While we have frequently highlighted how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act slashes funding for health care and food assistance, another provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act stands to harm public education: the creation of the federal...
Earlier this month, Arkansas students and teachers returned to the classroom. Lunches were packed, backpacks filled, and buses rolled out for the start of a new school year. But behind the first-day photos and hallway reunions is something often...
The impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” will be enormous and wide-reaching in Arkansas. Our higher poverty rates mean cuts to health care coverage and food assistance will sharply increase hardship across the state. The legislation, which...
Data Demonstrates Disparity Across School Districts Despite decades of research showing the significant positive impact of sexual health education on children’s long-term outcomes, Arkansas students still generally have limited access to such programs in school. According to analysis of...
AACF is a member of Protect AR Rights, a committee working to get The Arkansas Ballot Measure Rights Amendment on the 2026 ballot.
Every other year, after the regular session of the Arkansas General Assembly, the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition presents the Champion for Children Awards to highlight the power of advocacy; celebrate the great work of organizations, individuals, and legislators; and...
For a growing number of Arkansas families, back-to-school requires careful financial planning and often involves hardship.
What will change going forward to improve opportunities for students in our state?
During the 2025 legislative session, the Arkansas General Assembly passed HB1653, now Act 636. You can read AACF’s testimony against this piece of legislation here. This law allows the number of psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) beds in Arkansas to...
Children’s Health and Well-Being Need More Support in Arkansas Arkansas ranks 45th in overall child well-being and an alarming 47th in child health outcomes, according to the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation...