The proposal from State Representative Gary Bies (R-Sister Bay) would tax soda by two cents a can. The extra revenue would be used to provide dental care of low-income kids in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Grocers Association president Brandon Scholz says it's a noble cause, but it's not fair to impose a special tax just to address one problem in society. He says the state should find a way to pay for such a special need out of existing state revenues, if it recognizes the problem as something that needs to be addressed. He says the soda tax would open the door for similar action to address other problems.
The Wisconsin Dental Association is supporting the proposal.
