Connecticut hearing weighs 2¢-per-ounce sweetened beverage tax to fund universal school meals

A Connecticut legislative hearing held by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee focused on a proposed excise tax on certain sweetened beverages and the proposal to dedicate revenue to universal school meals. Proponents across public health, nutrition and community groups urged lawmakers to approve the measure as a way to both improve children’s diets and provide a stable funding stream for free school breakfast and lunch.

Supporters described the bill as a two‑part public‑health strategy: a price signal to discourage purchase of beverages linked to obesity and dental disease, and a revenue stream to expand school meal programs. ‘‘Taxing sugary drinks to fund healthy school meals is a win‑win for Connecticut,’’ said Alla Hill, senior science policy associate at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Nut graf: Proponents argued the levy would lower consumption of products with little nutritional value while providing a dedicated funding source for school meals that, they said, increase participation, improve diet quality and reduce stigma for students who otherwise must apply for free or reduced‑price meals. Opponents — including restaurant owners, beverage distributors and bottlers — warned the tax would significantly raise operating costs and retail prices, could accelerate out‑of‑state shopping and risk job losses in food service and distribution.

Most of the public testimony centered on HB 7273, the proposal…