Posted on 05/12/2009 2:35:48 AM PDT by PghBaldy
Senate leaders are considering new federal taxes on soda and other sugary drinks to help pay for an overhaul of the nation's health-care system.
The taxes would pay for only a fraction of the cost to expand health-insurance coverage to all Americans and would face strong opposition from the beverage industry. They also could spark a backlash from consumers who would have to pay several cents more for a soft drink.
On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee is set to hear proposals from about a dozen experts about how to pay for the comprehensive health-care overhaul that President Barack Obama wants to enact this year. Early estimates put the cost of the plan at around $1.2 trillion. The administration has so far only earmarked funds for about half of that amount.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a Washington-based watchdog group that pressures food companies to make healthier products, plans to propose a federal excise tax on soda, certain fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and ready-to-drink teas. It would not include most diet beverages. Excise taxes are levied on goods and manufacturers typically pass them on to consumers.
Senior staff members for some Democratic senators at the center of the effort to craft health-care legislation are weighing the idea behind closed doors, Senate aides said.
The Congressional Budget Office, which is providing lawmakers with cost estimates for each potential change in the health overhaul, included the option in a broad report on health-system financing in December. The office estimated that adding a tax of three cents per 12-ounce serving to these types of sweetened drinks would generate $24 billion over the next four years. So far, lawmakers have not indicated how big a tax they are considering.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
“Well....it’s about time something other than cigarettes was taxed! ....the costs shouldn’t be saddled on just ONE consumer product...spread the burden.”
Did I fall asleep and wake up on DU? How about dropping the taxes on cigarettes? Ever think of that? Spread the burden?
How about get the hell out of my life!
Please tell me you were being sarcastic and I just am too stupid to tell. Please. Please.
BTW. The RYO tobacco tax has already been thwarted..
The cut has been altered and it has been re branded as “pipe Tobacco”
It now sells for 15 lb again vice Obamas $63 lb
FUBO!
“I haven’t drank soda in many years and I don’t smoke either.”
Move along then. Nothing to see here. Don’t worry about it.
As long as it doesn’t affect you just sit there eating your oatmeal.
With 0bama plundering the country I believe corporate tax accountant will be one career opportunity that will never feel the pinch of downsizing.
“Maybe the sheople will wake-up?”
Doubt it. Look at some of the responses. Pathetic.
“They won’t get a dime from me. I don’t drink anything carbonated.”
Yeah right. They’ll get more than a dime.
I love oatmeal. I had a bowl of it the morning before I went to the TEA party in Belton, Texas.
My kids and wife drink soda and my wife smokes.
I'm buying my cigarettes from the Islamic terrorists.
They don't charge near as much as the Potomac terrorists do and you can skip the lecture.
About time that happened with Dr. Pepper.
“I’m surprised you own stock at all with the commie pandering traitors. Buy Coke!”
Looking at the design on the Pepsi can makes me puke.
“Idiotic is kind of a strong word.”
Not to describe someone who believes those ideas.
I really don’t care much about soda, or wine, but if you mess with my beer, you’ll be wishing you hadn’t!!
(BG)
No, you were just the first person I recognized and who I know. Sorry about that. Tag, you were it.
That will never get passed as long as Ted Kennedy is a Senator.
Oke doke
geeze louise...take a pill.
Of course they shouldn’t be taxing ANY of it. But, I’m serious as a heart attack.... if we can’t stop them...why should I ALWAYS be the one taxed on cigarettes??? Let ‘em tax something else already.
Oh crap! if it was sugar coated it might be taxed!
Oatmeal in Belton?
I’m having a smoked Poke Chop at Schoepf’s BBQ
you shouldn’t be the one.
Let them tax nobody else already.
Just because you are taxed don’t take glee that others are taxed and should be taxed more.
I have never smoked but to me smoke is the smell of Freedom. I love the smell now. No joke.
Thanks for the ping. Sure glad I quit drinking soda.
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