'Twinkie Tax' is coming - The government's war against obesity is advancing rapidly. Since the government is "so concerned" about our health, they should tax and ban junk food, just like tobacco. "Apparently unsatiated by their huge claims on booze and cigarettes, the tax police are planning a major snack attack. Potato chips, cookies, sodas, candy--a $30 billion-a-year business--are being targeted by more than a dozen revenue-starved states under the misguided impression that by charging a few extra cents per can or bag they can trim their budget deficits and encourage the rest of us to slim down."
"NEW YORK plans a new sales tax (one-quarter of 1%) on sweets and snacks, on top of a bill to ban the sale of junk food from vending machines in public schools. The resulting $50 million a year would fund programs to fight childhood obesity."
"WASHINGTON State's SB 5928 would lift the sales-tax exemption for candy, aiming to raise $40 million a year."
"Legislators in ARKANSAS defeated a bill to add a 1% sales tax on junk food, which would have added up to $14 million a year to fund K-12 education, but it's far from dead."
"VERMONT'slawmakers tried to raise $5 million for education by adding a 6% sales tax to snack foods. The bill died, but legislators are talking about reviving the idea of a snack tax."
"A plan in NEBRASKA to extend the state's 5.5% sales tax to snack foods and baked goods flamed out last year, but supporters hope to bring it back as a way to raise an extra $5 million."
Come on Toledo government, be a leader and start banning and taxing our junk food.
In other obesity news in Wisconsin ...
"State lawmakers will consider legislation protecting fast-food and other restaurants from obesity lawsuits. It would prohibit civil lawsuits against restaurants, food manufacturers and advertisers based on claims they contributed to the plaintiff's obesity."
So tobacco companies are fair-game to the lawyers, but fast-food companies aren't, even though obesity kills 300,000 Americans a year and will someday surpass tobacco as the leading cause of preventable deaths. Plus, obesity-related illnesses are costing taxpayers $39 billion a year. The lawyers will find a way to sue Big Fast Fod, and to be consistent, they should win. Soon, a Bic Mac will cost $7.
posted by jr to health at 2:37 P.M. EST
(No Comments)
Syndicate ToledoTalk
