(Don't?) Pour Some Sugar On Me: Boulder Ballot Measure 2D

BOULDER, CO -- The Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax is taking another lap across City of Boulder ballots this November. In 2016, voters approved a 2 cent per ounce tax on sugary beverages sold within the city limits, but after Boulderites bought more sugary drinks than anticipated, the tax has raised more than expected–over $5 million compared to an anticipated $3.8 million. That means that, according to the state's Taxpayer Bill of Rights rules, the city must go back to voters for approval before keeping the additional revenue.

The original tax was created with the goal of equity–to discourage consumption of "unhealthy" beverages, while using the proceeds to fund community initiatives that bring healthy food and fitness opportunities to underserved communities. The tax is charged on retailers at their point of purchase, though many expected the costs would be passed on to consumers.

A "yes" vote means that the money will be retained by the city and continue to be spent on similar programs. A "no" vote means that the tax must be lowered, a permanent cap established at $3.8 million in revenues, and the excess collected refunded to retailers. Exactly how much the tax would go down is currently unclear, because the recalibration would be based on 2018 revenues.

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Since its inception, the tax revenues have been used to fund the Double Up and WIC programs at the county farmers markets, the I Have a Dream Foundation, the Growe Foundation, and several local food banks. Boulder Farmer's Market director Brian Coppom told KGNU this fall that he had to apply for a second round of funding because the equity programs at his markets was so successful. Supporters say all of these programs are important and could benefit from additional funding.

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Restaurant and store owners who oppose the measure say that the tax is an example of government overreach, that the costs are passed onto consumers, and that the fact that the tax generated excess revenue demonstrates that it has failed in one of its original goals of decreasing consumption in the community.

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