Connecticut Considers Soda Tax

Lawmakers in Hartford are considering a tax on sugary drinks with calories. A proposed bill would add a one cent per ounce excise tax on beverages that contain added sugar.

The tax could raise more than $85 million a year for the state, according to NBC Connecticut.

Proponents of the bill argue that it could help reduce diabetes and obesity rates in the state.

Similar proposals have been made in recent years, but they were ultimately shot down before becoming law. At least four states currently have a tax on soft drinks, according to the Office of Legislative Research. Several other states have considered the option, but like Connecticut the proposals didn't become a reality.

Out of 46 jurisdictions that had a state sales tax, 18 of them tax candy and 23 tax soft drinks at a higher sales tax rate than other groceries. Connecticut is among states that tax candy and soft drinks at a higher rate than other groceries.

A sugar tax was proposed by Connecticut Voices for children as a way to help close the state's budget gap.

Image via Mike Mozart/Flickr Commons