TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Senate committee is reviewing a proposal to impose a new tax on soda and other sugary drinks.
The bill before the Assessment and Taxation Committee sets the tax at a penny for every teaspoon of sugar.
The new tax would increase the cost of a 12-ounce can of soda by a dime and generate $90 million for the state during the fiscal year beginning July 1.
The committee plans to have a hearing on the measure Wednesday and is considering it as a way to help erase a budget shortfall.
The tax would apply not only to soda and to ginger ales, root beers and lemon-limes but to other “flavored” beverages with less than 10 percent real fruit or vegetable juice.
