City leaders are considering a sugary beverages tax that would raise revenue for local schools, potentially reduce soda consumption and definitely worsen regressive taxes that predominately impact low-income communities.
The tax would hit distributors that work in the city, a fact that raised vocal opposition from the Teamsters Union, which transports such beverages into Seattle. Drinks covered by the tax include soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweetened teas and whatever Sunny D is.
The 2-cents-per-ounce tax works out to $1.44 per six pack.
Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @AshleyA_RC
Read our full May 10 issue.
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