Connecticut Proposes Sugar-Sweetened Drink Tax for School Meals
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Connecticut Lawmakers Propose Sugar-Sweetened Drink Tax for School Meal Funding
Connecticut lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to tax sugar-sweetened drinks and use the revenue to fund free meals for all public school students. House Bill 5537 proposes a two-cents-per-fluid-ounce tax on distributors of sodas, syrups, and powders that make sugary beverages. The tax would kick in on October first and spare things like pure fruit juice, milk drinks, and infant formula.
Revenue from the tax would flow into a new account to reimburse school districts for free breakfasts and lunches starting with the 2027-2028 school year. If theres extra cash, it could help pay for after-school programs too.
Supporters see it as a smart way to cut down on obesity and chronic diseases by discouraging sugary drink sales while boosting kids nutrition. Critics, including beverage companies and retailers, argue it would drive up prices for families and hurt small businesses and jobs.
This isnt the first time the idea has popped up. A similar bill stalled in committee last year, and Governor Ned Lamont pushed for it in his budget but it didnt make the cut.
The bill is now before the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, and it also requires a five-year study by researchers on how the tax affects prices, buying habits, employment, and health.
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