Category: US State of Arkansas

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Governor Sanders Announces Personnel Changes

Source: US State of Arkansas

Zach Jacobs currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Arkansas Department of Education in Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ administration, where he works at the intersection of education policy, executive leadership, and external and intergovernmental affairs.

Previously, Jacobs was Deputy Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia under Governor Glenn Youngkin, helping advance statewide education priorities and operational strategy. His background also includes leading state and federal government relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and serving on Capitol Hill as a Senior Legislative Assistant focused on appropriations, agriculture, education, energy, and national security policy. He began his career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Office of Congressional Relations under Secretary Sonny Perdue.

A native of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and a proud first-generation college graduate, Jacobs earned a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management and National Security and Foreign Affairs from Virginia Tech and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from Liberty University.

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Sanders Appoints Gary Stark to the Arkansas State Board of Education

Source: US State of Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that she has appointed Gary Stark to serve on the Arkansas State Board of Education. Stark, whose term will expire on June 30, 2033, is replacing Adrienne Woods.

“Few people understand what it takes to build great schools better than Gary Stark,” said Governor Sanders. “Spending more than three decades serving students and teachers at every level of education, from the classroom to national leadership, Gary knows that student success starts with great teachers equipped with the tools they need to help every kid reach their full potential. His work has strengthened thousands of schools, supporting hundreds of thousands of educators and millions of students across the country, bringing the same focus on teacher effectiveness and student achievement that’s at the heart of Arkansas LEARNS. I know Gary will bring that same leadership and vision to the State Board of Education as we continue to shape the next chapter of education in Arkansas.”

“I am honored to be appointed byGovernor Sanders to serve on the State Board of Education,” said Gary Stark. “Governor Sanders has launched some of the boldest education reforms in the nation and we are seeing improved outcomes for students. These policies, along with the hard work of our educators and school leaders, are making a difference in the lives of our kids and the future of our state.  I look forward to working with the Governor, my fellow board members, parents, and educators across Arkansas to advance an education system that supports all students.

Gary Stark Bio:

Gary Stark is a lifelong educator, military veteran, and nonprofit executive who has spent more than 35 years serving students, teachers, schools, and communities. A sixth-generation native of Cleburne County, Arkansas, he has dedicated his career to improving educational opportunities across the state and beyond through leadership in classrooms, schools, philanthropy, and national education organizations.

Most recently, Dr. Stark served as Senior Advisor for K–12 Education with the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group, where he supported education initiatives and partnerships across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In this role, he worked alongside state education agencies, nonprofits, and universities to help strengthen schools and expand opportunities for students and educators.

Dr. Stark began his career as a classroom teacher in Tennessee before becoming a principal in Arkansas. In 2001, he received the prestigious Milken Educator Award for his leadership and commitment to student success. He later served as Vice President of the Milken Family Foundation and President and CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), helping lead one of the nation’s largest nonprofits focused on educator effectiveness and school improvement.

Throughout his career, Dr. Stark has advised state and national education leaders, including service with the United States Department of Education as a Special Assistant. He continues to support education initiatives nationwide as chairman and board member of NIET and serves on the board of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas.

Dr. Stark earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas and holds bachelor’s, master’s, and educational specialist degrees from the University of Central Arkansas. Gary and his family have called Northwest Arkansas home for the past 30 years. His wife is also a retired educator, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren. 

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Governor Sanders Announces More Than $3.4 Million in Water Funding

Source: US State of Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced $3,477,436 in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects for five entities across the state. Three of the projects will serve more than 8,780 Arkansans, while the remaining five will benefit residents statewide.

“Today’s announcement continues my administration’s record of delivering for Arkansas communities and the water and wastewater facilities they rely on,” said Governor Sanders. “Our state doesn’t work without the water resources our citizens need, and we’re continuing to invest in communities across the state to help them grow, build, and thrive.”

“Water and wastewater infrastructure is the foundation of community stability, public health, economic growth, and quality of life in Arkansas,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Continued investment in these critical systems ensures communities have access to safe, reliable service today while preparing for the needs of future generations.” 

“Water infrastructure is one of Arkansas’ most important long‑term responsibilities,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division. “By prioritizing upgrades and supporting system reliability, we’re helping ensure that residents, businesses, and industries have access to the safe, stable services they depend on every day.”

