A proposal to tax sugary drinks is back on the table in Connecticut.
A bill that stalled earlier this year proposes a penny-per-ounce tax on sweetened drinks. That means a 20-ounce soda would cost an extra 20 cents.
HB 7314 targets non-alcoholic drinks that have a sweetener with calories.
On Monday advocates of the bill planned to make another public push.
They argue a sugary drink tax could raise more than $145 million per year, money that they believe could be used to support health programs focused on preventing obesity and heart disease.
It could also go to Connecticut Care 4 Kids program, which helps low-income families pay for childcare.
Advocates also say the tax could help offset the state’s $2.3 billion deficit.
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However not everyone is on board with the idea. Earlier this year NBC Connecticut spoke to the Connecticut Food Association, which worried that a tax on sugary drinks would push Connecticut residents to do their grocery shopping over state lines.
Senator Terry Gerratana and Representative Jonathan Steinberg, along with University of Connecticut Rudd Center staff, and American Heart Association staff and You’re the Cure advocates, are scheduled to hold a press conference on the bill Monday at 11 a.m. at the Legislative Office Building.
