Panel narrowly OKs Fla. food stamp sweets ban

FRED BELLET/STAFF

The proposal has drawn opposition from soft drink bottlers and retailers.

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Should food stamp use for junk food be banned?

By The Associated Press
Published: February 08, 2012
Updated: February 08, 2012 - 9:10 PM

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TALLAHASSEE — Legislation that would ban the use of food stamps to buy candy and other junk food remains alive in the Florida Legislature after a close call.

The measure (SB 1658) narrowly cleared a Senate budget subcommittee on a 4-3 vote today.

It drew opposition from soft drink bottlers and retailers who said separating banned items from those that would be allowed would increase costs for small businesses.

Sen. Ronda Storms, a Valrico Republican who is sponsoring the bill, called that a "red herring" because its already being done to segregate non-food items not covered by the stamps.

The bill next goes to the full Budget Committee, which can approve it for a floor vote.

A similar House bill (HB 1401) has cleared one committee and has two more to go.