A Vermont House committee has killed legislation that would have levied a new tax on sugary soft drinks.
In a move that drew the comment "Holy Smokes!" from a member of the Senate Health and Welfare committee, the House panel voted 5-5 on the measure. The tie vote killed the bill the committee had spent weeks drafting.
The money would pay for public health education and to help smooth the transition to a health care overhaul.
The tie vote came after committee members said a supporter of the bill, Rep. George Till, who is an obstetrician-gynecologist, had to leave for a medical emergency.
The vote appears to mean there will not be a new tax on sugar sweetened beverages.
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