NY's Proposed Soda Tax - Obesity Fighter?
Categories: Diet & Weight Loss
What if $1.00 worth of soda suddenly cost you $1.20, compliments of a soda tax? Two thin dimes to fight thick waistlines -- an obesity tax. That's exactly what New York's Governor David A. Paterson calls it. In the new budget before the state legislature, Paterson is proposing an 18 percent tax on soda and other sugary drinks, intended to raise $400 million a year to fight obesity. But at a town hall meeting last week, Paterson shared he doesn't think the Legislature will pass a soda tax, and that it was more a public policy argument to raise awareness about childhood obesity. However the governor's spokeswoman stated one day later the Gov's remarks were misconstrued, and that he's full steam ahead on tax revenue for tipping back a Coke.
Wonder if the tax applies to diet soda? That would freak people out. What do you think of a sugar soda tax to fight obesity -- yay or nay?
Recent Posts
- Fad Diets Make Obesity Crisis Worse (11/23/2009)
- Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes: Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole and More (11/23/2009)
- Man Loses 260 Pounds: Now He's an Ironman! (11/23/2009)
- Prescription for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain (11/23/2009)
- Foam Roller Exercises: Reduce Cellulite, Strengthen Your Core and More (11/23/2009)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tad 2-16-2009 @ 10:06PM
First off I do not think you can legislate change. You might force outward compliance but you can not change the heart of the matter with laws. Never has worked and never will.
However the public health system spends loads of money treating the health issues related to obesity. In this respect a tax that helped cover these expenses and also helped promote awareness of the problems of obesity while seeking to encourage better eating and exercise can be a use full approach.
The slant of the post causes me to think that the focus is on taxing people so they will drink less sugar soda, that is not a proper approach in my opinion.
http://hoodialeader.com/hoodia-product-reviews/hoodoba/
Reply
Julie 4-12-2009 @ 7:53AM
The tax on soda is completely ridiculous. First of all not all soda drinkers are obese. There are plenty of skinny soda drinkers who should not be punished for other people’s obesity. Also, for those of you who say obesity causes the state too much money I wonder if sports related injuries as well as crazy fad diets don’t also contribute! This is just an excuse to tax unfairly. I completely oppose this what’s next taxing candy, cake, cookies… ? Why not just take all the happiness people have during the recession? When does it end? How about encouraging personal responsibility?
Reply