The House of Delegates Ways and Means Committee heard more than two hours of testimony from those for and against the new measure that would impose taxes on certain sugary drinks.

Supporters of a bill to tax sugary drinks told a House committee that the bill would raise $500 million a year for healthy school lunches, child care scholarships and to bring down a looming state budget deficit.

For the average Marylander, the extra tax on sugary drinks could mean about $100 more out of pocket every year.

For two hours, members of the Ways and Means committee debated a proposal to raise $500 million for the state. Taxing drinks with added sugar. Delegate Emily Shetty, a Democrat from Montgomery County,

In an effort to address Maryland’s growing budget deficit, two Democratic lawmakers are considering a tax on sugary beverage distributors — a proposal that has sparked controversy among Republicans and retailers.