By Alabama Public Radio
Sylacauga, AL – A state legislator says he'll sponsor a bill to levy a five-cent tax on soft drinks, bottled water and other non-alcoholic beverages. The tax would raise about $225 million a year. State Representative Ron Johnson says the tax revenue would mostly go to the cash-strapped Medicaid agency and to a related children's health care program. The agency is already expected to ask for a $129 million increase in funding when the Legislature meets in February. John says he's not sure of his proposal's chance of passing. But the Sylacauga legislator says the money would help keep people in nursing homes.