Funding approved today includes:

  • Arkansas Environmental Training Academy was approved for two grants — $324,000 from the Water Development Fund to provide training for retail water boards and $216,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to provide training for wastewater operators. These training opportunities will have a statewide impact.
  • Arkansas Rural Water Association was approved for three grants — $270,000 from the Water Development Fund for the Drinking Water Circuit Rider Grant Program, $130,000 from the Water Development Fund for the Technical Assistance Grant Program, and $270,000 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Wastewater Circuit Rider Grant Program. These projects will have a statewide impact.
  • City of Decatur, Benton County, was approved for an additional $2,125,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 8,165. These funds will be used for the wastewater treatment plant headworks expansion project.
  • Horseshoe Bend Property Owners Association, Washington County, was approved for an additional $42,436 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 51. These funds will be used for water line improvements.
  • City of Ratliff, Logan County, was approved for a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. This project serves a current customer base of 570.

Since taking office, Governor Sanders has made strengthening Arkansas’ water infrastructure a top priority, with nearly $2.8 billion in state and federal funding approved for water and wastewater projects benefitting all 75 counties.

In 2023, Governor Sanders issued Executive Order 23-27, initiating a comprehensive review of and update to the Arkansas Water Plan, guiding the state’s management of water resources, water supply, water demand, water quality, and more. The first phase was completed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in August 2024. The second phase of the update is underway and will be completed in summer 2026.

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Governor Sanders Announces Record 54.3 Million Visitors Traveled to the Natural State in 2025

Source: US State of Arkansas

Governor Sanders Announces Record 54.3 Million Visitors Traveled to the Natural State in 2025

ROLAND, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that Arkansas welcomed a record 54.3 million visitors in 2025, generating $10.2 billion in visitor spending and a total economic impact of $17.4 billion across The Natural State.

The report, prepared by Tourism Economics, found that tourism supported 71,860 direct jobs statewide and generated enough state and local tax revenue to reduce the annual tax burden for Arkansas households by $919. Visitors spent more than any year on record in Arkansas, including $3.0 billion at restaurants and local businesses across the state.

“Arkansas has always been the Natural State, but today, more Americans than ever are discovering what Arkansans have known for generations,” said Governor Sanders. “From our mountains and rivers to our trails, parks, and small towns, Arkansas offers experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else. That’s creating jobs and opportunity across our state and helping it become one of the nation’s top destinations.”

“The Natural State’s beauty is one of our greatest assets, and we’re working hard to make it more accessible to people who call Arkansas home and the visitors discovering it for the first time,” said First Gentleman Bryan Sanders. “By investing in outdoor recreation destinations across our state, we’re making sure the places that make Arkansas special remain part of our story for years to come.”

“The 2025 Economic Impact Report makes clear that tourism and outdoor recreation are not just important to Arkansas’ economy — they are foundational drivers of growth, investment, and community strength across our state. The momentum we are seeing is the direct result of strategic statewide efforts, major outdoor recreation improvements, and the collaborative partnerships that continue to elevate Arkansas on the national stage. Under Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Natural State Initiative, we are positioning Arkansas for long term success by expanding access, modernizing iconic destinations, and creating experiences that enhance quality of life for residents while attracting visitors from across the country and the world,” said Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis.

“In 2025, Arkansas Tourism executed a targeted marketing strategy that strengthened Arkansas’ position in an increasingly competitive travel landscape. Our efforts delivered measurable results, including record 2% tax collections late in the year and expanded national visibility for The Natural State. By focusing on high value audiences, extending visitor stays, and elevating a unified statewide brand, we are positioning Arkansas for sustained growth and ensuring that our marketing investments drive stronger demand across every region of the state,” said Arkansas Tourism Director Dalaney Thomas.

Governor Sanders launched the Natural State Initiative in 2023 to capitalize on Arkansas’ greatest competitive advantage and make outdoor recreation, conservation, and tourism a cornerstone of the state’s long-term economic growth strategy. Led by First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, the initiative focuses on expanding access to Arkansas’ outdoors, encouraging private investment in tourism destinations, supporting rural communities, and preserving the natural resources that make Arkansas unique.

As part of that effort, the administration created Natural State Initiative Economic Opportunity Zones surrounding Pinnacle Mountain, Petit Jean, Delta Heritage Trail, and Queen Wilhelmina State Parks to attract new tourism development and encourage private investment near some of Arkansas’ most visited destinations. The administration has also invested in major outdoor recreation projects across the state, including legislation supporting Arkansas’ first lift-served mountain bike parks in Bella Vista and Mena and an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service to begin the process of making Blanchard Springs Caverns Arkansas’ 53rd state park.

