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House Dems Propose Controversial Sugar Tax for Food Aid

2/9/2026

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The House Democrats proposed a 3-cent-per-fluid-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage tax to fund food assistance programs under HB 2734.
The tax would add to existing local levies, including Seattle's 1.75-cent-per-ounce beverage tax.
A 2023 University of Washington study found Seattle's sugar tax did not significantly impact prices.
Critics, including Rep. Travis Couture, argue the tax may not meet goals and could worsen deficits.

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Story summary

The House Democrats proposed a 3-cent-per-fluid-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage tax to fund food assistance programs under HB 2734.
The tax would add to existing local levies, including Seattle's 1.75-cent-per-ounce beverage tax.
A 2023 University of Washington study found Seattle's sugar tax did not significantly impact prices.
Critics, including Rep. Travis Couture, argue the tax may not meet goals and could worsen deficits.