Soda Tax Plan Evaporates, Not Enough Votes

The latest proposal to levy a penny-per-ounce tax on non-diet sodas and other sugary drinks appears to have fizzled out. New York Governor David Paterson and his health commissioner poured their hearts out to politicians in Albany in support of the tax, which would have generated an estimated $1 billion annually and reduced consumption of the drinks by 15 percent. But Senate lawmakers appear poised to pop Paterson's plan, because a number of Democratic senators are opposed, along with the entire Republican conference. The AP reports that the bill does not have the minimum 32 votes needed for passage, and will most likely fall flat.

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By John Del Signore in Food on March 15, 2010 2:10 PM

Comments [rss]

proofing1

Just thinking about the soda tax that was being proposed for NY. What's next, fat tax on candy, chips, cake, ice cream, etc.? Has anyone addressed this?

whitecastlerock

Good. We pay enough fucking taxes in this state already...

Wza

I'll be celebrating by buying a Big Gulp today.

JacqueMehoff

they'll just raise the cigarette tax again.

Greenpoint60

when I quit they were 33cents a fucking pack

Greenpoint60

Sorry, 33cents for the cigaretts and tax combined

hotstepper

next up: alcohol tax.

longacre

If I have to pay an extra dime for a 40 of Country Club there will be hell to pay.

Greenpoint60

one glass of soda is OK, just don't drink the whole bottle

MT

Are they claiming they would have made $1billion/annually before or after this alleged 15% reduction in consumption. If it's before, aren't they shooting themselves in the foot be creating a revenue stream which will, by definition, diminish?

Mordicai

Oh darn it. I mean-- to be fair I'd really like to see the corn subsidy removed, but I'd settle for a tax.

Mordicai

That is what one calls "win/win."

Papercutninja

Well thank god for that. I'm not all about supporting corn based drinks, but this is absolutely silly. Just like the stupid $0.05 "deposit" on recyclable bottles.