Policy Pick Update: Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Bill Hits Roadblock

Authored by Assemblyman Bill Monning (D-Carmel), AB 669 would have imposed a tax on sodas and other sugar sweetened beverages that would be used to fund anti-obesity programs. The bill, sponsored by First 5 LA grantee the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, was expected to bring an estimated $1.7 billion in annual revenues a year to local schools and communities to help pay for more nutritious meals and physical education classes.

"The decision of the state Legislature to stop the soda tax bill from moving forward was disappointing but not surprising," said Rosa Soto, regional director of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy. "Soda is a leading contributor to the obesity epidemic and the industry spends a lot of money to stop these issues from moving forward.

"The good news is that parents working with cities all over the state are joining schools in creating healthier city environments for children by adopting healthy beverage and snack standards," Soto added. "With 41 percent of children aged 0-5 already consuming at least one soda a day, maybe the push should come from local municipalities to take matters into their own hands and raise funds for vital children's health and obesity prevention programs."

The hearing on April 25 attracted many supporters who spoke in favor of the bill, including the California Academy of Family Physicians, the California Medical Association, Children Now and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Despite the outpouring of support, members of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee voted the bill down, citing parental and individual responsibility issues.

"People are becoming more aware of the non-sugar aspect," Assemblymember Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point) said during the hearing. "I think parents need to step up."

The bill was placed in the suspense file by committee members. Although it could potentially be revived - Monning said it would likely not move out unless Committee members believe the bill will receive a two-thirds majority vote in the full Assembly.

Additional Reading:

California Healthline: Assembly Panel Shelves Soda Tax Bill Designed To Help Curb Obesity

First 5 LA Policy Pick: Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax 

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