The tax-writing committee of the Vermont House has approved a series of new tax levies targeting soda, candy and vending machine sales.
The round of tax increases is expected to raise nearly $9 million in the fiscal year that starts July 1 and nearly $12 million the following year. Taxes would also go up for cigarettes and other tobacco products.
The House Ways and Means Committee voted on Friday to apply Vermont's 6 percent sales tax to soda and candy for the first time. Sales from vending machines would be subject to the state's 9 percent meals tax.
The Senate Finance Committee is working on its own package of tax changes, and the differences likely will have to be worked out in a legislative conference committee.
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