As part of the overall debate on health care reform, Congress is considering various proposals including one put before the Senate Finance Committee that would tax soda and other sugary drinks such as sports and energy drinks.  The proposal to impose a three-cent tax on these beverages is part of the comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s health care system and according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) would generate $24 billion over the next four years.  

Already the Chief of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – Dr. Thomas Freiden – has weighed in on this issue saying that an increase in taxes on “unhealthy” foods would “be effective” in reducing the number of obese people in this country and improve overall health.  

As with increases in tobacco taxes, any increase in so-called “snack taxes” would be largely regressive and ineffective.  AWMA remains opposed to such increases in taxes and supports efforts such as legislation promoting improvements in education and research to combat obesity.