PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island state senator who owns a CrossFit gym is enlisting the company’s founder to lobby for a state tax on sugary drinks.
CrossFit Chairman Greg Glassman is scheduled to testify Thursday before the Senate Finance Committee to argue that the soda industry has tried to influence health science and policy.
Democratic Sen. Donna Nesselbush, who is proposing the tax, co-owns a CrossFit gym in Pawtucket.
Nesselbush’s bill aims to discourage consumers from buying the drinks. It would create a tiered system that taxes drinks based on sugar content, with the most sugary drinks taxed 2 cents per ounce. The revenue would be used to promote health.
Nick Wishart will also testify. He’s a member of Nesselbush’s gym and recently ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
