Arkansas – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is defending the state’s sweeping education reforms, arguing that the Arkansas LEARNS Act has expanded opportunities for thousands of students while criticizing Democrats who have opposed key parts of the legislation.
In a social media post published May 29, Sanders wrote, “Democrats would rather keep kids stuck in a broken system than admit they’re wrong. Arkansas took another path. LEARNS has empowered over 44,000 Arkansas students with education freedom.”
The governor’s comments come as Arkansas continues the statewide implementation of the Arkansas LEARNS Act, a comprehensive education reform package signed into law in 2023. The legislation, which stands for Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking and School Safety, has reshaped many aspects of the state’s K-12 education system, including school choice, teacher pay, literacy programs and accountability measures.
One of the most significant components of the law is the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. The accounts provide state-funded education dollars that families can use for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling costs, tutoring and other educational services. The program was introduced through a phased rollout before becoming available to all Arkansas K-12 students during the 2025-26 school year, according to the state officials.
According to the Arkansas Senate, more than 44,000 Arkansas students are currently participating in the EFA program during the 2025-26 school year, matching the figure cited by Sanders in her post. The Arkansas Legislative Council approved funding for the accounts through the remainder of the school year, with each account receiving up to $6,864 for the 2025-26 academic year.
Supporters of the LEARNS Act have argued that the law gives parents greater control over their children’s education and ensures that students are not limited to a single educational option based on where they live. The Arkansas Department of Education describes the EFA program as a school choice initiative designed to empower families by providing funding for private school or homeschool education.
Beyond school choice, the LEARNS Act included a number of other reforms. The legislation raised Arkansas’ minimum teacher salary from $36,000 to $50,000 and provided pay increases for educators across the state. It also expanded literacy initiatives, created incentives aimed at recruiting and retaining teachers, strengthened school safety efforts and introduced additional accountability requirements for schools.
Supporters have described the legislation as the largest education overhaul in Arkansas history. Sanders has repeatedly pointed to the law as one of the signature achievements of her administration and has argued that it addresses long-standing educational challenges while expanding opportunities for students and families.
However, the legislation has also faced criticism since its introduction. Democratic lawmakers, public education advocates and some teachers’ organizations have expressed concerns that the Education Freedom Account program could divert resources from traditional public schools. Critics have also raised questions about how the law may affect school funding, staffing and educational equity across the state.
The debate over the LEARNS Act has remained one of the most prominent education policy discussions in Arkansas since the law’s passage. While supporters view the legislation as a transformative effort that increases educational freedom and improves student outcomes, opponents argue that the state must continue investing in traditional public schools that serve the majority of Arkansas students.
As participation in the Education Freedom Account program continues to grow, Sanders and her administration are highlighting enrollment figures as evidence that Arkansas families are embracing the expanded educational options created under the LEARNS Act. With more than 44,000 students now participating in the program, the law remains a central part of the governor’s education agenda and a focal point in ongoing discussions about the future of education in Arkansas.