Advocacy in Action | April 17, 2025

H.B. 7273: Imposing a Tax on Certain Sweetened Beverages, Syrups & Powders

This Monday, CRA President & CEO, Scott Dolch, presented testimony before the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee opposing HB 7273, a bill proposing a $0.02 per ounce tax on sweetened beverages, syrups, and powders. 

Scott emphasized the potential harm this tax would inflict on an industry already operating under tight margins. With 97% of Connecticut’s full-service restaurants being independently owned, he argued that the proposed tax would disproportionately impact small, often family-run businesses. 

Photo credit: Mia Palazzo, CTNewsJunkie

The CRA cited substantial cost increases — such as an additional $46.08 for a 3-gallon fountain drink syrup box or $1.35 for a 2-liter soda — as examples of the financial strain that would ultimately be passed on to consumers. Given ongoing challenges such as inflation, workforce shortages, and the lasting effects of the pandemic, the CRA expressed concern that the new tax could lead to further business closures. 

While supporting the goal of ensuring food security for students, the CRA called for alternative funding methods that would not burden local restaurants or their patrons.

CRA Board Chairman, Keith Beaulieu of The Main Pub in Manchester, and CRA Legislative Committee Chair for Restaurants, Tim Adams of J Timothy’s Taverne in Plainville, also submitted testimony. 

Bill Info

Read CRA Testimony

Read Keith’s Testimony

Read Tim’s Testimony

Urge Congress to Advance Pro-Growth Tax Policy

Tax policy plays a major role in supporting restaurants and our employees. Restaurant operators need tax laws that support job growth, investment, and economic stability. Congress can do this by permanently extending tax laws that will strengthen restaurant vitality and employment.

The National Restaurant Association is asking members to submit letters to state officials. You can do so in just one click, here.

Submit Here

Immigration Enforcement Actions & Compliance - Best Practices for Employers

The Trump Administration continues to launch a systematic overhaul of U.S. immigration policy. The Administration’s prioritization of immigration enforcement will likely impact employers across the United States.

Pullman & Comley have provided the following overview of key immigration law provisions, along with best practice recommendations for employers in responding to immigration enforcement actions by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies.

Read Here

Latest on Tariffs

Despite pausing so-called reciprocal tariffs for 90-days as of April 9, the U.S. is still maintaining a 10% baseline tariff. That level of taxation on imports across the board will be a significant cost driver for businesses, but less immediately threatening than the country-specific duties floated in early April.

Read More

Bill Tracker

The Connecticut Restaurant Association actively monitors a wide range of legislation throughout each legislative session. It's important to note that the introduction of a bill does not guarantee its passage.

The CRA Bill Tracker gives you a sense of the breadth and variety of legislation we track throughout session, as well as an overview on the status of each bill. This webpage is updated weekly, and we will keep you informed on any movement through our Advocacy in Action emails and text alerts.

Bill Tracker