NEW HAVEN – During Connecticut’s most recent legislative session, State Representative Juan Candelaria, a Democrat representing New Haven, proposed a one cent per ounce tax targeting soft drinks and candy.

According to news reports, the bill refers to “soft drinks and candy that are high in calories and sugar” but did not set any specific guidelines for what would be considered “high.” If the new tax is approved, the tax revenue will go toward programs to prevent childhood obesity, scholarship programs and to municipalities around the state.

This is not Connecticut’s first experience with a similar proposal: In February 2014, New Haven Mayor Toni Harp pressed the Connecticut legislature to pass a 2% tax on soda. Last summer, U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut introduced a bill, known as the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax or “SWEET” Act of 2014, which would have amended the Internal Revenue Code to establish an excise tax on sweetened beverages.