Soda Tax May Have Another (Another) Chance in Albany

Governor Paterson's proposal to levy a penny-per-ounce tax on sugary soft drinks has been kicked to the curb repeatedly by lawmakers for more than a year, but the governor just won't take no for an answer. He's put it on the agenda for a special legislative session planned for Wednesday to deal with the 16-weeks-late budget. The soda tax would raise an estimated $815 million a year for the state, but the beverage industry has successfully lobbied against it thus far. Paterson is also pushing a 4% property tax cap and a proposal to sell wine in grocery stores. Larry Schwartz, secretary to the governor, tells the News, "It's time that these bills got to the floor and were voted up or down."

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By John Del Signore in Food on July 26, 2010 1:52 PM

Comments [rss]

themercenary

If the governor can show me one study that says adding a soda tax reduces childhood obesity I would be all for this. This is just a bait and switch to raise revenue. If that state would just say "hey, we need more money" I would be happy to pay an extra dime for a soda. However, pretending like this is some kind of public health initiative is a bald-faced lie that only encourages more nanny-state tax nonsense.

jles

What you said.

Reason this is stupid part 2 (which I've said numerous times on this site): PEPSICO WORLD HEADQUARTERS PAYS LOTS OF TAXES TO NEW YORK STATE AND CAN MOVE. Bite the hand that feeds you guys... great call.

Stevennnn

Agreed. NY State doesn't need more money. They have to use what they have wisely. More money equals more corruption and more wasteful spending. It's a cycle which never stops.