Sanders budget priorities include LEARNS Act, law enforcement

(The Center Square) – Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders told the 94th General Assembly Wednesday she will sign a budget that funds critical services, slows the growth of government, and fully funds the LEARNS Act and law enforcement.

The governor made the comments during her State of the State address where she touted the progress her administration made during its first year.

“Arkansas had deep, entrenched problems when I took office and we were not going to solve those problems with the same failed policies that got us here in the first place,” said Sanders. “So we charted a new course and that meant change. Sometimes a lot of it, and it made a few people uncomfortable, but we are building a better, a safer, and a stronger Arkansas.”

The governor said slowing the growth of government and responsibly phasing out the state’s income tax remain high on her agenda.

“As revenues climb and costs slow, we’ll have room to cut taxes. We have already done so by more than $300 million,” Sanders said.

Beyond tax cuts, Sanders made education and public safety two key areas of focus for her administration over the last year. The LEARNS Act raised starting teacher pay from $36,000 to $50,000 and gave every teacher in the state a $2,000 raise, bringing Arkansas to the top five in starting teacher salaries.

The act also expanded education freedom with Educational Freedom Accounts, which the governor said will become universal by next year.

Meanwhile, the governor said investments have been made in public safety to improve Arkansas’ standing in violent crime. The state had the highest violent crime rate in the nation when Sanders became governor., she said.

“Some of our leaders think it’s compassionate to coddle criminals. Frankly, they need a reality check,” Sanders said.

Last year, the legislature approved a law that charges fentanyl dealers with murder if the drugs they traffic cause a fatal overdose. It also passed the Protect Act to put an end to the “catch and release” of violent repeat offenders.

Additionally, plans are underway to build a new 3,000-bed prison, according to the governor. She also allocated $3.8 million to build out the ranks of the police force by 100 additional officers.

On the tourism front, Sanders said the state is “smashing” tourism records.

“Our tourism revenue in each month of 2023 has already set a new record and 2024 is on track to break records again,” said the governor.

Looking ahead to 2024, Sanders said she wants to address challenges tied to addictive social media and its impact on minors.

“It is time to start a conversation and make this issue one of our next big priorities. Experts suggest goals like no smart phones until high school, no social media before 16, phone free schools, and more outdoor play and childhood independence,” Sanders said.