Oregon Business

A group called "Yes for a Stronger Multnomah County" hopes to put a soda tax initiative on the November ballot.

Local physician Dr. Gregg Coodley alleges a 1 cent-per-ounce increase on soda and other sugary drinks would generate about $35 million annually, and in turn create jobs in Multnomah County in two ways.

"Half the money would go to subsidize small businesses in Multnomah County whenever they hire someone who has been unemployed," Coodley said. "We estimate that could create about 4,000 jobs."

The other half of the money would go to public programs, with an emphasis on hiring more physical education teachers, along with funding after school and summer programs focused on sports activities.

Read more at KOIN.