Measure Z | californiachoices.org

My vote

Would remove the current January 1, 2027 expiration date and extend until ended by voters the general tax on the distribution of sugary drinks and sweeteners, paid by distributors at the rate of 1¢ per fluid ounce, previously approved by voters in 2014, with exceptions for small retailers, milk products, and baby formula, raising approximately $1,150,000 per year for general government use. Measure Z requires a majority vote for passage.

Fiscal Impact: As this extends an existing tax, there is no change in costs for the City.

Next Alameda County Measure: Measure BB

Details

Pro/Con

Pro:

Supporters argue that Measure Z extends the EXISTING tax on soda distributors that was passed by over 75% of Berkeley voters in 2014 and will expire soon unless we all vote YES! to keep it in place. Measure Z is the same as in 2014: it taxes wholesale soda distributors and maintains all existing exceptions including natural fruit and vegetable juice, milk products, baby formula, and drinks taken for medical reasons.

Sugary drinks are proven risk factors for many health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, tooth decay, and some cancers. Almost 50% of African American and Latino children are predicted to get diabetes in their lifetimes. By voting YES! on Measure Z we can continue to reduce soda consumption and prevent the health problems it causes.

A YES vote on this measure means that you support removing the January 1, 2027 expiration date and extending indefinitely the general tax on sugary drinks and sweeteners at 1 cent per fluid ounce.

Con:

No official argument against Measure Z was submitted.

A NO vote on this measure means that you oppose removing the January 1, 2027 expiration date and extending indefinitely the general tax on sugary drinks and sweeteners at 1 cent per fluid ounce.

In Depth

Responding to increased rates of diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color, connected to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, the City Council placed a measure on the ballot in 2014 to impose a general tax on the distribution of sugar-sweetened beverages at a rate of 1 cent per fluid ounce. The measure included exceptions for small retailers, milk products, juice, baby formula, medical drinks, typical sweeteners added by consumers, diet drinks, and alcohol. The measure also established the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Product Panel of Experts to make recommendations on how and to what extent the City should establish or fund programs to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Berkeley and to address the effects of such consumption. The measure requires the City Council to consider, but need not follow, the Panel’s recommendations and to annually inform the Panel as to the extent to which it has implemented the Panel's recommendations.

The voters adopted the measure in 2014, and it is currently set to expire on January 1, 2027.

This measure would extend the tax on the distribution of sugary beverages and the requirement that the City Council consider the Panel’s recommendations on how and to what extent the City should establish or fund programs to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Berkeley and to address the effects of such consumption, until repealed or modified by the City’s voters.

The tax currently raises roughly $1.15 million a year for the City’s general fund, which is expected to remain the same if the tax is reauthorized by voters through this measure.

This measure changes nothing else about the tax. The tax rate, method of collection, method of implementation, exemptions, and other provisions in Chapter 7.72 of the Municipal Code would remain unchanged.

Source: City of Berkeley Ballot Measure Documents

Voter Resources

City of Berkeley Voter Information

Alameda County Election Resources