An Illinois lawmaker wants to tax soft drinks as part of an effort to promote healthy living. State Senator Mattie Hunter’s proposal would charge a penny-per-ounce surcharge on sugary drinks that are sold in sealed containers.
Money generated from the levy would be used to pay for a variety of health services and educational efforts.
But Hunter’s plan is already drawing criticism from the Illinois Coalition Against Beverage Taxes, which says such a proposal would hurt the economy. Other states have a similar tax, but previous efforts haven’t been approved in Illinois.