Proposed California Beverage Tax Falls Flat

A proposed California bill (A.B. 669) that would have levied a state tax on
sweetened beverages has reportedly died in a legislative committee. Sponsored
by Assembly Member Bill Monning (D-Carmel), the proposed tax of
1 cent per fluid ounce on soft drinks, energy drinks, sweet teas, and other
sugary beverages would have raised an estimated $1.7 billion for health-related
programs for children. Monning has vowed to continue supporting
the tax, asserting that “the long-term health of California’s children is at risk
and we must work together to avoid a future influx of chronically ill adults
into our already overstressed health care system.” See The (San Jose) Mercury
News, April 26, 2011.