Connecticut lawmakers are again considering a two‑cent‑per‑ounce tax on sugary drinks that would be used to pay for universal free school meals across the state.

Under the plan, a two‑cent‑per‑ounce tax would raise the cost of a 2‑liter bottle of soda from $1.99 to $3.35.

The tax would generate funding to reimburse public school districts that provide free breakfast and lunch to all students.

“School meals are an important part of the day for the young people, that level of nutrition, and we believe that all students should have it,” Sen. Gary Winfield said. “And a way of supporting it was thinking about the sugary drinks that we have.”

The American Heart Association, which supports the proposal, commissioned polling of Connecticut residents and found that 79% of respondents favor the tax. (Read the commissioned research by the STATS group here.)

“Rarely do you see this level of agreement or support for a particular proposal,” said Kenneth Dautrich, an associate professor emeritus at UConn.

Universal school lunches are already available in Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and New York, according to testimony submitted by Dr. Tatiana Andreyeva, Associate Professor at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health at the University of Connecticut.

Scott Dolch, president and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association, said the increased cost could impact businesses.

The tax would be paid at the distributor level when it is sold to retailers. Dolch believes it would be passed along to the consumer.

“They can’t eat that,” Dolch said. “Restaurants survive off of, on average, a 3% profit margin.

As written, the tax would also cover certain alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, mojitos, and espresso martinis. Beer and wine industry advocates told the committee Monday that decreased alcohol demand has already put pressure on their businesses.

Last month, Gov. Ned Lamont announced his proposed budget includes funding for universal free breakfast. It would also make lunch free for students who qualify for reduced‑price meals.

Rep. Joe Polletta said Republicans oppose creating another tax to support a universal lunch program.

“Folks on my side of the aisle do not agree with creating yet another tax in Connecticut to pay for something,” Polletta said. “We should find the money in the budget if we think it’s a good plan and a laudable goal.”

A similar measure was proposed last year but did not advance out of committee.

Winfield said he hopes he and other supporters can communicate more clearly this year to answer concerns raised previously.

“Clearly, we want to get to some of the folks who had opposition within the building, and then we’ll see what we get out of it,” Winfield said.

The Connecticut Fishing & Outdoor Show is set to return to the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville from March 20-22, according to a community announcement.

The event is expected to feature more than 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest in fishing, hunting and outdoor equipment, boats and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend free seminars and demonstrations led by experts in various outdoor activities.

The show, billed as the largest of its kind in the state, will run from 3-8 p.m. March 20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 21 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 22. Discounted tickets are available online at https://www.ctfishingoutdoorshow.com for $12, while tickets purchased at the door will cost $15. Children under 12 can attend for free.

Contests for attendees

Two new contests will be introduced March 21: the National Wild Turkey Federation-sanctioned “Connecticut Nor’easter Turkey Calling Championship,” and a “Closest to the Trout” Fly Casting Contest.

The turkey calling championship will begin at 11 a.m. and feature callers from as far as Pennsylvania and Vermont competing in different divisions, including a Senior Open. The winner of the Senior Open will qualify to compete in the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 2027 Grand Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee.

Matt Wettish, a turkey hunter and champion caller who is a member of the New England Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame, will host the event. Participants age 7 and older can register at the event.

The fly casting contest is scheduled for 2 p.m. Participants can register at localflyco.com.

Organizers say visitors can expect a wide range of activities and attractions designed to appeal to both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and newcomers.

The show will feature fly casting demonstrations, opportunities to meet and schedule tours with charter boat fishing captains and hunting outfitters, and tips on dog steadiness training. Fly-tying demonstrations and hands-on activities, including a laser shot range, will be available.

The Kids Fun Zone, expanded to three times its previous size, will offer hands-on activities for toddlers through teens. Highlights include dog-training demonstrations, an educational wildlife show featuring snakes, birds of prey, a fennec fox and a hedgehog, and expert-led seminars on fishing, archery and hunting safety. There will also be prize giveaways, a kid’s casting corner and hourly children’s scavenger hunts.

Attendees will have the chance to learn how to use inflatable life jackets from the U.S. Coast Guard and view a 14-foot brook trout sculpture by artist Joey Rizzo. The Connecticut Firearms Auction will showcase upcoming military and historic guns and provide information on selling antique and collectible firearms.

Free parking is available, with the nearest option being the Winter Garage. More information about the show can be found at ctfishingoutdoorshow.com.

This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

PORTLAND, CT. (WFSB) – Portland firefighters rescued a kayaker from the Connecticut River after they were found clinging to a large log in the water.

Officials say that units were dispatched along with Middletown firefighters after a report of a kayaker in distress in the area just south of Harbor Park.

Portland firefighters responded to Portland Boat Works with a zodiac boat stationed out of Company 1. Crews located the individual, launched the zodiac, made contact with the person, and removed them from the water.

Hunters Ambulance and a Middlesex paramedic were requested to the boat yard. The individual was evaluated on scene and transported to the hospital.

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