Senate leaders (leaders from the Senate Finance Committee) are considering new federal taxes today -- one option, a "sin tax" on soda and other sugary drinks -- to help pay for an overhaul of the nation's healthcare system.
Early estimates put the cost of Obama's plan to expand healthcare coverage at around $1.2 trillion, but so far the administration has only figured out a way to pay for half the cost.
From what I can make out, a sin tax is being proposed on soda, certain fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and ready-to-drink teas. It would not include most diet beverages.
Corporate lobbyists representing Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Foods, and other companies are against this proposal and say such a tax would unfairly hit lower-income Americans and wouldn't deter consumption.
"Taxes are not going to teach our children how to have a healthy lifestyle," said Susan Neely, president of the American Beverage Association.
Critics say this proposal could spark a backlash from consumers who don't want to pay several cents more for a soft drink.
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Just for fun, I clicked onto the American Beverage Association's website (whose president was concerned that additional taxes would not teach our children how to have a healthy lifestyle). The ABA consists of major bottling plants for Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, 7-Up, sports drinks, energy drinks, etc.
The American Beverage Association's website informs me that "All beverages provide hydration. Drinking fluids is essential." Their product, I am informed, "is needed to control body temperatures, keep skin moist and transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to our cells." Incidentally, the ABA website has a section defending high fructose corn syrup, and provides links to click on for more information about "nutrition and science" and their commitment to the environment.
Early estimates put the cost of Obama's plan to expand healthcare coverage at around $1.2 trillion, but so far the administration has only figured out a way to pay for half the cost.
From what I can make out, a sin tax is being proposed on soda, certain fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and ready-to-drink teas. It would not include most diet beverages.
Corporate lobbyists representing Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Foods, and other companies are against this proposal and say such a tax would unfairly hit lower-income Americans and wouldn't deter consumption.
"Taxes are not going to teach our children how to have a healthy lifestyle," said Susan Neely, president of the American Beverage Association.
Critics say this proposal could spark a backlash from consumers who don't want to pay several cents more for a soft drink.
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Just for fun, I clicked onto the American Beverage Association's website (whose president was concerned that additional taxes would not teach our children how to have a healthy lifestyle). The ABA consists of major bottling plants for Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, 7-Up, sports drinks, energy drinks, etc.
The American Beverage Association's website informs me that "All beverages provide hydration. Drinking fluids is essential." Their product, I am informed, "is needed to control body temperatures, keep skin moist and transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to our cells." Incidentally, the ABA website has a section defending high fructose corn syrup, and provides links to click on for more information about "nutrition and science" and their commitment to the environment.
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