California Lawmakers Propose Sugary Beverage Tax

Competing proposals by San Francisco lawmakers seek a two-cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks.

October 31, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – San Francisco is facing a battle of sugary beverage tax proposals, the San Francisco Examiner reports.

Just one day after Supervisor Scott Wiener announced plans earlier this week to levy a two-cent per ounce tax on soft drinks, Supervisor Eric Mar (author of the city’s infamous kids meal toy legislation) offered his own proposal.

The two proposed taxes both would impose a two-cent per ounce tax on soda distributors and require two-thirds voter approval. They would apply to any drink with added sugar that has 25 calories or more per 12-ounce serving.

The proposals differ on where the tax revenue would go.

Wiener’s plan divides the revenue between the Recreation and Park Department, the Department of Public Health and the San Francisco Unified School District.

Mar's divides funds between health education efforts in The City's poorer neighborhoods, physical education and exercise initiatives, and a push for healthy food access in poorer neighborhoods and in schools.

"We both have the same goals, just slightly different visions," Wiener said, adding that eventually only one measure will advance past the board and onto the ballot.

"It will be a food fight, but we'll win," Mar said.

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