Vote NO on HB1636

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [Your Town/County]. I’m asking you to vote NO on HB1636. This bill would eliminate a key Medicaid funding source that supports services for children and adults with disabilities across Arkansas. The soft drink tax was approved by voters to fund healthcare—not to give a tax break to corporations. Please protect Medicaid and vote NO on HB1636. Copy

Subject: Vote NO on HB1636 – Protect Medicaid Services Dear Representative [Last Name], I am writing to ask you to vote NO on HB1636 when it comes before the House. This bill would phase out the soft drink tax, which generates over $130 million in state and federal funding each year to support essential Medicaid services. These funds help provide care for children and adults with disabilities, seniors, and others in need across Arkansas. The tax was approved by voters in 1994. It is not a consumer tax—it’s paid by distributors and has minimal impact on prices. Eliminating it would force cuts to critical services or shift the burden to an already strained state budget. Please protect our most vulnerable citizens. Vote NO on HB1636. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your City or County] [Your Connection to First Steps Arkansas – e.g., parent, staff member, board member] Copy