Rhode Island lawmakers consider tax on sugary drinks

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Rhode Island lawmakers are considering tax on sugary drinks.

"One can of soda has about ten teaspoons of sugar -- has absolutely no nutritional value, so it's calorie rich and nutrient poor," said Amy Nunn, the executive director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute.

As such, she is fervently advocating for this legislation that would add a 1.5 cent an ounce tax on sugary drinks, such as sodas. That would amount to an 18-cent tax on a 12 ounce can.

"This is an opportune way to discourage consumption of sugary drinks while reinvesting dollars in hunger alleviation efforts for kids," said Nunn.

Seven cities across the country have already implemented a tax on sugary drinks. If it passes in Rhode Island, this would be the first state.

"We estimate that this tax would raise about 45 million dollars per year," said Nunn.

Most of that money earmarked for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

"What we're proposing, what the bill proposes doing is doubling the value of SNAP when people buy fruits and vegetables," said Nunn.

"I like the program in terms of the SNAP benefit and increasing the SNAP benefit," said Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, at a recent press conference.

He supports the idea behind the bill, but not the tax.

"I don't think it's the year to be talking about increased taxes anywhere," said McKee.

Right now, this bill has had two successful hearings in both the House and Senate. But it has yet to make it to either floor for discussion or a vote.

"We want to encourage people to continue to reach out to their legislators about this legislation and also just remind the General Assembly that this issue isn't going to go away," said Nunn.