Proposed Connecticut Soda Tax Stirs Debate

HAMDEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- Shoppers in Connecticut could be asked to pay a special tax on sugary drinks and candy if a bill in the state Legislature is approved.

Under the proposed law, a 20-ounce soda would cost 20 cents more, WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported.

But would the tax help raise awareness of parents who are often the ones buying the sugary drinks for their kids?

Dana White, sports dietitian and clinical assistant professor at Quinnipiac University, said a sugar tax could enlighten parents about the sugar content in other drinks they may consider to be healthier for their children.

"Even the sweetened teas and the lemonades and things like that, you're looking at upwards of 10, 12, even 15 teaspoons of sugar in those drinks as well," she said.

"I don't think parents really realize how much sugar are in these drinks," White added. "And I think if this whole initiative helps raise awareness -- and also raises some money to help with these kind of educational programs so that parents get more knowledge -- that can't be a bad thing."

Skeptics say the proposal is a revenue generator for the state and question whether the tax would curb the intake of soda and sports and fruit drinks purchased largely by teens.