As Arkansas moves past election season, the work of preparing for the next legislative session continues.
On Friday morning, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders presented her balanced budget proposal to legislators, outlining her administration’s funding recommendations for the coming fiscal year.
The proposal includes additional funding for Medicaid, education, and services for Arkansans with disabilities.
Among the largest proposed increases is $150 million for Medicaid, including funding to expand supportive living services for Arkansans on the Community and Employment Support Waiver waiting list. The Governor also recommended an additional $70 million for the Education Freedom Account program, $20 million for early childhood education, and $9 million for higher education.
Other recommendations include $25 million for administrative costs associated with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), $6.1 million for operations at the state’s Human Development Centers, and $4.4 million for the Division of Youth Services.
The proposal also identifies several priorities for one-time surplus funding, including $200 million for Medicaid sustainability, $50 million for the State Water Plan, $50 million for potential state SNAP benefit costs, and $50 million for Human Development Centers.
Members of the General Assembly will review these recommendations, ask questions, and evaluate funding needs as they work through the budget process.
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2027 Regular Session are moving forward.
Members can begin pre-filing legislation on November 16. The following day, November 17, newly elected and returning members will gather for an organizational meeting. House members will select their standing committee assignments, an important step because much of the work on legislation begins in committee. The 2027 Regular Session begins January 11.
Between now and then, members will continue preparing for the decisions ahead. From reviewing budget priorities to organizing committees and drafting legislation, the coming weeks will help set the stage for the work of the 96th General Assembly.