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The Straight Story

(48,121 posts)
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 02:20 PM Apr 2013

California sugary drink tax proposal clears first hurdle

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KABC) -- Holding 16 packets of sugar to illustrate how much is put into a 20-ounce bottle of soda, state Sen. Bill Monning convinced a committee it's time to tackle California's weight problem by approving a sugar tax.

"Sugary drinks are a leading contributor of increased caloric intake, leading to obesity and preventable chronic disease in children," said Monning, a Democrat from Carmel.

Monning proposes to add a penny tax per fluid ounce to any sweetened beverage, such as soda, teas, sports and energy drinks. Californians would pay an extra 20 cents for a regular bottle, on top of the recycling fee. Drinks under 25 calories would be exempt.

The estimated $2.6 billion collected in the first year will help fund programs that fight and prevent childhood obesity.

Now with a democratic super-majority, momentum is building in Sacramento for a sugar drink tax. The proposal now heads to the Senate Health Committee, which is headed by a doctor.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/state&id=9078513

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California sugary drink tax proposal clears first hurdle (Original Post) The Straight Story Apr 2013 OP
If they were smart they'd include artifically sweetened drinks as well. denverbill Apr 2013 #1

denverbill

(11,489 posts)
1. If they were smart they'd include artifically sweetened drinks as well.
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 02:30 PM
Apr 2013

I've seen several research articles recently suggested artificially sweetened drinks actually make you want to eat more, and are just as bad for your as sugary beverages.

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