Illinois lawmakers have voted down a proposal that would have imposed a $0.01 per-ounce tax on soft drinks sold in the state of Illinois.

According to the Illinois Manufacturers Association, the tax would have added $2.88 to the cost of a case of soft drinks. It would also have added to the already-heavy regulatory burden Illinois businesses face by requiring distributors to get a permit just to sell soda and sugar-sweetened “beverages, syrups, and powder” to retailers.

It’s good to see the Illinois General Assembly refrain from harming the Illinois economy – and from attempting to paternalistically micromanage personal decisions that should be left to individuals.

Even better would be laws that lighten the tax burden on Illinois citizens and businesses.