AARP Arkansas Helps Pass Landmark Health Legislation

By: State: Arkansas | Source: AARP.org

Thanks in part to the effort of AARP Arkansas volunteers, the state recently passed a landmark piece of legislation that will tax tobacco products to improve access to health care.

Working in conjunction with the Step-Up Coalition, AARP volunteers made personal visits with state legislators, placed hundreds of phone calls and wrote e-mails to ensure that increased funding for home and community-based care—AARP Arkansas' number one priority—was a part of the legislation. Other items in the health care package included a trauma system, an adult dental program, expanded health insurance coverage for children and funding for community health centers.

The legislation was passed with a super majority in the Legislature over the objection of well-financed opposition.

Gov. Mike Beebe called the legislation "the most comprehensive, far-reaching health care package the state has ever seen."

AARP Arkansas State Director Maria Reynolds-Diaz praised Governor Beebe, Speaker Robbie Wills, President Pro Temp Bob Johnson and Representative Gregg Reep for their leadership. "Arkansas is fortunate to have these leaders. They had a vision for a better Arkansas. Without their statesmanship and leadership it would not have happened."

For more information on the legislation, contact Herb Sanderson at Hsanderson@aarp.org.