US Rep Rosa DeLauro Reintroduces Federal Soft Drink Tax

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) reintroduced the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax (SWEET) Act that would tax the sugar in soda and other sugary drinks. The legislation would impose a 1¢-an-ounce excise tax per teaspoon of caloric sweetener in beverages. Milk, including rice and soy, 100% fruit juice and infant formula would be exempt.

The Connecticut congresswoman introduced the bill last summer, but it failed to receive legislative action.

Berkeley, CA, became the first city in the nation to pass a soda tax last November; the 1¢ per fluidounce levy took effect in January. In neighboring San Francisco, voters rejected a tax on sodas and other sugary drinks in November.

Soda taxes are being considered in the state legislatures of Illinois and Vermont. DeLauro's federal bill is aimed at preventing obesity, diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay.