Health

Nation’s Capital Braces for New Soda Tax

A Washington, D.C. city council ordinance extending the city’s 6 percent general sales tax to “sweetened” beverages — including diet varieties — is set to take effect Friday, part of council members‘ plans to force residents of the nation’s capital to make healthier drink choices and collect additional revenue to fill in city-wide budget shortfalls.  Water, juices, tea and coffee won’t be included in the tax extension.

Members of the D.C. city council claim the tax extension is a “compromise” — many favored more strict taxation of soda-type beverages.  Council member Mary Cheh, a law professor at the George Washington University, laments that the new beverage tax doesn’t go far enough.  “It is not a soda tax. Instead of that tax, which I favored, the council extended the sales tax to beverages,” she told the school’s student newspaper.

Before the council’s final vote on extending the sales tax to beverages, Cheh had proposed a tax of “one cent per ounce” to be assessed on sodas and other sugared drinks.  Her proposal failed to gain support by other council members, however, and received strong opposition from the business community.

Cheh says the extra tax revenue will help provide funding for her Healthy Schools Act, an already-approved measure that promises to improve nutrition quality of school meals and improve physical education.

But the new tax largely falls flat, in her opinion.  “[I]t did not target soda and thus we lost the opportunity to drive down soda consumption,” Cheh says.

But according to Thomas Frieden of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the new soda tax — which will increase the price of a 12 oz can by about 10 percent — will likely have a significant impact in forcing D.C. residents to think twice before purchasing sweetened beverages.

In Washington, D.C., an estimated 55 percent of residents are overweight or obese. The new tax on soda comes just months after the city council mandated a five-cent “bag tax” on all paper and plastic bags customers take home from retailers.  Just as the new soda tax is supposedly meant to raise health awareness,  the council claimed that the new bag tax would help raise environmental awareness and cut down on the city’s litter.

Comments (96)

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  • CoFX
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:50pm

    Why haven’t the ACLU and NAACP gotten involved yet. This city is more than 50% black – I say this tax is racist! (I’d make a grape soda reference here, but that may be a bit too much.)

    Report Post » Rogue  
  • RobR
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:50pm

    Approximately 60,000 D. C. residents are addicted to drugs/alcohol, while 15,162 or so have HIV or full blown aids, a higher rate than many countries in Africa, yet the George Washington University educated city council leader, in concert with first lady Michelle Obama chose to attack the sugared soft drink epidemic instead.

    Wasn‘t it Michelle’s own husband, Barackio, that swore “ No New Taxes ”, especially on the poor and middle class. Well what would you call this 10% increase on a 12 oz can……..chop liver ?

    I guess good ole Joe Wilson ( R-SC ) was right when he shouted out, while Obama spoke, on that fatefull night so very long ago……….actually it wasn’t all that long ago really……..it just seems like an eternity with Barack in the White House..

    Report Post » Barack Must Go  
  • Anonimouse
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:47pm

    First they villified smokers – made sure everyone frowned on them. Once they got there it was ok to tax the pants off them. No one would come to their defense. Smokers warned, “If they can do it to us, they’ll do it to you. They’ll be after your Big Macs and Cokes next.”

    No one listened. Now we have a nationwide “War On Obesity.” Fat people must be saved from themselves.

    And they are free to tax away. See how this all works?

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:53pm

      I noticed since Obama has been elected the war on cigs has turned into the war on food. I don‘t think Obama’s misses has missed many fancy meals ….. message to the government … get OUT OF MY FOOD AND MY LIFE!

      Report Post »  
    • jose wasabi
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 5:36pm

      You are absolutely right. What’s next? Candy? Ice Cream? Pizza? Burgers? Hot Dogs?

      Think it can;t happen?

      Report Post » jose wasabi  
    • jose wasabi
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 5:37pm

      You are right.

      Report Post » jose wasabi  
  • Marky_D_Sahdd
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:47pm

    Let’s hijack a Pepsi truck and dump the contents in the Patomic! We could disguise ourselves as street thugs! We could call it “The Patomic P Party!” No taxation without refreshments!

