THE MONEY THAT IS RAISED (BY A NEWLY APPROVED TAX ON SWEETENED BEVERAGES) IS DESIGNED TO BE USED TO HELP PREVENT CHILDHOOD OBESITY. LOCAL SENATOR BILL MONNING’s SENATE BILL- 622, WHICH WAS APPROVED 5-2 BY THE STATE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE THIS WEEK, CREATES A 1-CENT-PER-FLUID-OUNCE EXCISE TAX ON SPECIFIC BEVERAGES THAT HAVE A HIGH LEVEL OF CALORIC SWEETENERS. THOSE DRINKS INCLUDE MANY ENERGY DRINKS, SODAS, SWEET TEAS, AND SPORTS DRINKS.
THE MONEY RAISED BY THIS TAX IS SLATED TO GO INTO THE NEWLY CREATED CHILDREN’S HEALTH PROMOTION FUND.
