Supporters of a bill to tax sugary drinks told a House committee Thursday that the bill would raise $500 million a year. According to the bill’s fiscal note, the tax would increase annually tied to inflation starting July 1, 2027, similar to how the state calculates gas tax rates each year. Opponents, however, argued that the proposed 2-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks, syrups and powders will not only increase prices, but could cost people their jobs in the beverage industry.
Case study: Jim Pica, an attorney representing Royal Farms, informed those gathered for the hearing that Cook County, Ill. implemented a similar 1-cent-per-ounce tax in August 2017. Three months later, the county repealed it.
