Seattle’s City Council on Monday passed a new tax on sugary drinks such as soda, Gatorade and energy drinks. The 7-1 vote, with Councilmember Lisa Herbold against and Councilmember Kshama Sawant absent, paves the way for a tax of 1.75 cents per ounce on these types of drinks. That equals about 21 cents on a 12-ounce can of soda. There was much debate over what to include in the tax, especially over diet drinks, which were left out of the tax, according to The Seattle Times. The tax will raise money for healthy eating and education programs for low-income youth.
