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Mass. considers tax on soda & sugary drinks

State lawmakers are proposing a new tax on soda and other sugary drinks. If it's passed, Massachusetts would tax beverages based on their sugar content.

Drinks with more than five grams of sugar per serving would be taxed at a rate of one cent per ounce. For drinks with more than 20 grams of sugar, the rate would double. That means, a 20-ounce bottle of soda could come with a 40 cent tax.

Beverages with 100 percent natural fruit or vegetable juice would be exempt from the tax.

The tax would also apply to syrups and powders used to flavor water or milk.

The money collected would go into a fund focused on improving children's health and wellness.