Dr. Richard F. Daines, state health commissioner, visited Buffalo on Tuesday as part of a statewide push for passage of a penny-per-ounce tax on sugary beverages. He said the tax is needed to help reduce high rates of obesity and offset proposed state budget cuts.

In January, Gov. David A. Paterson included a proposed soda tax in his budget for the second year in a row. Legislators rejected the measure last year, and bottlers and vendors concerned that it will harm business oppose it again this year.

Daines, in a meeting with The Buffalo News Editorial Board, cited studies that show sodas and other sugary beverages, such as energy and fruit-flavored drinks, are the leading foods that contribute to weight gain. In addition, he said, other evidence, such as price increases for cigarettes, indicates that a tax will discourage consumption.

The proposal would add a penny per ounce to the price of soda and sugary drinks with less than 70 percent fruit juice. It’s projected to generate $1 billion annually when fully implemented and reduce consumption of the drinks by 15 percent, Daines said, calling claims it will cost thousands of jobs an unfounded scare tactic.