Governor, Mayor Back Tax on Sugary Drinks

MYFOXNY.COM - Both Gov. David Paterson and Mayor Michael Bloomberg are calling for the state Legislature to pass a so-called sugar tax that they say would both raise revenue for healthcare programs as well as encourage residents to cut out sugary soda and fruit drinks.

This is how the tax would work: No matter where you would buy your soda or fruit juice with sugar in it, whether it's a vendor or store, you'd pay the special tax.

But opponents say it's just another way to tax New Yorkers without any evidence of a health benefit.

The governor is targeting drinks loaded with sugar to help raise $450 million in tax revenue. The proposed sugar tax is also a favorite of the mayor, who last year launched this ad campaign to fight obesity.

Bloomberg says that taxing sugary drinks will encourage New Yorkers to make healthier choices.

But some state lawmakers and others believe this tax is just another easy way to get money out of New Yorkers without any evidence that it will reduce obesity.

Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton, the American Beverage Association, and the American Heart Association announced Monday that their three-year effort to remove high-calorie soft drinks from schools is working. The beverage industry has been providing lower-calorie drinks to help curb childhood obesity.