Leaders Applaud Governor Sanders' Proposed Budget for Arkansas Education and Infrastructure

Arkansas leaders back Governor Sanders’ proposed budget

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has unveiled a proposed 2027 state budget that prioritizes educational choice and early childhood development, according to statements from various organizations.

The proposal has drawn immediate support from a broad spectrum of civic leaders, ranging from education advocates to rural infrastructure experts. The budget seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with targeted investments in social services and infrastructure.

The plan emphasizes universal educational choice.

JUST IN: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Unveils Budget Proposal To Arkansas Legislature

Funding Education Freedom Accounts empowers students to access alternative schooling

A central pillar of the Governor’s plan is the full funding of Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). By incorporating $70 million in previously allocated funding into the Revenue Stabilization Act, the administration intends to empower more than 50,000 students to access private or alternative schooling options.

The impact of this program is already being measured by researchers. A recent report from the University of Arkansas highlighted a dramatic surge in participation during the 2025-26 school year, noting that the number of participating homeschoolers grew by more than 380%.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveils new budget

Robert Enlow, President and CEO of EdChoice, noted that the program’s results are evident in student performance and market expansion.

“The study found that during the first year of universal eligibility (2025-26) program participation more than tripled, and the number of homeschoolers enrolled in the program increased by more than 380%. On nationally norm-referenced exams, EFA students scored in the 62nd percentile in math and the 66th in reading.”

Beyond K-12 education, the budget proposes a $20 million investment to expand early childhood education. This funding is designed to create a mixed-delivery childcare system, which officials believe could move up to 75% of families off current waitlists for publicly funded seats.

Gov. Sanders reveals proposed budget for Arkansas

This move has received praise from diverse philanthropic and advocacy groups. Marc Holley, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Walton Personal Philanthropy Group, stated that expanding access to high-quality early care is central to creating opportunities for every child to thrive.

Investing $150 million in Medicaid supports pediatric healthcare capacity

The proposed budget also addresses critical gaps in the state’s healthcare safety net. A $150 million investment is earmarked for Medicaid, which serves as a primary source of coverage for pregnant women and young children in Arkansas.

Governor Sanders reveals proposed state budget, including funds for EFA, Medicaid programs

Medical professionals emphasize that these funds are vital for maintaining the state’s pediatric care capacity. Anna Strong, Executive Director of The Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, pointed out that Medicaid and ARKids First allow 55% of children in the state to afford essential services, including well-child visits and mental health care.

Similarly, Dr. Renee McGraw, Chair of the Arkansas Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, noted that the Medicaid investment is necessary to ensure pregnant women have continued access to compassionate medical care.

Infrastructure and specialized social services also appear in the proposal. Chris Harris, CEO of the Arkansas Rural Water Association, expressed support for the budget’s recognition of water and wastewater infrastructure needs, which are essential for public health and local business stability.

For those working with the state’s most vulnerable populations, the budget includes increased funding for Child Advocacy Centers (CACs). Elizabeth Pulley, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, said the increased resources are an important investment in the services that help children and families responding to abuse.

Supporters like Jeb Bush, Chairman and Founder of ExcelinEd in Action, argue that the proposal “keeps students and parents at the center of the state’s priorities” by ensuring families have the freedom to find environments that work for their specific needs.

Budget Priority	Primary Investment/Metric	Intended Impact
Education Freedom Accounts	$70 million	Support for 50,000+ students seeking school choice
Early Childhood Education	$20 million	Moving up to 75% of families off childcare waitlists
Medicaid Support	$150 million	Coverage for 55% of children and pregnant women