Gov. Lamont calls for 'sin taxes' in new budget proposal
Posted: Updated:NORWALK -
Gov. Ned Lamont is calling for modern-day "sin taxes" as part of his new budget proposal.
In an interview with WTNH earlier this week, Lamont announced a plan to tax sugary drinks and place a 25-cent deposit on wine and liquor bottles.
"It doesn't curtail anyone's freedom to go and buy those things," says Rita Stein of Westport. "It's just a little more incentive to do the right thing and the healthy thing."
The governor also wants to place hefty taxes on tobacco, including a 75 percent tax on vaping products.
Some shoppers in Connecticut say they don't see a problem with the taxes. They say it's probably a good thing to try and make everyone healthier.
However, some residents believe it will hurt those in poorer communities and not really change what people purchase.
Lamont also wants to raise the smoking age to 21 and charge a 10-cent tax on plastic bags.
The governor's office says the so-called "sin taxes" would raise about $35 million a year for the state.
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