WA Dems propose 3-cent sugar tax per fluid ounce of certain sweetened beverages

(The Center Square) – House Democrats proposed a sugar tax on Thursday that would impose another 3-cent charge per fluid ounce of applicable beverages, amounting to a 72-cent tax on a 24-ounce coffee.

The sugar tax would be in addition to other state and local taxes, including Seattle’s sugar tax, which amounts to a 1.75-cent-per-ounce tax on distributors of “sweetened beverages.” The money would go toward expanding food assistance programs, despite studies showing that it could decrease sales.

Rep. Chipalo Street, D-Seattle, and Rep. Alex Ramel, D-Bellingham, recognized this potential outcome when filing House Bill 2734, citing Seattle and other cities with sugar taxes as public health...