The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has a suggestion for lawmakers seeking to avoid the "fiscal cliff" that is dominating Washington politics: tax sugary drinks.
A penny-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugar-based beverages could raise a whopping $160 billion over a decade, according to the health advocacy group.
"Taxing sugary drinks is not a new idea," wrote Michael Jacobson, executive director of CSPI, in a letter to lawmakers. "More than 30 states, including Arkansas, California, New York, and West Virginia, have imposed excise taxes or sales taxes on sugary drinks to generate revenue for health care or other programs."
Jacobson said sugary drinks contribute significantly to the obesity epidemic in this country.
"Americans spend about $150 billion a year on medical expenditures related to obesity, of which half is paid for with Medicare and Medicaid dollars," he wrote. "While a variety of actions are needed to reverse the obesity epidemic, a federal levy on sugary drinks would deter some excessive consumption and allow the government to recoup at least a fraction of the public costs associated with the consumption of those beverages."
In the letter, Jacobson also called for Congress to raise taxes on alcoholic beverages under a measure that he said could net up to $14 billion per year.
A penny-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugar-based beverages could raise a whopping $160 billion over a decade, according to the health advocacy group.
"Taxing sugary drinks is not a new idea," wrote Michael Jacobson, executive director of CSPI, in a letter to lawmakers. "More than 30 states, including Arkansas, California, New York, and West Virginia, have imposed excise taxes or sales taxes on sugary drinks to generate revenue for health care or other programs."
Jacobson said sugary drinks contribute significantly to the obesity epidemic in this country.
"Americans spend about $150 billion a year on medical expenditures related to obesity, of which half is paid for with Medicare and Medicaid dollars," he wrote. "While a variety of actions are needed to reverse the obesity epidemic, a federal levy on sugary drinks would deter some excessive consumption and allow the government to recoup at least a fraction of the public costs associated with the consumption of those beverages."
In the letter, Jacobson also called for Congress to raise taxes on alcoholic beverages under a measure that he said could net up to $14 billion per year.
