Rockford Sun

The Cook County tax on sweetened beverages could lead to a $1.3 billion loss in economic activity, according to Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford), who has sponsored legislation to repeal the measure, according to a press release.

“Families are still reeling from the 32% state income tax increase forced on them this summer and now they’re hit with another government cash grab that will do more harm than good,” Sosnowski said in the release announcing his measure, House Bill 4082. “This ‘pop tax’ needs to be repealed.”

The tax adds a 1 cent-per-ounce cost to sweetened beverages, which already are being taxed in other ways. In practical terms, it means a 12-pack of 12-ounce cans with a base price of $4 -- already taxed to $4.53 -- now costs $5.97. According to Sosnowski, the tax could be self-defeating in its goal of raising revenue and instead lead to a loss of 6,100 jobs and $321 million in wages, in addition to the more than $1 billion in lost economic activity.

Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford)

“We all know this type of tax doesn’t work,” Sosnowski said in the release. “It will never raise the amount of revenue projected, but it will most certainly hurt Illinois families and businesses, and that’s why nearly 90% of Cook County residents oppose it.”