Local News
In the upcoming legislative session, Arkansas lawmakers give maternal health and education reform top priority

Little Rock, Arkansas – State legislators swore in new senators and representatives on January 13 to begin the 95th legislative session.
The election of Representative Brian S. Evans as Speaker of the House was noteworthy.
Over the following 100 days, issues from all throughout Arkansas will be discussed with the ultimate goal of drafting new legislation.
Arkansas education reform is the state’s top priority, according to lawmakers.
Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester stated, “We want to make sure that we are funding education course credits that matter to the people of Arkansas.” “For example, we will strongly advocate for increased funding for engineering students and possibly lower funding for students who have degrees that end in studies.'”
This year, maternal health will also be a major topic of conversation.
“Expanding postpartum coverage for individuals who receive Medicaid is the single most important thing we can do to address maternal health,” stated Nicole Clowney, the state representative for District 21.
“The data clearly shows that will save the state a great deal in the long run, but cost them a little bit in the short term,” Clowney adds. The cost isn’t that high. And I’m optimistic we can accomplish that.
Legislators in the area stated that they are also addressing matters that directly impact Northwest Arkansas.
Housing affordability is one of the issues that I hear about the most from my constituents in Fayetteville, so that will be a particular priority for me, Clowney continues.
According to Senator Bryan King, he is trying to speak for his Franklin County voters, especially those who are worried about plans to construct a 3,000-bed prison.
King continues, “My goal is to speak with them and present a financially sound plan that will address the backlog in the county jail and ultimately make streets and communities safer for all Arkansans.”
Legislators concur that creating measures that are as inexpensive as possible will be a typical challenge given Governor Sanders’ planned $6.49 billion budget.
Tomorrow morning, Governor Sanders will discuss the legislation and make her top priorities for this session known.
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