California may block new local soda taxes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers are expected to vote to prohibit new local taxes on soda for the next 12 years.

The debate planned for Thursday is the result of a last-minute deal to block a beverage industry-backed ballot measure that would make it much harder for cities and counties to raise taxes of any kind.

The makers of soda and other sugary drinks are fighting hard against a growing wave of taxation by local governments and are turning increasingly to state legislatures for relief.

The move drew a strong rebuke from public health advocates who view soda taxes as a crucial front in their efforts to contain diabetes, heart disease and obesity.