California Democrat Renews Push For Statewide Soda Fee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A Santa Monica Democrat is reviving a proposal intended to curb Californians' sugar intake after recurring legislative defeats.

Assemblyman Richard Bloom announced Wednesday that he is introducing legislation to impose a 2-cent-per-ounce charge on sugary beverages.

Fees collected under AB2782 would benefit clinics that address obesity, diabetes and oral health.

At least seven bills seeking warning labels or extra charges on sugary drinks failed in the Democratic-controlled California Legislature between 2010 and 2015.

Drink corporations have said the fee would unfairly single out sugary beverages. Other opponents have said such proposals are not likely to change behavior and may adversely impact poor people.

Berkeley voters approved the nation's first local soda fee in 2014, when a similar proposal failed on the San Francisco ballot.