ARKids First has been hugely successful in providing health coverage for kids in Arkansas, despite growing child poverty rates. While the number of children living in poverty has increased to almost 30 percent since 2008, the percentage of children...
Arkansans could lose $537 million in tax credits for health plans purchased on the insurance marketplace based on the outcome of the upcoming Supreme Court decision in King v. Burwell. These tax credits lower the costs of health coverage...
One in five young children experience serious concerns with emotions and behavior. Mental health issues can lead to behavior problems in young students and disciplinary action that keeps kids out of the classroom. A new strategic plan released today...
A new federal law provides an opportunity for Arkansas to expand children’s health coverage while spending less at the state level. We need to make sure we take advantage of this opportunity while also ensuring that any cost savings...
While the health care system has been the target of many of the proposed bills filed during the legislation session, one important issue has practically gone unmentioned—access to adequate behavioral health services for children. These gaps continue to make...
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) would like to publicly thank the U.S. Senate for passing a bill that extends funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), better known as ARKids First here in Arkansas. Arkansas’s delegation, both...
JUVENILE JUSTICE: SB982, “An Act to Improve the Effectiveness of the Juvenile Justice System,” passed both chambers and is off to the governor’s desk. This critical piece of legislation seeks to stop the ineffective and costly practice of incarcerating...
There was a flurry of activity at the State Capitol this week as the session nears its end. Next week, perhaps the final one of the session, promises to be busy as well. EDUCATION: Earlier this week, the senate...
AACF would like to thank the U.S. House of Representatives for taking action earlier today to ensure children in Arkansas and across the nation continue to get the quality health care coverage they need to succeed. Today’s bipartisan U.S....
It’s been hectic at the State Capitol as the session winds down. Here’s what happened this week and a look at what to expect after the weekend. EDUCATION: Pre-K day at the Capitol was a welcome relief from the...