Sugar filled, non-diet soft drinks could get a shakedown in New York if the Gov. David Patterson gets his way.
From Topnews.us:
In an effort aimed at close the $15 billion state budget gap, New York Governor David Paterson is calling for a 15 percent tax on soft drinks – the “obesity tax”, which turns public concerns over obesity a politically-acceptable target for taxation.The tax will be imposed only on regular, high-calorie soft drinks, like non-diet versions of Coke and Pepsi, and could generate more than $400 million, along with helping to curb obesity. In fact, some public health advocates support this soda tax, for the singular reason that it might lead to healthier choices.
The specifics of the proposed tax are yet to be released, as the details of the governor’s budget plan are expected to be unveiled on Tuesday.
Ed Sherman, at McBreen’s Beverage in Lynbrook, opines that the soda tax could be quite confusing. Sherman said: “There is a fine line with a lot of sodas. It would be a difficult thing to regulate what’s considered diet and what’s not considered diet.”
The tax is expected to face opposition from both Coca-Cola and from Pepsico, which has its corporate headquarters in the New York state.
The American Beverage Association (ABA) has argued that lack of exercise, genetics, and other factors need to be taken into consideration while studying the causes of rising obesity rates. ABA president, Susan Neely, said the idea of taxing a single category in response to obesity concerns was “misguided” and “ridiculous”.
According to Neely, “there will be strong opposition to this kind of tax, given the economic conditions.”
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Good. If people don’t want to pay the tax, they can buy diet or *gasp* drink water. As a NYer, I accept that we have to get the money wherever we can. We already tax cigarettes and alcohol at a high rate, so I don’t see the big deal. There are increased prices on things that actually are necessities (public transit, etc) and soda is not one.
What about EDUCATING people? Why excuse Orange Juice but not a Coke? They mention it’s based on sugar content… but yet let a product like chocolate milk or orange juice slide.
Educating people doesn’t balance the budget. 2 birds, one stone.
Taxing Soda is the answer to balancing the budget?
In addition to other things. Hey, it can’t hurt. :p
I think it’s B.S.
Why doesn’t the government just start taxing ANYTHING that can be perceived as “unhealthy”.
First, they can start by taxing obese people who fly in airplanes and spill over into your seat. Why should fit people have to pay the same amount since they take up less space & waste less fuel?
Well that’s Federal, not State. But I wouldn’t mind the people who’s ass’ spill into my seat on the subway subsidizing my fare!