WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) reintroduced legislation to tax caloric sweeteners as a means to reduce obesity, diabetes and other health conditions.

The Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax (SWEET) Act would impose a one-cent tax per teaspoon of caloric sweetener, such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, on beverages. Milk, including rice and soy, 100% fruit juice and infant formula would be exempt.

“People want to be healthy and they want their kids to be healthy. But we are in the midst of dual epidemics, with Type 2 diabetes and obesity afflicting our nation and the related, astronomical health care costs. There is a clear relationship between sugar-sweetened beverages and a host of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity and tooth decay. We are at a crucial tipping point. The SWEET Act would help correct the path we are currently on,” said DeLauro in a statement.

The Connecticut representative introduced the bill last summer but it failed to receive legislative action.