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Health Commissioner Dr. Donald Schwarz tried to explain why the mayor of Philadelphia. Pa. wants to tax soda, but not "junk" food during a city council debate on the plan, according to KYW News Radio 1060 in Philadelphia, Pa.
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Editor's Insight: The city is attempting to accomplish two objectives with this tax: reduce a $150 million budget shortfall and fight obesity.
Yesterday's city council debate focused on fighting obesity.
Rather than debating what products to tax, the city should consider other ways to combat obesity than adding to consumers' tax burdens.
Two states that tax soda – Arkansas and West Virginia – have among the highest obesity rates in the country according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as reported on this site on 02-16-10.
Refreshment service operators must join forces with other food and beverage industry organizations and remind politicians that such taxes place an undue burden on consumers during a time when they are feeling financially pressed. 03-11-10 by Elliot Maras
