Slarson
04-20-2011, 05:38 PM
AB669, legislation aimed at taxing sweetened beverages in California, was introduced this year by Assembly Member Bill Monning (D-Santa Cruz). The measure would impose an excise tax of 1 cent per fluid ounce on any soda, energy drink or sports drink that uses sweeteners. Monning estimates that this would raise an annual $1.7 billion for a state Children's Health Promotion Fund to combat obesity. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation committee on Monday, April 25th. The CAVC lobbyist will be present to testify in opposition to the bill, as any additional tax on sweetened beverages will have a direct impact on a vending operator’s ability to stay in business and provide products at a reasonable price to the consumer. Higher taxes on sweetened beverages will not make people healthier; people will be healthier when they make smart decisions about diet and exercise. Furthermore, this regressive tax will further damage California’s already failing economy.