In 2009, NATO partnered with other associations and industries in a nationwide grassroots campaign that defeated a proposed national per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to help pay for health care reform. As state financial crises deepen, NATO is working with its Regional Association partners to fight against the efforts of state and local lawmakers and consumer nutrition groups to impose beverage taxes. In recent years, NATO and its association partners have successfully campaigned to defeat several soda tax referenda on local ballots.