Connecticut Legislator Proposes Candy And Soda Tax

HARTFORD, CT -- State Rep. Juan Candelaria has proposed a tax on candy and sugary soda in Connecticut. The Democrat from New Haven believes such a tax would help tackle childhood obesity.

The bill proposes a tax of 1¢ per ounce on candies and soft drinks -- carbonated and noncarbonated -- that are high in sugar and calories. It has been referred to the Connecticut's Joint Committee on Children.

Candelaria would like to see proceeds raised by his tax applied to preventing childhood obesity, funding state municipalities, and financing state college and university scholarships.

The National Confectioners Association voiced its opposition to the bill, saying there is no evidence taxes work to curb obesity and that it's discriminatory to single out candy and soda with a sales tax.

Tennessee, Arkansas, Virginia, and West Virginia tax high-sugar soft drinks, but Candelaria said he no other states have an "obesity tax" on candy.