Governor Sanders’ administration has also launched the Outdoor Education Pilot Program with the Arkansas Department of Education and Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, which helps students have deeper connections with the outdoors by providing opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences outside the classroom, like hunting, fishing, and conservation.

Together, these investments are helping more people experience The Natural State while creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening communities from the Delta to the Ozarks.

For more information, the 2025 Economic Impact Report is available here.

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Arkansas Ranks #1 for Religious Liberty

Source: US State of Arkansas

One of two states to earn first-ever “excellent” ratings

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced Arkansas ranks #1 in the nation for religious liberty according to the First Liberty Institute’s Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy’s (CRCD) Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) index. Arkansas earned a score of 89.2%, becoming one of only two states to receive the index’s first-ever “excellent” rating.

“Religious liberty is America’s First Freedom, and Arkansas is leading the nation in protecting it,” said Governor Sanders. “Our rights come from God, not government, and every American should be free to live according to their faith and conscience. We’ll continue defending that freedom and ensuring the Natural State remains the best place in the country to live, work, and worship.” 

“Religious liberty is best protected when leaders are willing to act before the rights of people of faith are threatened,” said Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel at First Liberty. “Governor Sanders and Arkansas lawmakers have taken that responsibility seriously, adopting strong protections that help ensure Arkansans can live and work according to conscience. Arkansas’ top ranking is a well-earned recognition, and it should motivate leaders across the country to strengthen religious liberty protections in their own states.”

The RLS index evaluates 50 legal protections across 20 safeguards states can adopt to support religious freedom in daily life from education and healthcare to family law, economic activity, and religious practice.

“States have always served as laboratories of liberty, and this year’s results show why that matters,” said Dr. Mark David Hall, director of the Religious Liberty in the States project. “Arkansas’s rise to the top of the index demonstrates that state lawmakers can take concrete action to protect what America’s founders called ‘the sacred right of conscience.’ These safeguards help ensure that Americans are free to live out their faith in public life, not only within the walls of a house of worship.”

“This year’s changes show that the Religious Liberty in the States index is dynamic by design,” said Dr. Paul D. Mueller, Associate Director of the Religious Liberty in the States project. “Arkansas moved from sixth to first, and Tennessee moved from tenth to second, because both states adopted meaningful protections for religious liberty. With this index, citizens and legislators can see where their state is doing well, where it still has room to improve, and which existing laws could help them better protect the right of conscience.”

Arkansas rose from sixth in the nation in 2025 to first in 2026 after Governor Sanders signed Act 677, strengthening protections for individuals and institutions who recognize the difference between biological sexes and hold religious views related to biological sex and marriage.

In December, the Governor also defended her decision to close state offices in celebration of Christmas after activists called for her proclamation  to be rescinded, arguing that “only by voicing our own faith and celebrating other faiths can we make our state’s diverse religious communities to feel seen and heard.”

Additionally, Governor Sanders signed the Conscience Protection Act in 2023, ensuring Arkansans are free to live and work according to their faith by building on existing protections in the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

More information about the CRDC’s rankings and methodology is available here.

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Sanders Announces Trade Mission to the U.K., Belgium, and Ireland

Source: US State of Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement today announcing her overseas trade mission to the Farnborough Air Show, Ireland, and Belgium from July 19 to 24:
 
“I’ve had the privilege of representing Arkansas at the Paris Air Show and Farnborough Air Show since I took office, and in that time we’ve secured investments from aerospace and defense leaders like Dassault Falcon Jet, RTX, and Taber Extrusions. This year, we’ll continue that proven track record at the Farnborough Airshow in the U.K. and in meetings with key business and government leaders in Belgium and Ireland. International trade missions offer our team the chance to pitch Arkansas in-person to some of the largest companies in the world, many of which focus on Arkansas’ largest export industry – aerospace and defense – and I look forward to telling our great story this year and continuing to attract jobs and investment to the Natural State.”
 
The Governor’s trip will include appearances at panels hosted by the Aerospace Industries Association, Irish-American Chamber, and Belgian-American Chamber, meetings with Lockheed Martin, RTX, Radius Aerospace, General Dynamics, Hanwha, Kingspan, and other prospective investors, and engagements with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Andrew Puzder, U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James Warren Stephens, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh, and U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White.
 
