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Connecticut hearing pits public-health experts against industry over sugary-drink tax to fund school meals
Summary
Public-health experts and polling proponents told the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee a tax on sweetened beverages could reduce consumption and raise funds for universal free school meals; beverage, restaurant and retail groups warned it would hit small businesses, risk cross-border shopping and inflate consumer prices.
The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee heard competing claims on a proposal to tax sweetened beverages and use the revenue to pay for free school meals and afterschool nutrition programs.
Supporters — including physicians, public-health groups and pollsters — said the measure could both nudge consumers away from sugary drinks and generate a stable funding stream for universal school meals. "This provides a gentle but meaningful disincentive to buy and drink sugar-sweetened beverages in particular soda," said Dr. David Katz, a physician and public-health practitioner (SEG 491-498). Polling presented to the committee showed broad public backing for universal meals and the earmarked tax: Ken Dowrich reported that a scientific sample of Connecticut residents…
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