And for their part, the bill’s sponsors aren’t running away from the usual criticism that “whenever you tax something, you get less of it;” that’s exactly their point. They’d like to see less sugary drink consumption, particularly by children, and it’s not difficult to understand why.

MoCo Del. Emily Shetty (D) proposes 2-cent-per-ounce levy on sugary drinks that could raise nearly $500 million annually.

The tax would cost 2 cents per ounce and would help fund free schools meals, childcare, and the state's ailing general fund.

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