Energized by victories in four cities and Illinois’ largest county, Massachusetts state Rep. Kay Khan says she will introduce a soda-tax bill when the legislature meets in January, says public broadcaster WBUR-FM. Khan championed the tax in the past but believes this time is different: “I think it does make a difference to see that others are thinking about this, and you’re not standing out there alone.”
Voter opposition to new taxes killed past attempts to pass a soda tax. Khan says details of her new bill will be released in the future. WBUR says the plan is not actually a new tax. It would make soda subject to the state sales tax. At present, soda is exempt from the tax, which does not apply to food.
Keith Mahoney of the Boston Foundation, which has backed other soda-tax proposals, says a well-publicized campaign over a soda tax “can help create awareness in the community about the particular risks of sugar-sweetened beverages.” Researchers have linked full-calorie sugary drinks with a higher risk of obesity and chronic disease such as diabetes.