Candy is not food. So Washington’s tax law shouldn’t treat it like it is. Soda is loaded with calories and has zero nutritional value. A penny-per-ounce tax could raise substantial revenues to protect vital medical and dental care programs for children and families across our state.

In this Seattle Times op-ed, co-author Dr. Ben Danielson – pediatrician and vice president of the Children’s Alliance board of directors – makes a compelling case for taxing candy and soda and using the money to provide health care to children.

“Rather than cutting essential health-care services and struggling to pay for others, our state lawmakers should pass common-sense and health-promoting tax policy — to add a penny per ounce on sugar-sweetened beverages and extend the sales tax to candy, gum and baked goods. Not only does this raise revenue but it also provides a real opportunity to help increase an entire generation's life expectancy and give our children a better tomorrow.”

Read the full op-ed.

And take action today. Write your lawmaker before the legislative session races past the finish line.

— Liz Gillespie