Arkansas Takes Action
Relief Granted as School Insurance Premiums Skyrocket
VAN BUREN, Ark. (July 15, 2023) – I am thrilled to share some fantastic developments regarding our schools' insurance premium increases. Recently, our esteemed Superintendent, Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, reached out to me, expressing concerns about the substantial rise in premiums for the upcoming year. It was disheartening to learn that the costs were projected to nearly double, adding a burden of almost $500,000 to the Van Buren School District.
Upon receiving this information, I promptly reached out to the Governor's office to discuss this alarming issue. I'm glad to have been part of the ongoing conversations about this statewide concern.
In a recent press release, Governor Sanders unveiled her commitment to help cover the rising insurance premiums faced by our school districts.
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Arkansas Takes Action... Continued
Recognizing the unjustifiable nature of the skyrocketing costs, Governor Sanders aptly stated, "What these insurance providers are doing to our schools is outrageous." Her administration is stepping up by authorizing the State of Arkansas to cover 30% of the cost increase using funds from the state's restricted reserve account, pending legislative approval.
This vital support demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our local schools and the well-being of our children. It is reassuring to witness the decisive action taken to ensure that our districts do not suffer undue financial burdens.
I want to express my deep gratitude to Superintendent Dr. Jeffcoat for alerting me to this critical issue. By bringing it to my attention, he ensured that the concerns of our community were heard. Together with many others who shared their perspectives, necessary conversations were had that ultimately led to a positive outcome.
Thank you to Governor Sanders and her team for their swift response and unwavering support. Together, we can ensure that our local schools continue to thrive, providing quality education for our children.