Vending

Massachusetts, Washington seek soda taxes

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February 23, 2021

Soda taxes are being considered in Washington and Massachusetts.

A proposal in Washington calls for a 1.75 cent per ounce tax on sugary beverages containing 20 calories per 12 ounces of sugar. Funds raised would support the Foundational Public Health Services account and the soon-to-be created Health Equity Account in equal measures, according to a mynorthwest.com report.

Massachusetts lawmaker Jason Lewis has introduced a bill to impose a one-cent-per-ounce tax on beverages with 7.5 to 29 grams of sugar, translating to an additional 29 cents on a 12-ounce can of Coke, according to a WBSM report. The bill is intended to raise funds to treat medical issues related to high sugar intake.