D.C. passes confusing soda tax
Let’s hope DC residents drink enough unhealthy beverages to pay for the Healthy Schools program.
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Comments
How is taxing soda consumption any different than selling carbon credits? First off, I don’t think Government should be telling people what they should eat, drink or smoke, but with that said; let’s look at the folly of this position. If something is truly bad for society like smoking cigarettes, why isn’t it banned instead of taxed? That is if the goal is to eliminate the usage of the item instead of generating revenue! Ditto carbon credits. If we are to believe the environmentalist that.... More
"I really don’t understand the rationale behind soda taxes" But, I bet you are for carbon taxes and carbon credits?
How is taxing soda consumption any different than selling carbon credits? First off, I don’t think Government should be telling people what they should eat, drink or smoke, but with that said; let’s look at the folly of this position. If something is truly bad for society like smoking cigarettes, why isn’t it banned instead of taxed? That is if the goal is to eliminate the usage of the item instead of generating revenue! Ditto carbon credits. If we are to believe the environmentalist that.... More
I do think that proposing a tax on unhealthy foods will implement a national health trend. Only the diehard fans of sugary sodas will continue purchasing a more expensive drink. The indifferent consumers desiring a drink will think twice about purchasing a more expensive commodity. Also, regarding the statement "The tax is levied at check-out and only shows up on the receipt." Isn't that how most taxes are implemented anyway? It's a poor argument.
"The tax is levied at check-out and only shows up on the receipt."
I took that to mean that the alternative was taxing the companies, who would then raise the price of soda, or something along those lines. But I could be totally off on that!
I don't think the tax will make a significant difference. People will just be smarter about when they buy their sodas and only do so when it's on sale. Alternatively, some will find other unhealthy drinks.
A penny per ounce of.... More
If you want to understand, take a look at the case of the tobacco tax. Even though tobacco is highly addictive (sugar is addictive too, but not as much), the tax lowered the consumption of cigarettes and the rates of lung cancer. These are facts.
