Ny fat taxes

[MTUpower]

Paterson seems to be fighting both obesity and budget deficits with a proposal for an 18 percent tax on soda and other sugary drinks containing less than 70 percent real fruit juice.

"People don't really realize the amount of calories they're ingesting through liquids," said Joe Baker acting deputy secretary for Health and Human Services to the governor. "They say, 'Oh, it's just a drink.'"

The idea is to discourage consumption of high-caloric beverages — health officials estimate a 5 percent drop — and to raise $404 million in fiscal year 2009-2010 toward the state's multibillion dollar budget gap. Paterson said the proposal would raise $539 million in 2010-2011.

The American Beverage Association opposes the tax, saying it would most harm the middle class. The group also argued that it doesn't make sense to single out a single food product as the cause for obesity.

"There is no science or logic that justifies it," the association's statement said. "Rather, we need to focus on promoting balanced eating habits and more physical activity. Until we get our kids exercising more the scales will be tipped against our next generation."

According to state officials, almost one in four New Yorkers under age 18 are obese, and at higher risk for dangerous, expensive illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

I'm not overweight- I'm close to underweight. In fact I need more calories. Now in NY I have to pay a tax because other people are overweight if I choose to drink some high calorie drinks. Shouldn't we just tax people that are overweight instead? It is by in large a choice to over eat, and over eat foods that are unhealthy.

[Kuan]

Fruit juice is just as bad when consumed in the same quantities.

[Carleton Hughes]

Well, if this tax mishigoss passes I won't have to periodically clean up the grape soda cans,plastic cd wrappers,taco bell bags and kool cigarette packs that litter the "lawn" on one of the rentals.

[SwampYankee]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

Paterson seems to be fighting both obesity and budget deficits with a proposal for an 18 percent tax on soda and other sugary drinks containing less than 70 percent real fruit juice.

"People don't really realize the amount of calories they're ingesting through liquids," said Joe Baker acting deputy secretary for Health and Human Services to the governor. "They say, 'Oh, it's just a drink.'"

The idea is to discourage consumption of high-caloric beverages — health officials estimate a 5 percent drop — and to raise $404 million in fiscal year 2009-2010 toward the state's multibillion dollar budget gap. Paterson said the proposal would raise $539 million in 2010-2011.

The American Beverage Association opposes the tax, saying it would most harm the middle class. The group also argued that it doesn't make sense to single out a single food product as the cause for obesity.

"There is no science or logic that justifies it," the association's statement said. "Rather, we need to focus on promoting balanced eating habits and more physical activity. Until we get our kids exercising more the scales will be tipped against our next generation."

According to state officials, almost one in four New Yorkers under age 18 are obese, and at higher risk for dangerous, expensive illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

I'm not overweight- I'm close to underweight. In fact I need more calories. Now in NY I have to pay a tax because other people are overweight if I choose to drink some high calorie drinks. Shouldn't we just tax people that are overweight instead? It is by in large a choice to over eat, and over eat foods that are unhealthy.

The obesity taxes as a deterrent will be about as effective as the other sin taxes, which is hardly. It's just a means to raise more money that will undoubtedly go into some slush fund and get used for purposes other than intended under the guise of feel good legislation.

[aklim]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

The idea is to discourage consumption of high-caloric beverages — health officials estimate a 5 percent drop — and to raise $404 million in fiscal year 2009-2010 toward the state's multibillion dollar budget gap. Paterson said the proposal would raise $539 million in 2010-2011.

According to state officials, almost one in four New Yorkers under age 18 are obese, and at higher risk for dangerous, expensive illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

Shouldn't we just tax people that are overweight instead?

Wish they would tell the truth. "We need the money so we are finding a way to stick it to you.".

And people wonder why I don't want govt sponsored health care. I don't need an official telling me what to do.

Why? So they can have more money for their squandering?

[Botnst]

"Trim the government fat."

[aklim]

Originally Posted by Botnst

"Trim the government fat."

how much would be left after that?

[TheDon]

what about the people like myself that are not obese but still enjoy one or two of these items a week. Do I have to pay the fat tax even though I am fit and in shape.

and as always the middle class gets boned

[aklim]

Originally Posted by TheDon

what about the people like myself that are not obese but still enjoy one or two of these items a week. Do I have to pay the fat tax even though I am fit and in shape.

and as always the middle class gets boned

If we have national health care, this will be the beginning. Justification will be that you are now affecting other's prices. Now, your business is my business so I have the right to stick my hand in it. The politicians will jump on that bandwagon and "help" you out with more taxes so that they will be said to be proactive about costs. In the meantime, they have more money to squander. Everybody is happy. You too. That is until it hits you in something YOU want.

Everybody gets boned. The middle class feels it more is all.