Would tax on soda make Americans healthier and states richer?
According to a story from Reuters: “U.S. researchers estimate that an 18 percent tax on pizza and soda can push down U.S. adults’ calorie intake enough to lower their average weight by 5 pounds per year.” The story cites the Archives of Internal Medicine, which says taxing could be used as a weapon in the fight against obesity. Two-thirds of American are overweight or obese, according to the article. In Pennsylvania, Gov. Ed Rendell wants to start taxing candy and gum, among other items, in a proposal that would reduce the state sales tax percentage but increase the number of items taxed. In California, legislators last month vowed to pass a soda tax in light of studies linking soft drink consumption to obesity in children and adults. One study suggests that obesity and related problems cost California alone $41 billion a year in medical expenses and reduced productivity. In the past year, proposals to alter the tax treatment of soft drinks have surfaced in 12 states, including a bill
