Connecticut lawmakers revisit sugary drink tax for universal school lunches

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.