New York Gov. David Paterson admitted Thursday one of his most talked-about tax proposals, an obesity tax on sugary drinks, is fizzling.(HT: Kyle Carpenter)
But he said it popped the right question.
In meeting with college students over his budget, Paterson told the young New Yorkers not worry about his soda tax because the Legislature won't go for it. But he said it has served its purpose of raising awareness of childhood obesity.
His proposal would put an 18-percent tax on soda and other sugary drinks containing less than 70 percent fruit juice. His analysis showed it would raise a projected $1 billion in revenue over two years and reduce use of sugary drinks by 5 percent.
The fat tax was the subject of articles, editorials, polls, talk radio and TV commentaries.
The plan had been supported by New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden.
Yet, he thinks that he got the point across to the public?
Really? People see it for what it is: a tax grab using health as a convenient excuse.
If people are truly concerned about obesity and their health, there's a simple solution that doesn't cost a damned thing - and may actually save you money in the short and long term.
Portion control.
It works. And it doesn't cost you a thing (unless you're on Weight Watchers or other programs that are essentially doing the portion control for you). If you limit your portion size over time, you will lose weight.
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