California Committee to Hold Hearing on Soda Tax

The bill would add a penny-per-ounce tax on soft drinks and sweetened beverages.

April 22, 2011

FRESNO, Calif. - California legislation that would tack on a tax of 1-cent-per-ounce on soft drinks and other sweetened beverages has made its way to the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee, which will hold a hearing on Monday, the Fresno Bee reports. In February, state Rep. Bill Monning introduced the bill.

This week, the California Center for Public Health Advocacy released a study that showed the state would receive $1.7 billion from the tax. Funds, which would be given to localities according to population, from the tax would primarily go to schools for education and children??s health initiatives.

"I don't think there's the stomach in the Legislature for new taxes," said Bob Achermann, executive director of the California-Nevada Soft Drink Association. His group is against any beverage tax.

However, supporters of a soda tax say public favor is increasing. Harold Goldstein, executive director of the advocacy center, said that momentum for such a tax is growing.

This is the second time California has considered a statewide tax on soda. Last year, then-Sen. Dean Florez sponsored a similar bill that failed to clear committees. Also before the Legislature is a measure introduced by Sen. Michael Rubio that wouldn??t allow food stamps to be used to purchase junk food, which would soft drinks.

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