Illinois (HEAL) Act = Taxing Sugary Beverages & Preventing Obesity

Share On Social!

Illinois is home to an overweight population of 62.2 percent, where 31.1 percent of the population is drinking 1 sugary beverage a day, according to a recent CDC study. Another study from childhealthdata.org also shows that 40.1% of Latino children are obese in Illinois.

In hopes to prevent ongoing obesity and childhood obesity, a new bill in review will give 98 percent of funds taxed on sugary beverages, to the Illinois Wellness Fund. Funds will then be allocated to support obesity prevention and support Medicaid beneficiaries. The bill, known as the Healthy Living Active Living (HEAL) Act, and will ensure that sugary beverage distributors be taxed at the rate of $0.01 per ounce of bottled sugar-sweetened beverages sold or offered for sale.

Recent polls  show support of the bill, stating that two out of three people of Illinois support the act. To learn more about the status of the bill, click here.