Gov. Sanders outlines budget agenda for lawmakers
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Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks at an event in June. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Declaring Arkansas is stronger than ever, Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivered her State of the State address Wednesday, outlining her legislative priorities for the fiscal session of the 95th General Assembly.
Why it matters: During fiscal sessions, lawmakers decide how taxpayer money is spent.
- Sanders' proposed budget for fiscal 2027 grew $194.5 million, to $6.68 billion.
State of play: She emphasized three main goals: fully fund her priorities, avoid new long-term spending commitments and prepare for another income tax cut.
Education
Sanders said education remains her top priority and that the LEARNS Act is delivering results.
- She pointed to higher reading scores, rising teacher pay, paid maternity leave and expanded school choice.
- The proposed budget includes up to $309 million for school vouchers, a $122 million increase from last year, plus $70 million if needed from state surplus money.
Taxes
The state has cut income taxes 20% in three years and Sanders wants a fourth cut, worth about $180 million. The budget is built to make that possible, while holding down new long-term spending, which includes "no new Medicaid coverage mandates."
- Lawmakers have signaled that there will be a special session called for income tax cuts following the fiscal session.
Public safety
Sanders highlighted support for police, prison expansion and tougher sentencing.
- She did not mention the controversial proposed 3,000-bed prison project in Franklin County but pointed to the opening of 1,500 new prison beds and creating a recidivism pilot program to help inmates into the workforce.
- The budget includes $53.4 million for the new state employee pay plan, with most of it going to corrections officers and state troopers.
The other side: "There is a growing gap between what the governor says and what Arkansas families are actually experiencing," state Sen. Fred Love (D-Little Rock) said. Love is running against Sanders for the seat in the November general election.
- He argued that the state's income tax cuts disproportionately benefit wealthier residents and that more than $400 million in public money is flowing away from public schools to be used on private and homeschool vouchers.
- A state report found that 12% of students in the program came from public schools, he said. "We're not expanding opportunities here. We're writing checks to families who already have options."
In response to a reporter's question, Love noted that the proposed Franklin County prison isn't supposed to be a part of the fiscal session, but it's supposed to be in the special session.
What we're watching: The fiscal session continues Thursday.