NY Governor David Patterson has proposed as part of $121 billion dollar budget to tax 15% of non diet drinks. Which means that a can of Pepsi that normally would cost you $1 will now cost you $1.15 compared to diet Pepsi.

All I can say about this obesity tax proposal is that its LONG OVERDUE! This is one of thew few tax increase that actually makes sense both economically and morally. First off it would generate over $400 million and Secondly it would help New Yorkers make smarter choices when choosing soft drinks thus combating the war against obesity.

Now critics would argue/ cry that its unfair on how you can force people to choose a diet alternative by taxing it and blah blah. My response to those whiners: Big Deal! Get Over It! When the tax on cigarettes went up people whined and complained about it but it generated millions of dollars in tax revenue and it saved peoples lives. I for one am all for a new tax thats gonna generate new revenue and save peoples lives. Personally I prefer this kind of tax as oppose to raising to bringing back the sales tax on clothing or some other ridiculous sales tax. I don't know about you but I feel better when I go to the clothing store and pick up a pair of jeans for $39 and knowing its exactly $39.

However I believe the obesity tax can go one step further. Lets tax fast food chains such as McDonalds, Wendys, BK on meals items that are over 500 calories. Imagine how much additional revenue that would create for the state! Lets face the facts that its no secret that those fast food chains already get tax breaks for developing in minority neighborhoods. Why not balance it out and help people make healthier choices and thus saving peoples lives while alleviating the already high costs of health care that obesity has caused.

Lets not forget the children in all of this. Now more then ever the rise of childhood obesity is at an all time. This can be attributed from an early age they are raised not knowing what healthy choices to make with food and drinks. If a child only has $1 to spend and a regular can of Coke costs $1.15 and a diet cost $1 he or she is naturally gonna choose the diet Coke ,thus instilling a mind set on what is not only healthy but a smarter finical decision.

Now I know what your thinking "We already have calories listed next to each item. That should be enough". The truth is the calories listed next to each item isn't enough! Unless you are working out already the calorie count next to each item hasn't made a significant difference to be considered successful. The same people that ordered the "Big Mac" before the calories were listed still are ordering the same fatting "Big Mac" today. By taxing these higher calorie items people will forced to make healthier choices just to save a few bucks.

Lets go one step further and give tax breaks to those who actually make healthy food.If you can tax food and products that are gonna kill people in the long run why not reward these companies that actually help prolong and improve the quality of life? The reality is more and more American's are obese then ever before and millions die each year due related to obesity. With the rising cost of health care in this country and millions of American's still without health insurance instilling an obesity tax will make the biggest long term impact for New Yorkers. Wouldn't you rather make a few minor healthier choices to save hundreds of thousands of dollars on health care related to being obese?

The obesity tax-Its a win-win for everyone!

-Bryan Ortiz

http://www.ortizfitness.com

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