Written by Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

June 18, 2021

The Arkansas Education Association’s executive director on Thursday called on lawmakers to tap $70 million of the state’s general revenue surplus to shore up the public school health insurance plan so as not to increase the costs to employees and retirees next year.

The insurance plan covers more than 100,000 public school employees, retirees and their dependents.

Arkansas Education Association Executive Director Tracey-Ann Nelson said the state Board of Finance is considering options that could mean a spike next year in the contributions paid by employees and retirees.

Nelson said the Board of Finance is requesting $35 million from the state’s restricted reserve fund for the plan next year, but the request falls short of the $70 million the plan will need.

The board meets Tuesday to consider additional recommendations for changes to the plan for the Legislative Council to consider.

This morning, the Legislative Council is scheduled to consider the request for $35 million.

Read the full article HERE.