Controversial taxes on sugary drinks gain steam
1 / 3FILE - In this Feb. 20, 2019 file photo, state Rep. Anne Dauphinais R-Killingly, takes a sip from a big gulp soda as Connecticut Democrat Gov. Ned Lamont delivers his budget address at the State Capitol in Hartford, Conn. Lamont proposed a tax on sugary drinks in his first budget. Connecticut is among several states likely to see debate this year over taxes that advocates endorse as way to reduce consumption of liquid calories.
Connecticut is among several states likely to see debate renewed this year over taxes that advocates endorse as a way to reduce consumption of liquid calories blamed for contributing to health problems such as obesity and diabetes. Opponents argue the taxes hurt stores and supermarkets as well as beverage producers, while inflicting financial harm on consumers.
Revenue from the taxes is used for purposes ranging from a medical school in West Virginia to litter and recycling programs in Virginia and Tennessee. Revenue from Connecticut's proposed tax would go to the state's main spending account but Lamont said he hopes the tax also will ultimately reduce health care costs.
In Connecticut, which is facing a two-year budget deficit of about $3.7 billion, Lamont's office estimated the tax on sugary drinks would generate $163 million in new annual revenue.
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