It is true that sugary drinks are cheap and can save consumers extra cash, which causes opponents to believe that the soda tax will hurt low-income families. Low-income family consumes foods high in sugar and calories and the soda tax will appear to be a "poor tax." The Canadian Medical Association had advocated a soda tax that raises revenue to cheapen healthier foods (Fitzpatrick). The American government also intends to raise revenue, not just for health care, but to cheapen foods and drinks that are healthy. At least 28 states have passed some for of soda tax, whether it is excise or sales tax or taxing vending machines.
David Kessler explains that junk food can alter the brain to make people eat more, "certain foods—the ones concocted by industrial scientists and laden with salt, sugar, and fat—can circumvent our natural inclinations and trigger "action schemata" for mindless eating" (Engber). Essentially people are wasting more money on sugary foods and drinks. New York has insisted on a penny per ounces tax on soda, which is a stepping-stone towards better health while saving money.
Works:
Grizelda. Fat Kid Cartoon. Digital image. CartoonStock. Web. 29 Mar. 2010.
http://www.cartoonstock.com/cart.asp?basket=yes&itemAddedToCart=yes
Fitzpatrick, Meagan. "Obesity: 'Soda Tax' Detractors Complain of Tax on the Poor." Vancouver Sun - Canadian Breaking News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, B.C. 10 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 Apr. 2010. http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Obesity+Soda+detractors+complain+poor/2668052/story.html
Engber, Daniel. "What a Fat Tax Really Means for America. - By Daniel Engber." Slate Magazine. 21 Sept. 2009. Web. 18 Apr. 2010.
http://www.slate.com/id/2228713
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