The Governor’s previous trade missions to the Paris Air Show and Farnborough Airshow have helped secure Dassault Falcon Jet’s $100 million, 800-job expansion in Little Rock, RTX’s new, $33 million manufacturing facility in East Camden, which was later expanded to a $63 million investment, and Taber Extrusions’ $60 million, 70-job expansion in Russellville.

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Sanders, AEDC Announce $12.52M in Funding for Arkansas Communities

Source: US State of Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, today announced more than $12.52 million in funding for Arkansas cities, counties, and communities.

The 88 grants, totaling $12,522,736, were awarded from the Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) and State Rural Community Grant programs.

“Arkansas’ success starts with our local communities,” said Governor Sanders. “The places that shape our towns and cities are often the ones that define them – a park, walking trail, community center, safer street. These funds help local leaders build those places that bring neighbors together, improve quality of life, and build on what Arkansans already know: there is no better place in America to live, work, and raise a family than the Natural State.”

“Local communities are the foundation of our success in Arkansas,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “With the grants from the Division of Rural Services and the Grants Division, we aim to help communities access the resources and services they need to grow and continue creating economic opportunities.”

“The Division of Rural Services and the Rural Development Commission are proud to present recipients of the Rural Community Grant and the Rural Services Block Grant for fiscal year 2026,” said Becca Caldwell, director of AEDC’s Division of Rural Services. “These grant programs are essential for the development of rural Arkansas as they help communities improve their quality of life, address safety concerns, and improve infrastructure. The Division of Rural Services is committed to help set up our rural communities to thrive.”

“The success of the CDBG program lies in the dedication of our local leaders who work tirelessly to improve their communities,” said Jean Noble, director of AEDC’s Grants Division. “The CDBG program gives the state the ability to partner with these cities and counties to turn critical infrastructure priorities into reality while addressing their most urgent safety, health, and development needs. We look forward to seeing how these investments revitalize local economies and build safer, more vibrant places to live.”

State CDBG funds are utilized for a variety of public facility and infrastructure projects, including senior centers, childcare centers, public health facilities, youth centers, flood control and drainage projects, as well as economic development grants. Funds are awarded on an annual basis, with counties and municipalities also allocating resources to meet urgent needs.

The Rural Services Block Grant program funds new construction or renovation of community centers, fire stations, or multi-purpose buildings, as well as the purchase of fire trucks and fire equipment. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas with low to moderate incomes of 51 percent or higher are eligible for up to $$100,000 in funds under the program with a 10 percent match.

The Rural Community Grant Program is used to fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, and walking trails. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in 50/50 matching funds under the program.

View the full list of recipients and awards below:

General Assistance Block Grants

  • Bradley, Lafayette County, $499,939.00
  • Cleburne County, $116,665.00
  • Cotter, Baxter County, $487,620.00
  • Evening Shade, Sharp County, $500,000.00
  • Glenwood, Pike County, $499,828.00
  • Gurdon, Clark County, $500,000.00
  • Hartford, Sebastian County, $498,545.00
  • Izard County, $482,509.00
  • Jackson County, $387,630.00
  • Junction City, Union County, $498,635.00
  • Lafe, Greene County, $499,560.00
  • Leslie, Searcy County, $499,200.00
  • Louann, Ouachita County, $499,999.00
  • Marianna, Lee County, $500,000.00
  • Marked Tree, Poinsett County, $499,000.00
  • Maynard, Randolph County, $499,706.00
  • McNeil, Columbia County, $499,606.00
  • Prescott, Nevada County, $499,606.00
  • Sedgwick, Lawrence County, $500,000.00
  • Wickes, Polk County, $495,612.00
  • Widener, St. Francis County, $500,000.00
  • Willisville, Nevada County, $499,439.00
  • Wilton, Little River County, $499,720.00

Rural Services Block Grants

  • Ashley County, $89,999.74
  • City of Ash Flat, Sharp County, $90,000.00
  • City of Banks, Bradley County, $89,999.99
  • City of Hackett, Sebastian County, $99,900.00
  • City of Huntington, Sebastian County, $90,000.00
  • City of Tillar, Drew County, $100,000.00
  • Independence County, $100,000.00
  • Town of Cove, Polk County, $100,000.00
  • Town of Powhatan, Lawrence County, $90,000.00

