Arkansas ranks 11th in tax burden on poor
Arkansas ranks eleventh in the nation when it comes to taxing the poor. The poorest Arkansans, those making under $16,000 per year, pay two times more in taxes as a […]
Monthly Revenue Report: December
Despite smaller than expected revenues from sales tax and individual income tax, December revenues came in above forecast. Higher than expected corporate income tax collections and lower tax refund payments […]
Arkansas gets passing grade on pre-K, improvements needed
Arkansas ranks high in a national pre-K study but the state is falling behind in enrollment and equal access for poor students. Education Week’s annual “Quality Counts” report explores the […]
Wonky Word Wednesday: Common Core
Over the past five years, we’ve heard lots of discussion about the Common Core State Standards. There is even some confusion about what the standards are, who made the standards, […]
AACF Weekly Legislative Update Vol. 1
The 90th session of the Arkansas General Assembly is upon us. The legislature convened this week to swear in new members, hold the first round of committee hearings, and file […]
New Private Option fact sheet shows benefits to state
The Private Option has been a huge success, providing Arkansans with affordable health coverage. The 2015 Legislative session starts next week, and lawmakers will decide whether or not to continue […]
Education: Year in review, with hopes for 2015
2014 was a year of progress that led to renewed efforts to inform lawmakers, engage parents, and connect with communities and their leaders about education in Arkansas. As always, AACF worked […]
5 things you need to know about poverty in Arkansas
Our latest report, Creating a Prosperous Future, goes into more depth on each of these points. But for now, here are the five things you need to know about poverty […]
4 things you should know about budget surpluses in Arkansas
Larger surpluses mean a smaller pool of money for major programs like pre-K and often end up benefiting “pet projects.” Surplus spending is harder to track and is not subject […]
Federal pre-K grant provides needed boost, doesn’t solve funding issues in Arkansas
A new federal grant will provide $15 million each of the next four years for Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), the state’s high-quality pre-K program. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families […]