Connecticut Considers A Soda Tax

The State of Connecticut is currently considering an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. I have now testified twice before committees of the State Legislature in favor of the bill, which would impose a one penny per ounce tax on the miscellaneous beverages that serve as delivery vehicles for added sugar under all of its aliases. As an equestrian, I have written before that I likely have a more intimate knowledge of the application of carrots and sticks than most-and much prefer carrots (as does my horse). Taxes are the proverbial stick, and none of us ever likes being prodded, even if rather gently and with good intentions. But I favor this tax just the same. There are good arguments for it, weak and predictable arguments against it, and strong arguments against the arguments against it. And lastly we must, and can account for the transformation of what once seemed an innocent pleasure into a public health menace. Arguments For The case for an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is almost entirely concordant with the case for such taxes on tobacco. First, the intent of an excise tax is not to impose a financial burden on the buyer, but rather a financial penalty on the seller for the privilege of peddling wares with serious liabilities. Naturally, the financial burden is passed along from seller to buyer, so this distinction is more one of principle than practical value- but the intent is worth noting just the same. Poor diet, along with tobacco, has ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news