Rural Community Grants

  • Altus FD, Franklin County, $15,000.00
  • Atkins VFD, Pope County, $15,000.00
  • Bradley FD, Bradley County, $15,000.00
  • Carlisle FD, Lonoke County, $15,000.00
  • Cato VFD, Pulaski County, $15,000.00
  • Charleston FD, Franklin County, $7,500.00
  • City of Bay, Craighead County, $15,000.00
  • City of Cedarville, Crawford County, $5,094.29
  • City of Cherry Valley, Cross County, $15,000.00
  • City of Chidester, Ouachita County, $10,990.50
  • City of Diamond City, Boone County, $15,000.00
  • City of Hampton, Calhoun County, $15,000.00
  • City of Harrisburg, Poinsett County, $15,000.00
  • City of Hazen, Prairie County, $15,000.00
  • City of Hughes, St. Francis County, $8,012.32
  • City of McCrory, Woodruff County, $15,000.00
  • City of Mulberry, Crawford County, $15,000.00
  • City of Ogden, Little River County, $7,401.95
  • City of Pangburn, White County, $15,000.00
  • City of Sparkman, Dallas County, $15,000.00
  • Community of Compton, Newton County, $1,500.00
  • Community of Rover, Yell County, $7,300.00
  • Cotter VFD, Baxter County, $15,000.00
  • Drew County, $13,495.50
  • Enola FD, Faulkner County, $6,111.52
  • Fouke FD, Miller County, $15,000.00
  • Hackett VFD, Sebastian County, $15,000.00
  • Harmon FD, Washington County, $15,000.00
  • Highfill VFD, Benton County, $12,151.42
  • Imboden FD, Lawrence County, $12,376.45
  • Izard County, $15,000.00
  • Junction City VFD, Union County, $15,000.00
  • Lake City FD, Craighead County, $15,000.00
  • Landis VFD, Searcy County, $15,000.00
  • Lincoln FD, Washington County, $15,000.00
  • Marshall FD, Searcy County, $15,000.00
  • Mineral Springs FD, Howard County, $15,000.00
  • Mount Holly VFD, Union County, $12,705.00
  • Oakland Promise Land Fire Protection District, Marion County, $15,000.00
  • Poyen FD, Grant County, $15,000.00
  • Prim FD, Cleburne County, $15,000.00
  • Star City FD, Lincoln County, $7,259.00
  • Strawberry VFD, Lawrence County, $14,974.40
  • Town of Bergman, Boone County, $15,000.00
  • Town of Big Flat, Baxter County, $15,000.00
  • Town of Caulksville, Logan County, $15,000.00
  • Town of Emerson, Columbia County, $14,986.26
  • Town of Guy, Faulkner County, $15,000.00
  • Town of Letona, White County, $4,984.00
  • Town of Oak Grove, Carroll County, $15,000.00
  • Town of Prattsville, Grant County, $15,000.00
  • Town of Shirley, Van Buren County, $15,000.00
  • Town of St. Joe, Searcy County, $7,488.24
  • Welcome Home Community, Searcy County, $9,000.00
  • Woodlawn VFD, Lonoke County, $6,758.75

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Sanders Announces Texarkana as Arkansas’ Capital for a Day on July 15

Source: US State of Arkansas

 TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:
 
WHEREAS:  Texarkana, located in Miller County along Arkansas’ southwestern border, receives its name from compounding states of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana after railroad surveyor Colonel Gus Knobel famously wrote “TEX-ARK-ANA” on a board and declared it the site of a future town, and has served as a crossroads connecting communities, commerce, and culture for nearly 150 years; 
 
WHEREAS:  Texarkana is home to the iconic United States Post Office and Courthouse, the only federal building and post office in America located in two states, where visitors can stand with one foot in Arkansas and the other in Texas;
 
WHEREAS:  Military service and aviation are woven into Texarkana’s story, from training military pilots like Tuskegee Airman Woodrow “Woody” Crocket, who flew 149 combat missions during World War II to preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals today;
 
WHEREAS:  Culture and history run deep in the city’s veins, from the annual Four States Fair and Rodeo and the Tex-Arkansas Antique Auto Museum to the filming of Smokey and the Bandit and the local traditions that have brought generations of Arkansans together; 
 
WHEREAS:  Governor Sanders’ “Capital for a Day” program highlights great cities around Arkansas like Texarkana—a place she called home during part of her childhood—and brings senior state government officials into town to meet with their local counterparts; and
 
WHEREAS:  Texarkana will serve as the nineteenth “Capital for a Day” under Governor Sanders and will momentarily serve as Arkansas’ seat of government.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby name Texarkana, Arkansas, our Capital for a Day on July 15, 2026, and invite our senior state government officials to join me in a visit to the city.
 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 13th day of July, in the year of our Lord 2026.

