark the largest tourism event in state history, Arkansas agencies are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has strategically scheduled a "construction holiday" from April 4 to April 9, ensuring smooth travel with no lane closures or active construction zones. Collaborating closely with the trucking industry, ARDOT aims to minimize the presence of oversized trucks on the roads, enhancing safety for all travelers.
Meanwhile, the Arkansas Department of Education is harnessing the eclipse as a teachable moment, integrating it into science lessons and distributing one million eclipse glasses to libraries statewide. This proactive approach not only fosters scientific curiosity but also promotes safe viewing practices among students and the general public.
In the realm of healthcare, the Arkansas Department of Health stands vigilant, leveraging its trauma communication system to swiftly address any emergencies. Collaborating closely with hospitals and first responders, the agency is working to ensure prompt access to medical facilities, should the need arise. Emphasizing the paramount importance of eye safety, the department underscores the necessity of approved solar viewing glasses, cautioning against direct sun-gazing without proper protection.
As anticipation mounts, Arkansans are encouraged to prepare themselves with essential supplies, including water, food, medications, and first aid kits, in readiness for potential service delays.
For those eager to join in the festivities, a wealth of information on local events and safety guidelines awaits at Arkansas.com/eclipse.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council and the council subcommittees convened at the Capitol.
The council approved the permanent payment rules for Educational Freedom Accounts. Educational Freedom Accounts may be used by eligible families to cover private school tuition, fees, uniforms, and some other required expenses. First-time kindergarteners, students enrolled in “D” or “F” rated schools, students with a disability, current or former foster care students, students experiencing homelessness, or students whose parents are active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement or first responders will be eligible to use the accounts in the 2024-2025 school year. All public school students will be eligible in the 2025-2026 school year.
The council also approved an emergency rule from the Department of Finance and Administration that requires Arkansans to list their gender on their driver’s license. The rule states the gender must match what is listed on the person’s birth certificate, passport, or identification document from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The ALC Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee continued its study on possession and open-carry laws concerning firearms this week. The subcommittee will begin hearing recommendations regarding these laws at its next meeting on Monday, March 25. The meetings are open to the public. You can find the agenda and a link to sign up to comment atwww.arkleg.state.ar.us.
The latest revenue report presented to the council shows gross general revenues have decreased by $113 million or 2% below what was collected last year. Meanwhile, unemployment in the state remains steady at 3.7% in Arkansas for the third consecutive month.
As a reminder, the legislature will convene for a Fiscal Session on April 10. We will continue to update you on the latest developments from the Capitol.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Pre-fiscal session budget hearings took place at the Capitol this week. The hearings began with the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) presenting the Governor’s recommendation for a balanced budget. The Governor’s proposed budget calls for a 1.76% increase in spending. The greatest proposed increase is directed to education. The budget proposal calls for a $34 million increase to the public school fund, a $4 million increase for career and technical education, and a $65 million increase for Educational Freedom Accounts. The budget also recommends an additional $2 million for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and allocates an additional $3.8 million to fund an additional Arkansas State Police trooper school.
DFA indicated that for the current fiscal year individual income tax collections have been better than expected with $115.6 million over forecast. Sales and Use Tax collections and Corporate income tax collections are also above previous forecasts. DFA anticipates a $240.5 million dollar surplus for the current fiscal year. For Fiscal Year 2025 economic forecasters are expecting net available revenue for the state to reach $6.68 billion. That would be an increase of $245.5 million or 3.8% above FY2024. The economic forecast states that the Arkansas economy remains resilient in labor market indicators with unemployment rates below the US average. Members are reviewing the budget requests from state agencies presented this week. This information will help in drafting appropriation bills. Members can begin pre-filing bills on March 11. The Arkansas General Assembly will convene for the 2024 Fiscal Session at noon on April 10. You can review the bills filed and watch committee meetings and the legislative session at arkansashouse.org.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
From classrooms to healthcare, the state budget has a direct impact on our daily lives. Weeks before the legislative session begins, the General Assembly reviews the state’s current fiscal position and budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year. Budget hearings this year will begin on March 6 and are expected to continue through March 8. These hearings will be held in the MAC building located directly behind the Capitol. The hearings are open to the public and will be live-streamed on our website.
