breaking news

Child Advocates Discuss 2013 Legislative Session

By: Kyle Leyenberger

Updated: December 4, 2012

Child advocates discussed the upcoming legislative session at a meeting in Rogers Tuesday morning.

Many of Arkansas' legislators are heading to the capital for the first time, and members of the Arkansas Kids Coalition want to make sure children in the natural state get the resources they need to succeed.

The coalition hosted a pre-legislative summit to inform people about what is at stake in the 2013 session.

Rich Huddleston, the executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, says the Medicaid budget shortfall must be dealt with, but the state also has a lot of work to do to improve education, especially for low income and minority students.

"We can really help try and close that achievement gap... by making sure that Arkansas continues down the path of trying to provide quality opportunities to learn for all kids, regardless of where they live, their family income," he says. "Kids don't vote, kids don't give campaign contributions and so it's up to folks like us and other advocates to make sure that the interest of kids are represented up at the capital."

Huddleston says he not only wants to make sure the new congressmen know his position, but also that they are informed of the facts on all issues impacting kids.

To educate yourself on these issues, or to find out how you can get involved with the organization, just visit this site.