This document outlines the obesity epidemic in Illinois and supports increasing taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to help combat obesity. Some key points made include: nearly 1 in 4 Illinois adults are obese, costing the state $3.4 billion annually; 1 in 5 Illinois children are obese, the 4th highest rate nationally; regular SSB consumption increases risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease; a 1 cent per ounce tax on SSBs could raise $600 million annually for obesity prevention programs. Over 30 organizations in Illinois support such a tax as a way to fund public health initiatives and improve health outcomes.