Local leaders and a Webster grocer are speaking out against the governor's proposal to tax sugar-sweetened drinks by a penny per ounce.

"It's killing the small mom and pop stores. Grocery stores, their profit margins are very low, very thin, and they're getting thinner by the state of New York taking these actions. They gotta stop trying to find and dream up gimmicks to balance their budget," Webster Town Supervisor Ron Nesbitt (R) said.

The excise tax is part of the governor's proposed budget.

It is estimated to raise about $1 billion over a full fiscal year and decrease consumption of sugary drinks by about 15 percent.

Dozens of doctors and dentists have signed statements in support of the sugar tax, but the manager of Hegedorn’s Supermarket in Webster believes the tax is just bad policy.

"The health concerns can be accomplished in many other ways, many better ways," Dale Vance said.

"If you're gonna look at sugar added, if that's the real problem, sugar added, well, we've added sugar to this yogurt, no one's coming up with a new tax for yogurt, and we've added sugar to this cereal,” Bright Town Councilmember Ray Tierney (D) said while holding up the box, “Tony the Tiger would say, It's grrrreeeeaaaat,' but nobody's gonna tax cereal. If you're gonna do public policy, think it out."

A lot more beverages than just sugary sodas will cost more if the governor's proposal passes.

Drinks containing less than 70 percent natural fruit or vegetable juice, bottled coffee or tea, and any drinks containing more than 10 calories per eight ounces will be subject to the tax.

"I don't think enough consumers in this area are aware of it," Vance said.

Those who are have this message for state legislators who are still hammering out a budget that is now more than three weeks past due:

"Don't tax it. Find other ways. Close the budget the correct way, instead of continuing to pick the pockets of the taxpayer," Pete Gaglio of Webster said.

New York State Budget Article VII