This week’s bad weather didn’t keep the Arkansas General Assembly from gathering to open the 2010 fiscal session—the first of its kind.

By all accounts today, the expectation is that this session will be quick—in and out in a month, with lottery scholarship levels as the only non-budget item under consideration.

AACF will be watching to ensure several budgets are protected and strengthened:

•           Medicaid, including the ARKids First expansion and substance-abuse treatment for pregnant women and  adolescents passed during the 2009 session;
•           Child welfare, through the DHS Division of Children and Family Services;
•           Juvenile justice, through the DHS Division of Youth Services;
•           Education, especially Pre-K and the new school-wellness center initiative.

Child advocates across the state will now have an easier time catching up with activities in the Arkansas House of Representatives, which now live streams activities in the session.  Anyone can watch proceedings in the House Chamber and committee rooms without braving icy roads on days like today or driving hours to Little Rock. Click here for the legislative website.