Seattle’s soda tax could be just the beginning. State lawmakers are making an effort to take the tax statewide.
Since last February House Bill 1975 has been floating around the finance committee. On January 8th a resolution was passed to reintroduce the bill. It’s similar to Seattle’s soda tax. Once again referencing negative health effects like tooth decay and obesity. This one also adds that minorities see twice as many advertisements for sugary drinks.
“The legislature finds that sugary drinks are marketed as a daily refreshment, particularly to children, youth, and communities of color. The legislature also finds that a 2013 study found that African-American children saw over twice as many television 2 advertisements for sugary and energy drinks than the white youth.” -From House Bill 1975
House Bill 1975 would place a tax on distributors. It’s proposed to be 2 cents per fluid ounce. More than Seattle’s 1.75 which raised the prices drastically. It also orders a study be conducted to measure the impact of the tax.
Half of the funds obtained from the proposed tax are slated to be deposited in a public health supplement fund. The other half would go to the education legacy trust fund.
The proposed tax differs from Seattle’s current tax in that it seeks to tax diet drinks as well. Beverages with milk as a primary ingredient, drinks for medical use, meal replacement liquids, sweetened medications, alcoholic beverages, syrups and diet syrups for home use, natural vegetable and fruit juices, and infant formulas will be exempt from the proposed tax.
The House bill has 12 sponsors, all Democrats, including:
• Rep. Laurie Jinkins, 27th District (Tacoma)
• Rep. June Robinson, 38th District (Everett)
• Rep. Beth Doglio, 22nd District (Olympia)
• Rep. Monica Stonier, 49th District (Vancouver)
• Rep. Eileen Cody, 34th District (Vashon Island, Seattle)
• Rep. Gerry Pollet, 46th District (Seattle, Lake City, Kenmore)
• Rep. Laurie Dolan, 22nd District (Olympia)
• Rep. Marcus Riccelli, 3rd District (Spokane)
• Rep. Nicole Macri, 43rd District (Seattle)
• Rep. Strom Peterson, 21st District (Edmonds, Mukilteo)
• Rep. Timm Ormsby, 3rd District (Spokane)
• Rep. Ruth Kagi, 32nd District (Shoreline, Lynnwood)
Link to bill: http://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1975&Year=2017