The Department of Finance and Administration will present the Governor’s recommendation for a balanced budget on the first day of budget hearings which will begin at 9 am. After the balanced budget proposal is presented, the Joint Budget Committee will then begin hearing budget requests from state agencies. Historically, the two largest categories of funding are education and human services. Higher education, public safety, and health are also top budget priorities.
The most recent general revenue report released showed net available general revenue at 5.6% below levels from one year ago. After seven months into the fiscal year, net available revenue is above forecast by $231.2 million or 6.0 percent. All of the information gathered during these hearings will help in drafting appropriation bills. Members can begin pre-filing bills on March 11.
The Arkansas General Assembly will convene for the 2024 Fiscal Session at noon on April 10. Fiscal Sessions began after Arkansas voters approved Amendment 86 in 2008. This will be the 8th Fiscal Session held in state history. Fiscal Sessions are held in February in years in which the primary elections are held in May. The Fiscal Sessions begin in April in years, like this year, in which primary elections are held in March. Fiscal Sessions are limited to 30 days unless ¾ of the General Assembly agrees to a one-time extension not to exceed 15 days. You can watch the meetings and find the daily agendas at www.arkansashouse.org.
Lawmakers approve of the state's decision to invest ARPA funding to mental health
KUAR | By Ronak Patel
In an interview with KARK Channel 4’s Capitol View, State Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, and State Sen. Reginald Murdock, D- Marianna, both said they approved the state’s recent announcement to invest $30 million in mental health and substance abuse programs.
Murdock said this is an issue the state has been trying to address for the past four to five years and this investment was needed.
“There’s so many aspects of mental health that the country is becoming more aware of. So as we become more aware then I am glad to see the governor and the leadership come together to make sure that we start to fund this,” he said.
Lawmakers approve of the state's decision to invest ARPA funding to mental health
John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the state would be investing $30 million into mental health and substance abuse prevention.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and the council’s subcommittees met this week at the Capitol. These meetings were previously scheduled for the week of January 15 but were postponed due to the winter weather across the state.
ALC members were presented with an update from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) regarding damage from the winter storms.
ADEM officials said 10 water systems around the state requested assistance from the agency. All but one of those systems is back up and running. As of Friday, the water system in Helena-West Helena was currently not operational. ADEM says the agency has coordinated resources to send pallets of water to the area and is currently working with vendors in hopes of providing mobile shower and laundry units soon.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) updated members of the Highway Commission Review and Advisory Subcommittee on the road conditions throughout the state. ARDOT reports the agency has been working to repair numerous potholes on highways due to freezing temperatures and subsequent rain. Arkansans can report potholes directly to the agency by using the iDrive Arkansas app.
In other agenda items before ALC, members approved an emergency rule to allow the implementation of two educational grant programs.
The Literacy Tutoring Grant is designed to help struggling readers in K-3 with personalized tutoring. Families can invoice up to $500 per school to pay for tutoring services for children reading below grade level. Payments will go directly to providers.
The High Impact Tutoring Grant Program is designed to help school districts with high impact tutoring during the school day to help struggling students at all grade levels.
The Department of Education will be releasing information soon on how parents and schools can utilize these grants.
The Game and Fish and State Police Subcommittee of ALC continued its study on our state’s firearms laws. This week, they heard a summary on concealed carry laws. Their next meeting will be February 12 and will focus on hunting laws and Arkansas State Police concealed carry regulations. The public is welcome and there will be time for public comment.
ALC reviewed the most recent General Revenue Report which showed net available general revenue is down 5% from this time last year but 6.7% above forecast. Pre-Fiscal Session Budget Hearings are scheduled to begin March 6.
The Arkansas Legislative Council will meet again on February 16.
