Posted by Tina
“You see, folks, in order to be successful in creating a ‘funding mechanism’, it has to be tied in to HEALTH in some manner, shape or form. The decision has been made. SODA POP DRINKERS! It’s the ‘obesity epidemic’ stupid.” – Bruce Sessions, Post Scripts
Yep, Bruce is exactly right. A plan is in the works to raise the tax on soda pop. The question is, what will the result be? According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest “many states might be able to close gaps in their budgets…” WOW! If they are right, California might actually be saved from economic ruin! The Center claims the tax “could generate a combined $10 billion a year…”
“Soda tax could close states’ budget gaps, health advocacy group says,” by Jerry Hirsch – LA Times
The Center for Science in the Public Interest believes that many states might be able to close gaps in their budgets by placing a tax on soda and other sugary drinks. The health advocacy group released a study this week that estimates budget-strapped states — including California — could generate a combined $10 billion a year by levying a tax of 7 cents per 12-ounce can of Coke or other beverage.
Hmmmm…let’s think about this. The economy is in the dumper…in California people are losing their homes…the unemployed are piling up in the streets like garbage cans on pick up day…and others are afraid of what awaits them tomorrow…and yet, this government thinks we are going to have plenty of spare cash for soda pop!
Hey, you pointy headed pencil pushing pin heads…I got news…even last year, before the housing bubble burst, soda sales were down:
“Pepsi Bottling Sales May Rise Slower than it Forcast,” by Duane D. Stanford – Bloomberg News
July 8 (Bloomberg) — Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. said 2008 sales may rise at the slowest pace in at least 11 years after cash-strapped consumers bought fewer drinks and the bottler increased prices to counter higher sweetener costs. ** Further price increases may be necessary to offset higher ingredient and packaging costs, even as sales volumes decline, Chief Executive Officer Eric Foss said in a conference call. ** “We consider the result uninspiring,” Mark Swartzberg, an analyst at Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., said today in a note. The numbers are “representative of the fundamental challenges facing most of the beverages sector, challenges we do not see abating in the foreseeable future.” ** Pepsi Bottling fell 78 cents to $27.88 at 4:15 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The shares have dropped 29 percent this year, compared with a 35 percent decline by larger Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.
Less money in the pockets of consumers plus higher prices on products due to added taxes will NOT equal more sales…or greater revenues for the state any time soon. The state does not, however, care about your immediate problems. Here’s the dirty little secret: the state will collect this tax 4-EVER…even if kids become anorexic!
“Never let a crisis go to waste” – Rahm Emanuel