EL MONTE, Calif.,—The El Monte City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to put a measure on the city ballot that will ask voters to impose a one cent-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks sold within the city.
It's estimated the measure could bring in $3.5-7 million in revenue. The city expects this move will also benefit the community from a health and wellness standpoint by creating discussion about the negative impacts sugary drinks have on residents' health.
"We're looking at addressing two issues here," said El Monte Mayor Andre Quintero. "Our residents are disproportionately feeling the impacts of drinking soda and juices that are causing them to have heart attacks, strokes and contract Type2 Diabetes. This is a significant issue for our community and we need to start driving that discussion. At the same time, the lagging economy is creating a budget deficit that could negatively impact, among other things, our recreation programs, which contribute to a healthy community. By asking residents to approve this measure, our community will be moving in a positive direction toward reducing obesity and improving our health."
