Maryland lawmakers are considering implementing a new tax on sugary drinks to address the state’s budget deficit. The proposed “For Our Kids Act” would impose a 2-cent-per-ounce excise tax on beverages containing non-natural sugar, such as sodas, juices, and sports drinks, generating an estimated $500 million annually for child care subsidies, free meal programs, and the state’s general fund. Introduced by Delegate Emily Shetty, the bill has faced opposition from critics like House Minority Leader Jason Buckel and Marshall Klein, CEO of Klein’s ShopRites of Maryland.
The legislation, co-sponsored by House Health and Government Operations Chair Joseline Peña Melnyk, would make Maryland the first state to implement such a tax if approved. While similar laws are already in place in Philadelphia, Seattle, Boulder, and Berkeley, there are potential amendments to consider, such as accounting for partially filled drinks with ice. The bill must pass both the House and Senate before reaching Governor Wes Moore’s desk, with a targeted implementation date of July 2026 and potential annual increases based on the consumer price index.
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