CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - We are hearing from locals after governor Maura Healey announced a proposal to tax candy. When you buy soda, pre-packaged meals, or cigarettes, you pay a small tax to the state. Grocery essentials like bread and eggs are exempt from the tax. Under this proposal, candy will be taxed like any other non-essential food item. The governor says this tax makes sense for the financial health of the state. Tyler Morissette of South Hadley told 22News, "Dentists must be laughing and loving this it's an easy thing its an inconvenience but it is for the greater good." The state is expecting to bring in $25 million from candy sales. Local News Headlines Chicopee toddler battles rare leukemia with community aid Pittsfield nonprofit launches pilot to aid immigrant communities in Berkshire County Officials and businesses connect at annual chamber event Amherst extends warming centers through Friday WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.