The Soda Tax – Missing the Point?
Beyond Long Beach — By VoiceWaves on October 4, 2012 9:53 pm
Blog, Various Authors
Keyannie Norford, 17
I know that no matter what the price of soda is, if I want it I will go get it. As a senior attending De Anza High School, I also know how popular soda is among teens. I used to drink so much soda that it started to make me sick, and I finally had to decide between my health and this sugary drink: I chose my health.
But even though I’ve stopped drinking soda, I think a tax on sugary drinks is absurd. Raising taxes will not stop people from handing over their cash at the register and it will not stop obesity rates from rising. Plus, where is all this extra money going to go? The money from Measure N is supposed to better local schools and communities. The problem is, who will make sure that really happens?
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RICHMOND PULSE is a community news and media outlet, committed to amplifying the voices of the city’s under-served residents. Our reporting is led by young people, with the intent of serving the entire community. Through our work, we seek to create dialogue,and find solutions to, the health issues that plague the Richmond, California community.
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1 Comment
Dear Keyannie, The science says that when the price goes up some folks actually do stop buying soda. About 1 in 5. That helps a lot. But we all must make sure the Soda tax revenue is used to reverse childhood obesity. I want it to be used for swimming lessons at The Plunge for every third grader, new soccer and baseball fields, nutrition teachers in our schools, scholarships so kids can play after school sports for free or at reduced cost, and more. Don’t believe Big Soda’s propaganda that the city will waste the money. We will spend it wisely. Jeff Ritterman, M.D. Richmond City Council (for identifiaction purposes only)