TO URGE THEM TO VOTE AYE ON CA BILLS TO REDUCE SODA CONSUMPTION!
Your call now will make a difference!
Four AAP-CA supported bills will be voted on in Assembly Health Committee next week on Tuesday (4/9/2019):
AB138: would impose an excise tax on the purchase of sugary drinks. Excise taxes are a proven method of reducing the consumption of soda.
AB764: would stop sellers of sodas from deliberately undercutting the price of healthier drinks, including water. The appeal of low cost of soda means that poor children are disproportionately affected by soda's negative impacts on health.
AB765: would prevent soda from being stocked at check-out isles, where currently 90% of beverages are unhealthy. Young people and families are less likely to purchase these drinks when placed elsewhere in stores.
AB766: would ban the sale of any unsealed beverages larger than 16 fluid-ounces. Large sodas are a major contributor to high sugar intake among children.
Five members of the Assembly Health Committee have NOT yet committed to voting for these very important AAP-CA supported bills (Aguiar-Cury, Burke, Limón, Ramos, Santiago). The information for your legislator is included below. Please call them now!
It is fine to speak with whomever answers the phone or to leave the below information in voicemail. Offices tally all calls, pro and con, on bills and convey that to the Assemblymember.
What to Say:
Identify yourself as a constituent and a pediatrician in their district. You may be asked for your zip code or address.
Tell them you are calling to urge their aye vote IN HEALTH COMMITTEE next week on the FOUR BILLs that will help protect children from the harmful health effects of excess soda consumption: April AB138, AB764,765 and 766.
Tell them you support these bills because they are essential in confronting the public health crisis of high sugar intake by children and young people. On average, children, consume over 30 gallons of sugary drinks per year, driving high rates of dental decay, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