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Sanders’ Statement on the Passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham

Source: US State of Arkansas

Sanders’ Statement on the Passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):
 
“Bryan and I are sending our deepest sympathies to the people of South Carolina as they mourn the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He was a veteran, a longtime public servant, and a leading voice on foreign relations, but I remember him most for his partnership during the fight to get Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Working on the White House team, we needed allies like Senator Graham who would fight hard for what they knew was right, and it was thanks to his forcefulness that we were able to get Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation over the finish line. America has lost one of its finest Senators, and my prayers are with Senator Graham’s family, staff, colleagues in the U.S. Senate, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

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Governor Sanders Announces Federal Approval of Arkansas’ Returning Education to the States Waiver

Source: US State of Arkansas

Governor Sanders Announces Federal Approval of Arkansas’ Returning Education to the States Waiver

Approval gives Arkansas greater flexibility to reduce bureaucracy, empower local schools, and put more education dollars into classrooms

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.— Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to announce that the U.S. Department of Education has approved Arkansas’ Returning Education to the States Waiver, along with the state’s application for Ed-Flex authority and amendments to its federal accountability plan.

The approvals give Arkansas greater flexibility to reduce unnecessary federal bureaucracy, streamline education funding, strengthen accountability, and give local schools more authority to meet the needs of their students.

Through the waiver, the Arkansas Department of Education can consolidate multiple federal funding streams, allowing the state to direct more resources toward student achievement instead of administrative requirements. The waiver also expands flexibility for rural school districts, supports accelerated learning opportunities for advanced students, and improves accountability by more accurately measuring long-term outcomes for students in alternative learning environments.

“Arkansas has proven that when you trust parents, empower teachers, and put students ahead of bureaucracy, kids succeed,” said Governor Sanders. “This approval gives us even more freedom to cut red tape, put education dollars where they belong—in the classroom—and continue building the best education system in America. I appreciate President Trump and Secretary McMahon for trusting states like Arkansas to lead.”

“Arkansas is doing exactly what returning education to the states is meant to accomplish: giving students a better shot at success by trusting the people closest to them,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “This flexibility not only prevents dollars from getting lost in bureaucracy — it opens real opportunities for Arkansas students who are ready to move ahead, strengthens schools that want to strategically leverage every federal dollar, and makes sure every child is supported no matter where they start. Congratulations to Arkansas leaders, students, and families on this giant leap forward to bolster education in every community.” 

“Today, Arkansas is reclaiming education — and we’re grateful to have a friendly administration that empowers states to lead,” said Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. “For far too long, Arkansas was buried under duplicative federal systems that wasted taxpayer dollars and robbed our state and districts of flexibility and innovation. That era is over. Under the Reclaiming Arkansas Education plan, Arkansas will lean on the blueprint provided in the LEARNS Act. ATLAS data proves LEARNS is working, and now — thanks to this administration’s willingness to empower the states — Arkansas will be able to better support our most vulnerable students.”

Under the Returning Education to the States Waiver, Arkansas will:

  • Consolidate four federal funding streams, giving the state greater flexibility in how federal education dollars are used.
  • Expand Alternative Fund Use Authority to additional rural school districts, allowing more local leaders to determine how federal funds are best spent.
  • Support advanced students by simplifying accountability requirements for those who complete high school coursework before entering high school.
  • Improve accountability by allowing students educated in alternative learning environments to be counted with their home school, creating a more accurate picture of long-term student outcomes.

Governor Sanders signed the LEARNS Act in 2023 to transform Arkansas’ education system with a laser focus on student success. Since then, Arkansas has expanded school choice, raised teacher pay to lead the nation, deployed literacy coaches and high-impact tutoring, strengthened accountability, and empowered parents with more educational opportunities than ever before.

Those reforms are already producing measurable results. This year’s ATLAS assessment showed student proficiency increasing across every grade level and every subject, with proficiency rising more than 20% statewide since 2024.

The approval allows Arkansas to continue aligning federal education programs with the state’s student-first approach by cutting red tape, expanding local flexibility, and strengthening accountability. It gives school districts greater freedom to invest resources where they’re needed most, supports students pursuing advanced coursework, and ensures the state’s accountability system more accurately reflects student success.

The Arkansas Department of Education’s announcement of the Returning Education to the States waiver proposal is available here.

Arkansas’ full Returning Education to the States waiver submission is available here.

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