    Report Post »  
    • Midwest Belle
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 11:26pm

      P-Party! LOL! I about choked on my [you guessed it] PEPSI! Thanks for the laugh. Wish I was still on the east coast and I’d volunteer to be part of that P-Party!

      Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
  • Narya
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:46pm

    It’s already cheaper to buy a 40 oz beer than it is a 320z soda. Someone want to explain to me why that is?

    Report Post »  
    • PostalPac
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 5:43pm

      Its easier to lead a drunk around and make him do what you want than a guy hyped up on sugar.

      Report Post » PostalPac  
  • saneromeo
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:42pm

    The salient point is that juice is not being taxed. There is an equal if not higher amount of sugar in juice than there is in soda. This has less to do with obesity and more to do with attacking big business (Coke, Pepsi, etc…) while helping labour unions (who picks the fruit for juice?). Also I might add, fruit juice in quantities is linked to a higher rate of diabetes than diet soda, so it really has nothing to do with help, just nudgin’ right along….

    Report Post » saneromeo  
    • Waiting4George
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 6:10pm

      There once was fatty in DC
      Who ingested a daily Pepsi
      They make me pay more
      When I want to score
      Some sugar in my Cuba Libre!

      Report Post »  
  • free2bme1961
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:42pm

    …the tax man cometh; and who shall profit from this?

    Report Post » free2bme1961  
  • Anonimouse
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:41pm

    But, but, but, Obama promised us that our taxes wouldn’t go up a dime.

    Report Post »  
  • caitlynsdad
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:41pm

    George Harrison had it right: “My advice for those who die, declare the pennies on your eyes.”

    Report Post » caitlynsdad  
  • powhatan
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:40pm

    OK DC residents…just leave the area and stock up in other states….we’ll enjoy your business :D

    Report Post » powhatan  
  • wingedwolf
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:35pm

    There are many more calories & sugars in fruit juice than diet soda. I feel a Supreme Court challenge coming on. He did say “sugared” drinks?

    Report Post » wingedwolf  
    • bbgirl51
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 2:46am

      I can’t believe Coffee is excluded with the amount of sugar, creamer, and flavoring I love added at Starbucks one cup has significantly more sugar than a can of Pepsi….

      Report Post »  
  • Flagwaver
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:32pm

    Last time a group who was separated from America put a tax on beverages for no apparent reason, a bunch of guys got together in Boston, dressed as Native Americans, and began a flippin’ revolution!

    Report Post » Flagwaver  
  • Iamtheoracle
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:32pm

    I personally would stop drinking soda – there are alot of things I won’t buy because of the taxes… vice taxes is what they are… we will tax people into changing their behaviors – OK some will some won’t – it‘s all pretty much the same ol’ story being played in just about every community in the nation – elected leaders asking what can we tax next… air? I hate them

    Report Post »  
  • Mihi_Parta_Tueri
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:26pm

    You know I’m more OK with this than raising direct taxes. Now if DC were doing this in order to remedy a deficit in conjunction with lowering spending and lowering income and corporate tax, I’d really be OK with it. But something tells me that’s not the case, and that it‘s only part of a let’s move agenda. Not a good idea when people are still feeling the recession….

    And if you agree with me, please visit my website at http://taylorvogl.weebly.com/ (feedback encouraged!!) It’s just getting started, and eventually I’ll be running for office (:

    Report Post » Mihi_Parta_Tueri  
  • Cabo King
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:26pm

    Soon, Mc Donalds, Cournal Saunders, Burger KIng, Wendys, and any other resturant that Hussain Obama deems unheatthy will be getting taxed or closed down, can you say Hitler???

    Report Post » Cabo King  
    • powhatan
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:42pm

      then dc will be the urban food desert Michelle wants

      Report Post » powhatan  
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 7:56pm

      I wonder if Obama was involved in the making of “Demolition Man”?

