Louisiana state representative Ebony Woodruff has introduced a bill that would impose a statewide soda tax of one penny per teaspoon of caloric sweetener on sugar-sweetened beverages. Revenue from the state excised tax would be directed to a variety of state public health, including funding the expansion of access to healthy, affordable foods in underserved communities and statewide diabetes, heart disease, and obesity programs. Fund will also be directed to education programs to certain school health and nurse programs. If passed, the bill will become effective on July 1, 2015.
