Legislators in Arkansas, led by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, have announced plans to repeal the state’s grocery tax and introduce a proposal to address food insecurity in the state. The repeal of the grocery tax on food ingredients is expected to return $10.9 million to Arkansas residents annually. The move is aimed at easing the burden on families struggling to put food on the table.
The legislators behind the effort, including Senate President Bart Hester and State Representative Kendon Underwood, believe that working families deserve relief, especially at the grocery store. While the proposal will cut the state’s grocery tax, county and municipal grocery taxes will not be affected.
Arkansas has been ranked as one of the worst states in the nation for food insecurity, with an 18.9% rate of food insecurity over a three-year period. To combat this issue, the lawmakers will introduce the Good Neighbor Act, which aims to support food banks and food bank donors. The act seeks to expand liability protections for certain food bank donors, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers, to encourage more donations and ensure that food donations reach those in need.
By repealing the grocery tax and implementing the Good Neighbor Act, lawmakers hope to make a positive impact on food insecurity in Arkansas and provide much-needed relief to families in the state. The efforts are part of a broader initiative to address financial disparities and ensure basic needs, like access to food, are met for all residents.
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