(Brad Clinesmith)California lawmakers trying to get a $0.02 tax imposed on sodas and other sugary drinks in the state have come up empty, after the proposed measure failed to pass an Assembly committee. Supporters said the law would help curb high rates of obesity and diabetes, while some critics said it wouldn’t properly address health issues and would hit low-income residents the hardest. The proposal (AB1357) by Assemblyman Richard Bloom wanted to put a $0.02 per fluid ounce tax on sodas and other sugary drinks, reports the Los Angeles Times.