Education, health care, agriculture and child advocacy leaders are voicing support for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ proposed balanced budget for fiscal year 2027.
The statements, released in a “What They Are Saying” roundup, highlight several items in the governor’s proposal, including:
- $20 million to expand early childhood education
- $70 million in previously allocated Education Freedom Account funding moved into the Revenue Stabilization Act to fully fund the program
- A $150 million Medicaid investment supporting mothers and babies
- Increased funding for Child Advocacy Centers
- Funding set aside for water and wastewater infrastructure
- Support for the state’s Human Development Centers
What Supporters Are Saying
Former Governor Jeb Bush, Chairman and Founder of ExcelinEd in Action:
“Gov. Sanders continues to show extraordinary leadership for Arkansas families through a balanced budget proposal that keeps students and parents at the center of the state’s priorities. By committing to fully fund universal educational choice, Gov. Sanders is ensuring that every family is empowered with the freedom to find a schooling environment that works for their child. Her commitment to educational opportunity has been unwavering. Moreover, dedicating $20 million to expand early childhood education will build a high-quality, mixed-delivery early childcare system that prioritizes working families, potentially moving up to 75% of families off waitlists and into publicly funded seats aligned to high standards will significantly strengthen preschool education across the state. I applaud Gov. Sanders for her vision, fiscal responsibility, and dedication to empowering parents and expanding opportunities for all Arkansas children.”
Edie Stewart, CEO of Forward Arkansas:
“Every Arkansas child deserves a strong start, no matter their zip code. Forward Arkansas applauds Governor Sanders’ $20 million investment in early childhood education and her commitment to supporting our state’s youngest learners. By continuing to expand families’ access to high-quality early childhood experiences, we are not only helping more children enter kindergarten ready to learn but also laying the foundation for their K-12 success.”
Elizabeth Pulley, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas:
“We appreciate Governor Sanders’ recognition of the critical role Child Advocacy Centers play in Arkansas’ response to child abuse. Including increased funding for CACs in her proposed 2027 state budget is an important investment in the services and resources that help children and families across our state. We are grateful for her confidence in our network and her commitment to strengthening the work of CACs throughout Arkansas.”
Chris Harris, CEO of Arkansas Rural Water Association:
“Arkansas Rural Water appreciates the Governor’s commitment to a balanced budget that recognizes the importance of setting aside funding for water and wastewater infrastructure. These investments make a real difference in the lives of Arkansans, helping communities protect public health, support local businesses, and prepare for the future.”
Robert Enlow, President and CEO of EdChoice:
“EdChoice applauds Gov. Sanders for continuing to put parents at the head of the table when it comes to decisions about their children’s education. From day one of her administration, she has made clear that every child in Arkansas deserves access to a high-quality education, which in turn will make Arkansas one of the best places in the country to live, work, and raise a family. By incorporating $70 million in previously allocated funding for Education Freedom accounts into the Revenue Stabilization Act, Governor Sanders will fully fund a program that will empower more than 50,000 students to choose an education that best meets their children’s needs. Her budget proposal is yet another sign that families, schools, and education service providers can count on Governor Sanders’ administration to support this landmark program year after year. The program results speak for themselves, and we are grateful to Gov. Sanders for recognizing the positive effects of Education Freedom Accounts by ensuring full funding. As shown in the recent report from the University of Arkansas, participation grew dramatically, students performed well on standardized tests and the number of options increased significantly. The study found that during the first year of universal eligibility (2025-26) program participation more than tripled, and the number of homeschoolers enrolled in the program increased by more than 380%. On nationally norm-referenced exams, EFA students scored in the 62nd percentile in math and the 66th in reading. Options for families also expanding. The number of microschools rose from 108 to 156 in a single year, with 167 private schools and over 3,200 approved vendors offering tutoring, therapies, and more. 30 years ago, Milton and Rose Friedman founded EdChoice with a vision to improve ‘the quality of the education available to children of all income and social classes in this nation.’ Arkansas demonstrates what that vision looks like in practice by building a flourishing education marketplace that every family can access, no matter their background. We thank Gov. Sanders for her leadership and look forward to seeing Arkansas remain the gold standard for the rest of the nation.”
Marc Holley, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Walton Personal Philanthropy Group:
“We are grateful to Governor Sanders for her leadership and this significant investment in Arkansas’s youngest children and their families. Expanding access to high-quality early childhood care and education is central to our philanthropic work in Arkansas, and the governor’s commitment will help accelerate progress toward the goals we share: preparing more children for success in school and creating opportunities for every child to thrive. We applaud this important investment and look forward to the lasting difference it will make for children and communities across our state.”
Dr. Renee McGraw, Chair, Arkansas Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
“Governor Sanders’ proposed Medicaid investment would help ensure pregnant women and their children across Arkansas have continued access to comprehensive, quality, and compassionate medical care. Medicaid remains a significant source of coverage for pregnancies and births in our state, and we appreciate the Administration’s recognition of the important role Medicaid plays in supporting healthy mothers, babies, and families across the state.”
Anna Strong, Executive Director of The Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics:
“Arkansas pediatricians rely on Medicaid to keep their patients healthy. Medicaid and ARKids First ensure that 55% of children in Arkansas can afford well-child visits, specialist appointments, mental health care, and early intervention services that pediatricians recommend to help children thrive. We are grateful to Governor Sanders for recognizing how vital Medicaid is to our children, pediatricians, small healthcare businesses, and our economy. The Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is grateful for the Governor’s continued support of healthy moms and babies through this $150 million investment in our future.”
Kelly Robbins, Executive Director of the Arkansas Rice Federation:
“Arkansas Rice looks forward to working with Governor Sanders and the Arkansas General Assembly during the upcoming legislative session to advance implementation of the State Water Plan. Our priority will be supporting projects and initiatives that strengthen irrigation infrastructure, improve water quality, and ensure the long-term availability of reliable water resources for Arkansas rice farmers.”
Kimberly Dodd, Secretary of Families and Friends of Care Facility Residents:
“On behalf of the vulnerable residents and families of the Human Development Centers (HDCs), we express our sincere gratitude to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for her support of the HDCs in her proposed budget for state agencies. We are grateful.”
ArkansasRadio.com will continue to follow the budget as it moves through the legislative process.
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