Neither Bloomberg nor Paterson is likely to suffer any retribution at the ballot box. Bloomberg just began his third term as NYC mayor this year, and is unlikely to attempt a fourth. Paterson is stepping down as NY governor st the end of this year and, considering his dismal record and unpopularity, is unlikely to be a candidate for public office in the future.
This business is just so typical of nanny statists. The thinking here is that if the proposal goes into effect, the food stamp recipients banned from purchasing the sugary drinks could just as well allocate those same food stamps toward items containing more calories. So you might end up with even more obesity.
Governor Paterson proposes 'Obesity Tax,' a tax on non-diet sodasGov. Paterson, as part of a $121 billion budget to be unveiled Tuesday, will propose an "obesity tax" of about 15% on nondiet drinks... The so-called obesity tax would generate an estimated $404 million a year. Milk, juice, diet soda and bottled water would be exempt from the tax... Public health advocates welcomed news of the tax, saying it would help the fight against childhood obesity. "Raising the price of this liquid candy will put children and teens on a path to a healthier diet," said Elie Ward of the American Academy of Pediatrics of New York State.
by Glenn Blain and Kenneth Lovett
with Edgar Sandoval and Erica Pearson
Daily News Albany Bureau
Sunday, December 14th 2008
[and now, the buried lead:] The Paterson administration also announced steps yesterday to expand the state's social services net, including a 30% increase in welfare payments over three years starting January 2010, increased money for food banks and expanded access to the state's Family Health Plus program. Paterson also hopes to make it easier for people to enroll in Medicaid by eliminating face-to-face interviews and fingerprinting requirements.