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
    • Deutscher
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 11:27pm

      Come on. Hitler? Please think a little harder and come up with a better example. Everyday it’s Hitler and Nazis. That was a very real period in history. If you overuse it it won’t mean anything

      Report Post »  
  • donfield
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:26pm

    I’m going to start selling sugar consumption over rides like Al Gore.

    Report Post » donfield  
  • donfield
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:24pm

    This is how Progressive Socialist rule the unwashed masses. Since it is obvious the people don‘t know what’s best for them and they know they can’t outlaw it, they will sway behavior by taxing it. What happens if the new tax works and people stop drinking the taxed items? All of that new revenue will disappear and then where will they get the money to pay for the programs that never die? Stupid libs. They think in a two dimensional static world, not the multi-dimensional dynamic world of the real people. It‘s the same reasoning that thinks raising taxes brings in more revenue and doesn’t hurt productivity. History proves lowering taxes on productivity increases revenues.

    Report Post » donfield  
    • Awakenow
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:30pm

      This is the government that wants to tax co2 emissions, how long before they figure out that’s what we exhale. Hey Obama tax people with stupid ideas. You would have to close almost all of your government offices.

      Report Post » Awakenow  
    • wingedwolf
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:52pm

      AWAKENOW, they really do already know that. The plan is to charge you by the square footage of your home for this horrific breathing. At a penny per square foot, a 2000 squ. ft home would have to pay $20.00 per however often they set the penalty. They even suggest multiplying the breathing tax by the number of people living in your home. So, a family of 4 living in a 2000 squ.ft.home could pay $80.00 per whatever increment, a week, a month, whatever they decide! This is to force people to give up large houses and properties. What really struck me about these particular nazis is the man that said, “It will force these people out of the rural areas and back into the cities where they belong.” I blew a brain circuit when that was presented to me. Who the hell are these people who think they know where we belong? I want to encounter just one of them. One is all I’ll get, because after that I’ll be in jail and hoping The Blaze people might be able to help get me out! I honestly forget where I received that information, but it was from a website I was given by a friend made by one of the carbon tax beneficiaries. (who will be a beneficiary if this kind of horrendous bill ever takes hold here, like Al Gore.) & I can’t locate it right now. If I do, I’ll come back and give the link. Why should I be the only person having a fit over the arrogance and the chrome-plated balls of someone to say such a thing, even to give themselves permission to THINK such a thing?

      Report Post » wingedwolf  
    • megansmom
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 7:28pm

      Awake now they don’t teach science anymore in school. If they did every child would know it takes CO2 for plants to make O2 and this global warming crap would expire.

      Report Post »  
    • trueblueday
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 10:22pm

      Wingedwolf will search for the “breath tax”, but would really like that link. This really is crazytown now. (Wonder if pets will be excluded. May have to delineate family members on the Fed form as “family pets” for occupant! But, once again, we must realize they are only doing this for the good of the world (LOL, yea, right.)

      Report Post »  
  • ProudImmigrant
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:21pm

    I wish the folks in washington had to buy a tax stamp for air. I would be happy to issue them and will process them quickly. I would guarantee processing in 48 hours or the tax stamp is free ;). No air till you get your tax stamp!!! I just solved all problems in Washington :)

    Report Post » ProudImmigrant  
    • trueblueday
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 10:14pm

      yea, and soon cap & trade, or is it the climate change Bill, or is it…

      Report Post »  
  • Cabo King
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:21pm

    I concur

    Report Post » Cabo King  
  • American Dad
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:21pm

    Starting 10/1/10 a tax will be placed on BHO, for each and every time we hear him say “Make no mistake” (even though we already did voting you in) he shall pay us each $10 for having to listen to him?

    Report Post »  
  • Household6
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:19pm

    One more example of government getting involved where it doesn’t belong. No one is going to drink less soda simply because it costs a little more. The only thing this is going to do is leave less money in the pockets of the American people, which seems to be a recurring theme.

