Vermont Soda Tax Moves Forward

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Despite an unsuccessful attempt at passing a tax on sugary drinks previously, health advocates in Vermont spent Summer 2014 gearing-up for this year’s legislative session. And their preparation seems to be paying off.

In January 2015, legislators introduced a bill that would place a two-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks like sodas and some juices. As of March, the bill has made it through several House committees with no sign of slowing down.

The Alliance for a Healthier Vermont, which supports the tax, said in a recent news article that Vermont spends an average of $202 million a year on obesity-related medical costs for adults alone. The tax would help offset this cost, supporters say—revenues could be used to fund health initiatives or subsidize insurance policies.