Arkansas House Bill HB1107

Arkansas 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/22
• Refer: 2/16/22
• Report Pass: 2/22/22
• Engrossed: 2/23/22
• Enrolled: 3/2/22
• Chaptered: 3/3/22
• Passed: 3/3/22

Caption

An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Child Nutrition Program And Medicaid Administration Claiming Program Supplemental Appropriation.

Impact

By providing additional financial resources for child nutrition and Medicaid administration, HB1107 is expected to reinforce existing programs, thereby indirectly promoting better health and educational outcomes for students. This supplemental funding indicates a legislative commitment to addressing rising costs and support mechanisms essential for maintaining these critical services during the current fiscal period. Furthermore, the emergency clause embedded within the bill emphasizes the urgency of these measures, allowing for immediate disbursement of funds once enacted.

Summary

House Bill 1107 serves as a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Education's Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, specifically targeting child nutrition programs and furthering Medicaid administration claiming programs. The bill outlines an appropriation of $150 million for school food service and nutrition education, alongside $6.25 million for administrative support of Medicaid programs. It aims to ensure that necessary funding is allocated to support educational initiatives that impact public school students across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB1107 has been generally positive, with broad support from various stakeholders who recognize the importance of nutrition in education and the necessity of efficient Medicaid administration in schools. The bill successfully passed with unanimous support (33 votes in favor and no dissent), underscoring a collective agreement among legislators on the importance of safeguarding child welfare and educational resources during challenging fiscal times.

Contention

While the bill in itself may not present significant points of contention, discussions related to funding and appropriations often draw attention to the broader context of state budgeting priorities and allocations. However, in this instance, the focus remained on the urgent need for supplemental funds rather than on divisive legislative debates, indicating a unified approach towards enhancing educational and health outcomes for students during the fiscal session.