Arkansas moms need our help
Working Arkansas moms are never off the clock. From packing lunches in the morning to tucking kids in at night, moms put in a lot more than a full day’s work. And every dollar they work for is hard...
On taxes, broccoli, and instant gratification
Despite the desperate need for pre-K funding, lawmakers sank their teeth into a nice, juicy capital gains tax cut for the rich this session. Fighting to keep state coffers adequately filled with tax dollars feels like announcing the tired...
Poverty can change how kids learn
Children from lower-income families have fewer resources, and this directly impacts a child’s brain development. A new study published by Nature Neuroscience adds to a growing body of evidence that “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” isn’t as simple as...
AACF Weekly Legislative Update Vol. 12
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...
Revenues down in March
The tax collections that fund statewide programs like pre-K, education and roads took a dip last month, but are still ahead of schedule for the year as a whole. Because Arkansas requires a balanced budget according to the Revenue...
AACF Weekly Legislative Update Vol. 11
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...
Drug-testing beneficiaries is bad policy
The poorest Arkansans may be forced to submit to intrusive drug tests before receiving TANF because of SB600, which will go before the full House today. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program that helps pregnant women...
AACF Weekly Legislative Summary Vol. 10
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...
AACF Weekly Legislative Update Vol. 9
EDUCATION: Be sure to join us Tuesday March 17th for Pre-K Day at the Capitol. It’s going to be a great day with kids everywhere, legislators reading to children, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and lunch with the launch of a...
Tax cuts for the super-rich could return
The wealthiest Arkansans might be bringing home a little more tax-free money thanks to Representative Shepherd’s bill (HB1402) that would reinstate the 2013 capital gains tax cuts benefiting mostly wealthy and upper-income taxpayers. Earlier this session, Governor Hutchinson’s Middle...