(AP) - Public health advocates have lost another round in their effort to add a tax on soda and other sugary beverages.
The Assembly Health Committee on Tuesday voted 10-6 against AB1357, which would add an extra 2-cents-per-ounce charge for sugar-sweetened beverages.
It's the latest in a string of defeats for legislation aimed at reducing soda consumption. Bills requiring warning labels on sugary beverages have failed in the last two legislative sessions.
Assemblyman Richard Bloom says he proposed the fee because of health problems associated with consuming too much sugar. The Santa Monica Democrat proposed spending revenue from it to treat and prevent obesity and diabetes.
Opponents said the legislation unfairly singled out sugary beverages and was not likely to change behavior. Republicans and some Democrats opposed AB1357.
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