The 2026 Fiscal Session began Wednesday afternoon with an address from Governor Sanders outlining her budget priorities for the year ahead.

The Governor emphasized fully funding the LEARNS Act, along with targeted investments such as the state employee pay plan and the 10:33 Initiative, which is designed to help individuals move from crisis to stable employment and long-term careers.

She also made clear that if the General Assembly passes a budget that limits the growth of government—specifically with no new Medicaid coverage mandates and no additional long-term expenses—she intends to call a special session to pursue further income tax relief.

According to the Governor, that proposal could reduce income taxes by an additional two-tenths of a percent and return more than $180 million to Arkansas taxpayers this year.

The House will reconvene Thursday at 1:00 p.m.