Proposed Calif. Tax On Soda, Sugary Drinks Fizzes Out
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A push by politicians to tax sodas and other sweet drinks in California has gone flat for now, but the lawmaker behind the bill says kids' health is at risk if the effort fails.
Assemblyman Bill Monning says the bill, which proposed a one-cent-per-ounce tax on sodas, energy drinks, and sweet teas, is ultimately aimed at discouraging consumption.
Monning tells KNX 1070 that research points to a strong link between sugary drinks and health issues.
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"Science shows very clearly that the increased consumption in calories, particularly in young people, can be directly traced in large measure to increased consumption of sugary beverages," Monning said.
Monning acknowledges he likely cannot get the two-thirds majority needed to pass the tax in the current highly-polarized political environment.
Critics contend the bill would hurt beverage companies and insist that it's up to kids and their parents to decide what to drink.
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