Proposal to Tax Sugary Soda On Hold

Last week a measure to generate $1.4 billion in revenue for the state was temporarily tabled. Not because legislators didn't want the money, but because the money wouldn't help solve California's budget problems. SB 1210 "would impose an excise tax of 1 cent per teaspoon of sugar or other caloric sweetener in beverages," with revenues going to a special fund to health programs in communities, according to the LA Times.

The issue has health advocates cheering--sugary soda adds to the obesity epidemic--and tax watchdogs calling bullocks--it could increase the price of a bottle of soda by 30%. And add to that this zinger of a line from the opposition: “We simply can’t tax our way to healthier lifestyles," said the President of the California Retailers Association.