Arkansas House Democrats held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to introduce the Better Arkansas Agenda, a legislative package focused on taking maternal health from worst to first, strengthening our public schools, tackling our mental health crisis, and defending our democracy. Democratic lawmakers presented their legislative priorities, cast their vision for a better Arkansas, and announced their plans to file the bills that make up their agenda on the first day of pre-filing tomorrow. 

House minority leader Rep. Andrew Collins (D – Little Rock) credited the people of Arkansas as the inspiration for the Better Arkansas Agenda. “In big cities, small towns, and rural areas, you told us about the problems that matter to you. Not enough doctors and nurses. Worries about public education under attack. Mental illness and

substance abuse tearing apart families and communities. And leaders that seem more concerned with  preserving their own power than fixing these real problems. Well, Democrats have been listening. And we agree. It’s time to change how we do business in this state. And put people first again.”

Other House Democrats highlighted the caucus’s four legislative priorities of maternal health, public education, mental health, and defending democracy.

“House Democrats have a real plan to take Arkansas from worst to first in maternal health,” said Rep. Ashley Hudson (D – Little Rock). The Democrats’ plan includes expanding access to prenatal and postpartum care, trusting women with their reproductive health, and reducing costs for new moms.

Rep. Tara Shephard (D – Little Rock) emphasized Democrats’ strong commitment to public education in contrast with the LEARNS Act that sends taxpayer money to unaccountable private schools through vouchers. “We would end the voucher experiment, leave private schools alone, and focus public attention on making sure the public schools that serve 95% of Arkansas kids are excellent,” Shephard said.

“When you think about the really big problems in our society, like crime, poverty, and unstable families, mental illness and substance abuse are often at the heart of the matter. Mental health is a tough challenge nationwide. Arkansas ranks among the worst states in confronting it,” Rep. Nicole Clowney (D – Fayetteville) said when introducing the Better Arkansas Agenda policies focused on tackling mental health, including improving access to care, expanding the mental health workforce, supporting kids in crisis, and focusing on mental health in the criminal justice system. 

Representative-elect Jessie McGruder (D – Marion) described the importance of putting democracy at the heart of the Better Arkansas Agenda, which includes legislation to protect the right to vote and petition, reform redistricting, and keep government accountable. “When democracy is healthy, the people rule, and that’s a better Arkansas,” McGruder said.

Arkansas House Democrats invited their Republican colleagues to work with them on these policy priorities, or even to “steal” their ideas, as long as they get passed for the people of Arkansas. Collins emphasized, “This agenda, like Arkansas, is not about ideology. It’s about results. Good ideas can come from anywhere. Our approach is to find what works and fight for it.”

The details of the Better Arkansas Agenda can be found at arhousedems.com.