Putting Faith and Community into Action
- MC BROOK
- Mar 9
- 5 min read
So too, Faith, if it does not have works, (to back it up) is by itself dead (inoperative and ineffective). AMP
The Elephant in the Room: We're at a place in time that we have to address the elephant in the room. We have many community leaders, politicians and community activist who say. That they are for the People, and the voice of the community. That they speak for the working class, the underpaid, the poor, our senior citizens, people of color, the marginalized communities and that they support the Democratic Agenda.
While they are behind the scenes, trying to convince the working class, the fixed income, and the poor that the republican candidate in Mississippi County, Arkansas district 34 is fighting for the issues that matters to them most. That is Just not True
Mis. Sandra King (Historian and Educator) Retired for Blytheville Public Schools System. Made it Plain! (Joey Carr) Republican State Representative for District 34 in Mississippi County. Who is a Supporter of the LEARNS Act, is a slap in the face to Arkansas taxpayers and public-school patrons. The LEARNS Act takes taxpayer money from public schools and gives it to private school's parents. They use those voucher funds for things like (Horseback riding lessons). No Republican in Arkansas is interested in raising teacher or paraprofessional salaries. She said, I do not trust Joey Carr or Dave Wallace.
We are going into a season where we must expose Our Leaders who say, they care about the Democratic agenda, they care about affordable healthcare, increase funding for our public school, infrastructure investments in rural and urban communities' as well as an increase in the Living Wages.
But behind the scenes, yes even at this moment in Mississippi County, Arkansas District 34. I (Mike Middlebrook) I'm ashamed to say some of our Democrats are at best loop-warm and are supporting Republican candidates (Joey Carr) and that is there right. The worst part of it, is they trying to convince the neediest citizens in our community of social services, to support the republican (Joey Carr) The republican, rather than (Mike Middlebrook) a proud Democratic, community servant and Pastor who fight for the issues the matters most to them.
The upcoming election on November 3, 2026, is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a critical moment when healthcare, education, social services, fair resource distribution, and the very soul of America are at stake.
In Arkansas, two pieces of legislation—the LEARNS Act and the SAVE Act—are shaping the future of our communities, especially in rural and low-income areas. This post explores how these laws affect us and why it is time to put faith into action by demanding real leadership that fights for our rights and well-being.
The Arkansas LEARNS Act and Its Hidden Consequences
When the Arkansas LEARNS Act (SB294) passed, many voters were left wondering if their representatives fully explained its impact. This law promises to improve education but carries risks that could harm public schools, especially in rural and low-income communities.
What the LEARNS Act Means for Public Education
The LEARNS Act aims to restructure funding and educational priorities. However, the reality is that it may:
Shift resources away from public schools toward private or charter schools
Reduce funding for rural schools that already struggle with limited budgets
Increase educational inequality by favoring wealthier districts
Limit access to quality education for children in low-income families
Many voters in District 34 and beyond did not receive clear information from their Republican State Representatives about these risks. Instead, some representatives focused on photo ops and public appearances without addressing the real concerns of their constituents.
Why Faith and Community Demand More
Faith communities have long been pillars of support in Arkansas, advocating for justice, equality, and care for the vulnerable. Education is a cornerstone of that mission. It is not enough for representatives to show up for handshakes; they must actively fight for policies that protect and uplift all children.
Mike Middlebrook, a Democratic candidate for District 34, represents this kind of leadership. He pledges to speak out against harmful legislation like the LEARNS Act and to fight for Mississippi County’s schools and families.
The SAVE Act and Voting Rights in Mississippi County
Alongside education, voting rights are under threat with the SAVE Act. This law introduces stricter voter registration requirements that could disenfranchise many residents.
What the SAVE Act Requires
The SAVE Act mandates that voters present specific forms of identification, such as birth certificates or passports, to register. While this may sound reasonable, the practical effect is to create barriers for many people, especially in Mississippi County.
Who Is Most Affected
Low-income families who cannot easily afford to obtain official documents
Seniors who may have difficulty accessing government offices
Young voters who might not have passports or birth certificates readily available
These hurdles make voting more costly and complicated, effectively reducing participation among groups that already face challenges.
The Cost of Voting
The SAVE Act turns voting into a privilege that requires money and time. This undermines the democratic principle that every eligible citizen should have equal access to the ballot box.
Why November 3, 2026, Matters for Faith and Community
Healthcare, education, social services like SNAP, and fair resource distribution are all on the ballot. These issues are deeply connected to the values of faith and community care. When policies like the LEARNS Act and the SAVE Act threaten these foundations, it is a call to action.
What You Can Do
Stay informed about how legislation affects your community.
Ask your representatives tough questions about their positions.
Support candidates like Mike Middlebrook who prioritize real leadership and community needs.
Get involved in local organizations that advocate for fair education and voting rights.
Vote on November 3, 2026, to protect the future of Arkansas and America.
Putting Faith into Action
Faith is not just belief; it is action. It means standing up for justice, equality, and the well-being of neighbors. The challenges posed by the LEARNS Act and the SAVE Act require us to move beyond passive hope and into active engagement.
Our community deserves representatives who do more than show up for photos. We need leaders who listen, inform, and fight for all people, especially those in rural and low-income areas.
The soul of America depends on it.
The choices we make in this election will shape the future of healthcare, education, social services, and voting rights in Arkansas. By staying informed and involved, we can ensure that faith and community values guide our path forward.
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