The list of community concerns for Arkansas residents was very real on Tuesday: Better pre-K support, improving child welfare initiatives, stronger after-school programs, fewer prisons and tax relief for low-income individuals.
In other words: Policies and programs to end poverty and build “safer, smarter and economically-viable communities.”
Hundreds of residents arrived at the state Capitol in Little Rock on Tuesday to tell elected officials in face-to-face conversations that working families should be a priority, as part of an Arkansas Citizens First Congress’ legislative advocacy day. It was direct democracy in action.
“I was always taught that a closed mouth is never fed,” Pamela Blake, a Huttig resident, said in a statement released by the coalition group. “We’re here to show our voice. We’re here to show our strength and that we care.”
While state lawmakers recently approved $102 million in tax cuts for residents, the policy change will not benefit low-income families, said William El-Amin, co-chair of the coalition group and the police chief in Gould.
“Legislators continue to propose further tax cuts to corporations and the wealthiest Arkansans, but this is the wrong priority for Arkansas today,” he said, adding that low-income residents pay a higher percentage in state taxes than other groups.
Residents from the southern part of the state, including the Arkansas Delta and the communities of Prescott, Starr City, Dumas and Magnolia, participated in the event and observed their lawmakers at work during the session.
For Alyce Love, a retired teacher, state policies should do a better job of helping families and kids with after-school and summer programs, as well as with pre-K classes.
“Not only do we have happier children, we have healthier children and they can be successful,” she said. “Our kids are hungry because of our low-income areas and lack of jobs.”
Tamika Edwards participated in the advocacy effort to raise awareness about youth in the state’s child welfare system: “We need to give abused and neglected children the care and protection they need.”
El-Amin called for state efforts to support people who are leaving prisons so they can find jobs. “Investing in these programs will save Arkansas millions in the long run,” he said.
Arkansas has nearly 3 million residents. It also has a poverty rate of 19.2 percent, according to the Census Bureau. As of last year, the United States had a poverty rate of 14.5 percent.
Arkansas state lawmakers also might want to take note: The grassroots coalition, which is made up of 54 community groups, plans other legislative advocacy days on Feb. 25, March 10 and March 25.
State Sen. Joyce Elliott certainly took note of Tuesday’s advocacy efforts. “These are the things that it takes to make a difference,” she said.
Observed LaKenya Williams, a coalition member: “If you’re not engaged, you will get left out.”