HARTFORD — Legislators in Connecticut are looking at possibly imposing a new 2-cent tax per ounce on sweetened beverages, including artificially sweetened drinks, with revenue said to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student in state public schools.
The measure would apply the tax at the distributor level on sodas, energy drinks, sweetened coffee, diet drinks, syrups, and powdered options. Connecticut’s existing sales tax paired with a 10-cent bottle depot means a 12-pack of root beer could soon be $11 dollars instead of $6.50, and a two liter bottle of pop could soon double in price.
The tax revenue is slated to create a dedicated fund that reimburses school districts per meal served with the goal being a reduction in reliance on general budgets. The new tax is proposed as a targeted mechanism that contributes to the $90 million dollar annual cost expected for providing universal free meals for students.
In a WFSB story, the testimony featured an 11-year old student, Alexandra Ford, from Stamford who said “I believe everyone deserves it, no matter their financial state.” She was followed by her mother, Yolanda Ford, who added, “The data has shown that when kids eat, they perform better. Their behavior is more favorable.”
However, retailers and residents express concern over the burden as this tax presents a possible economic burden during an inflationary period.
Bob Rybick of Geissler’s Supermarkets told WFSB, “I think the intent of this, to fund school lunch, is admirable, but there are other ways to go about it. Taxing consumers when we are already in a high-inflation environment and an affordability crisis, and when everyone is talking about the prices of food being high in general, is not the time to do it.”
An East Granby resident, Myra Daughney, was unapologetically honest saying “I am old. I don’t have any little kids. I already paid all those prices. I don’t want to do it some more.”
While public hearings concluded, no committee votes have been cast just yet. The concept has appeared multiple times in sessions but has not advanced while persistent debates over program expansion clash with risk of economic fallout. A common trend, as the northeastern alliance of blue state leadership hammers tax increase across the the region.
