Soda Tax

One out of every 4 New Yorkers under the age of 18 is considered obese and Gov. David Paterson is out to change that. When the New York state budget was presented Gov. Paterson proposed a tax on sugary beverages. This 18% sales tax would apply to beverages that are less than 70% juice, like soda, that are not diet.

The reason for this tax is the growing childhood obesity epidemic. At least 12, 000 deaths every year in the U.S. is associated with obesity, estimates the surgeon general. Research shows that soft-drink consumption is one of the main contributors to childhood obesity. A Harvard study found that each additional soft drink per day increases the risk of a child becoming obese by 60%. Of course, obese children often become obese or morbid obese adults, increasing health problems and the amount one has to pay in health care each year.

Similar taxes have been introduced and enforced in New York, such as the cigarettetax that has just been increased to an additional $1.25 per pack. Fast food restaurants in the state are banned form using trans fat. The governor acknowledges the fact that these taxes and laws may be unpopular, but their proven benefits are undeniable.

The money raised from the soda tax will go towards funding public health programs that will include specific obesity prevention programs!

As this epidemic spreads it’s good to see people trying to take a stand to prevent, control and reduce this problem.