A statement from AACF Executive Director Rich Huddleston on last night’s elections in Arkansas:

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families would like to congratulate all of the Arkansas candidates on their victories last night. Now that the elections are over, it’s time to move past the rhetoric of the campaign season and focus on meeting the needs of children and their families in the upcoming legislative season.

We must work together for all the things we know will improve the well-being of our children and our future workforce, including: access to quality early childhood education; high-quality educational opportunities that improve outcomes for all kids; quality, affordable health coverage for children and their parents; a tax system that works for all Arkansas families; and more effective child welfare and juvenile justice systems that promote the well-being of our most vulnerable children.

These are tough issues to be sure, but I know we can work together and build on the progress Arkansas has made over years. We can and must continue to accomplish great things to ensure that all children lead healthy and productive lives and realize their full potential. Our future workforce and economy depend on it.