    Report Post »  
    • EyeofthePatriot
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 5:39pm

      You’re spot on about that one! Taxing does not CURB behaviour unless people are presented with no choice whatsoever. All this is going to do is drive people to buy in bulk outside of DC. Its hilarious what these politicians try to do… HANDS OFF MY COKE!!

      Report Post » EyeofthePatriot  
    • Mr.Nick
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 8:12pm

      The whole point of these taxes IS to kill capitalism, jobs and get the people dependent on government indefinitely…. In the meantime the government generates revenue until these said businesses go under.

      The only remaining corporations that will be left standing are the ones that have become nationalized.

      These progressive communists are out to seek, destroy and conquer the United States and they are doing this not through a violent war but by collapsing capitalism via policy.

      These evil “progressives” are very strategic with their Marxist attempt to overthrow this country. They know they cant pull a Pol Pot and they know they cant just outright commit a hostile takeover, they have to be “progressive” and they have to APPEAR to be the good guys by selling you FAILURES such as sin taxes “because its bad for your health” or “free health care.” When in reality BOTH limit your rights and allow government to be the ruling class that controls YOU and regulates that businesses into failure…

      Report Post »  
  • RAISINGCONSERVATIVES
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:16pm

    “nudge”

    Report Post »  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:16pm

    this is an attempt to rebrand the tea party as the Pepsi Party.

    Report Post » MrButcher  
    • ClockKing
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 7:09pm

      Pepsi – For a New Generation. Tea Party – For a New Generation. I like it!

      Report Post » ClockKing  
    • bbgirl51
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 2:39am

      Pepsi does have “Brisk” Iced Tea…. I can see a sponsorship!!

      Report Post »  
  • Cabo King
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:16pm

    Hussain Obama is a great example of a healthy nation, this idiot cant stop smoking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Cabo King  
    • CatB
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:52pm

      Yes … the hypocrites are in charge ..

      I guess they will have to go out of the area and spend their money there …

      Report Post »  
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 7:48pm

      @CABO
      Astute observation. I can speak with authority on this issue; I smoked for many years. I see a lot of crap out there about smoking being SO physically addictive. That’s a crock. Overcoming the physical addidtion is the easy part. It’s the mental addiction that enslaves people. People who want to quit smoking, but can’t, e.g., the President, are weak-minded. The President is a weak-minded hypocrite, and a terrible role model.

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
  • Cabo King
    Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:13pm

    tax a sweetened soda??? may as well tax water, has the same amount of sugar as diet coke!!!! idiots–iam putting a tax on Michells face, why not

    Report Post » Cabo King  
    • Freelancer
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:40pm

      Actually, they are a bit behind the curve on this one. In Ohio, there has been a tax on soda for as long as I can remember. That is why food stamps can’t be used on soda in Ohio because it is taxed.

      Report Post » Freelancer  
    • EyeofthePatriot
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 5:36pm

      While I don‘t think you’re saying that “if they do it, its fine for more places to do it!”, I do think that comparing one area to another and being “behind the curve” is a pointless argument.

      Fact is its OUT OF CONTROL GOVERNMENT. And it needs to be stopped. Again, while I don’t know your viewpoints, chances are you’re pretty Conservative/Libertarian by perusing this site, the whole Overton Window comes to mind.

      “Well if that place does it they might as well do it everywhere!”

      Report Post » EyeofthePatriot  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 6:17pm

      You mean they can’t just go a mile down the road to either Va Or Maryland and buy the soda…

      Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • trueblueday
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 10:11pm

      And I don’t think it has cut down the obesity rates in my state (Ohio). So much for the tax.

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on September 30, 2010 at 11:57pm

      Yet another tax on the middle class when Obama has stated he will not raise taxes on families that make less than $250,000. Who is going to call him out on this?

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • PostProgressiveAmerican
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 3:12am

      Keep in mind – these are State and Local taxes, not Federal, which is completely appropriate. Although I disagree with these types of taxes, they have the right to implement them as they see fit.

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • Frustratedwgov
      Posted on October 1, 2010 at 7:31am

      Better watch what you wish for. Water will be on the list eventually! Yikes!

      Report Post »  
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