Candy executives are speaking out today against HB 2388, the proposal to apply Washington state’s 6.5 percent sales tax to candy.

Representatives from Seattle Chocolate Co. and Brown & Haley are urging the state’s House committees on finance and health care to oppose the bill, claiming the tax is discriminatory and will negatively impact jobs.

Rising raw material costs coupled with the recession have already forced companies to cut back on spending, and this tax would place additional pressure on the situation, according to Jean Thompson, CEO and owner of Seattle Chocolate. Read more at www.candyandsnacktoday.com