Public Health Advocates Gear-Up for Sugary Drinks Battle in Vermont

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Latino kids drink more sugary drinks a day than their White peers, which increases their risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Many cities and states have considered placing a tax on drinks with excess sugar as one way to reduce consumption and raise money for kid-focused healthy living programs.

The Alliance for a Healthier Vermont is gearing-up to push for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and has hired Anthony Iarrapino, formally with the Conservation Law Foundation, to shepherd the initiative through the Legislature next year.

Public health advocates in Vermont have tried to pass a tax on sugary drinks before, but they are hoping to be more successful in the 2015 legislative session.

The Alliance for a Healthier Vermont is made up of more than 30 health care trade groups and advocacy organizations, led by the Vermont chapter of the American Heart Association.

Read more about the upcoming sugary drink tax bill in the news.