Although the 2027 Regular Session is still several months away, much of the work that shapes the state’s budget is already underway.
This week, Arkansas lawmakers began Pre-Session Budget Hearings, an important part of preparing for the legislative session that begins January 11.
These hearings give legislators an opportunity to examine state agency funding requests, ask questions about spending priorities, and evaluate how taxpayer dollars are being used.
Hearings began Tuesday with the Department of Labor and Licensing and continued with requests from several boards and commissions.
The hearings will continue through October. Members expect to review the balanced budget proposal from the Governor on November 6.
Another important step in the budget process took place Monday when the House and Senate Education Committees advanced recommendations from the state’s Adequacy Study. This study helps determine the resources needed to provide Arkansas students with an adequate education. Its recommendations play an important role in developing public school funding legislation and the overall state budget.
The committees recommended increasing foundation funding from the current $8,037 per student to $8,239 for the 2027–2028 school year, a 2.51% increase. They also recommended increasing funding to $8,431 per student the following year.
Additional recommendations include increased funding for programs serving students with specific educational needs, including dyslexia intervention services. These recommendations are not final. They will be considered as lawmakers develop legislation for the upcoming session.
Another factor in the budget process is the state’s revenue outlook. The latest report shows net available general revenue totaled $1.91 billion during the first three months of the fiscal year. That’s $147.3 million, or 8.4%, above the same period last year and $104.5 million above forecast.
The decisions made during the legislative session begin with the work taking place now. Through these hearings and committee meetings, we are laying the groundwork for a responsible state budget that reflects Arkansas’s priorities.
