Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed SB59 into law, ensuring that all students in Arkansas receive free breakfast before the school day begins. The legislation, which received strong bipartisan support, was sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang and Representative Zach Gramlich.
Governor Sanders emphasized that the new law would ease the burden on families and help students start their day ready to learn. “Delivering for our kids is a bipartisan issue, and I’m proud to see us working together to take action,” she stated.
Senator Dismang highlighted the importance of the legislation in creating an equitable learning environment, stating that the program would help every child succeed regardless of their background. Representative Gramlich, a middle school teacher, noted the positive impact the program would have on students’ ability to concentrate and participate in class.
SB59 ensures that all students receive free breakfast, regardless of their eligibility for free or reduced meals under federal law. The legislation also repurposes tax revenue from medical marijuana to fully fund the state’s free lunch and breakfast programs, as well as the Summer EBT program.
Governor Sanders previously announced the continuation of the Summer EBT program after it served nearly a quarter of a million children last summer. She also signed legislation to provide free lunches for students who qualified for reduced-price meals.