Tax on sugar drinks?

This NYT piece highlights the recommendations of a a team of prominent doctors, scientists and policy makers that includes Joseph W. Thompson (Arkansas surgeon general), "estimates that a tax of a penny an ounce on sugary beverages would raise $14.9 billion in its first year, which could be spent on health care initiatives. The tax would apply to soft drinks, energy drinks, sports beverages and many juices and iced teas — but not sugar-free diet drinks".