Election 2014: San Francisco, Berkeley Consider Soda Taxes

2995837839_30b2816bf6_z.jpg

Last summer, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors put Prop. E on the ballot — a 2 cents an ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Creative Commons image by Flickr user jovino

By Lisa Aliferis/The California Report/State of Health

When it comes to the 2014 election, the Bay Area is ground zero on a fight being watched across the country. Both Berkeley and San Francisco voters are considering soda taxes.

They are not the first cities to try to slap a tax on sugary beverages. In California alone, Richmond and El Monte tried similar measures in 2012 — and failed. New York City tried to ban large servings — and failed.

If either one of the current measures passes, it will be first in the country. The two proposals are similar, yet key differences might make one or the other more likely to be passed.

Read the complete story at The California Report/State of Health

Don't miss out on our newest articles, episodes and events!
Sign up for our newsletter