02 Policy Memo a Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Has
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Gina Gessner HESY 621- 02 Policy Memo A tax on sugar-sweetened beverage tax has been implemented in certain major cities in the United States. Experts argue that these taxes will reduce consumption, therefore reducing caloric intake which may reduce obesity rates. Also, a small tax of about 5% per ounce can generate millions or billions of dollars in revenue for the states; meaning more funding that can be used to alleviate health disparities in the obese population or in whatever way the state chooses (Marr & Brunet, 2009). Critics of the tax include the producers of the product, the food and beverage industry. Some also argue that this tax is regressive in nature, posing the majority of the burden on the poor, who consume these beverages most frequently. Others argue that the government has not right in influencing what we eat and drink by taxation. Information supporting each opposing argument will be synthesized and the most appropriate intervention will be determined. Obesity among children and adults is a known health issue in America. Covering the costs of obesity related illness will become increasingly expensive and burdensome for taxpayers if current trends continue (Marr & Brunet, 2009). A proposed contributor to the obesity epidemic is sugar-sweetened drinks. According to Marr & Brunet (2009), “Per capita consumption of such drinks nearly tripled between 1977-78 and 2000.” Americans of all ages are consuming these beverages in higher quantities which is directly influencing obesity rates among children and adults. Experts argue that consumption of these high calorie beverages does not affect satiety and can typically lead to an increase in overall caloric consumption (Brownell, et. al., 2009). “A recent meta-analysis found that the intake of sugared beverages is associated with increased body weight, poor nutrition, and displacement of more healthful beverages; increasing consumption increases risk for obesity and diabetes” (Brownell, 2009, para 3). The sugar –sweetened products will not be banned or outlawed; they can be purchased at a slightly higher price and enjoyed by consumers. Policy makers argue that taxing these products can reduce overall consumption, therefore aiding in obesity reduction. More than thirty states have implemented a soda tax in some form. The tax is on average 4% or less in many states (Martens). Experts have shown that small taxes do not generally affect consumption; higher taxes are likely to yield better outcomes concerning weight reduction (Brownell, et. al, 2009). What these small taxes are successful in achieving is generating large amounts of revenue for the states which can be used to fund healthcare costs, such as Medicaid. In Arkansas, an excise tax is placed on soda manufacturers and the money generated goes toward the cost of Medicaid (Marr & Brunet, 2009). Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University‟s Center for Food Policy and Obesity states, “A penny-per-ounce excise tax would raise an estimated $1.2 billion in New York State alone. In times of economic hardship, taxes that both generate this much revenue and promote health are better options than revenue initiatives that may have adverse effects” (2009). Gina Gessner HESY 621- 02 Critics of this tax claim that Americans in general disagree with the “sin tax”. A study done by Rassmussen Reports claims that only 33% of Americans think the tax is a “good idea” (2010). Some argue that it is not the government‟s responsibility to tell people what to eat and drink (Rassmussen Reports, 2010). Yet, most Americans want the government to pay for cost of obesity related illness. There is no banning of soda, and Americans will still be able to purchase it as they choose, however the price will be slightly higher. Alcohol and tobacco are taxed because there are known health risks that occur with consumption of the product. Data has shown that the majority of Americans are drinking more sugar sweetened drinks and obesity rates continue to rise in adults and children. Due to these factors, policy makers deem it appropriate to tax a product that results in serious health issues. Not surprisingly, there has been resistance from the food and beverage companies who have created certain anti tax coalitions (Brownell et. al., 2009). Perhaps the most valid argument against the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages is that it places most of the burden on the poor. Policy makers are criticized that high-end sugary drinks such as sweet Starbucks beverages will be excluded from “sin – taxes”. The regressive nature of this tax will leave the wealthy unaffected. However, the fact remains that lower income Americans are the most obese, suggesting they over consume sugary foods and beverages (Trinko, 2010). The taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages could be considered helping those who are not wise enough to help themselves. “The poor are disproportionately affected by diet-related diseases and would derive the greatest benefit from reduced consumption” (Brownell & Frieden, 2009, para 10). The poor are also more likely to utilize government programs to cover the cost of their healthcare needs. Those with a lower socioeconomic status would benefit disproportionally from the initiation of such taxation (Marr & Brunet, 2009). Critics also forget to consider that sugar is not a necessity for sustaining life, would still be available to purchase and affordable in moderation. As a Registered Nurse who currently works in direct patient care, I can commonly trace the underlying reason for a patient‟s admission back to their state of obesity. Although these taxes do no to significantly reduce consumption, they have the potential to generate millions in revenue that can be used in alleviating health disparities in low income populations. As these populations are more affected by diet-related disease, this would be an appropriate intervention. I would agree with increasing such taxes, to successfully reduce consumption and thus obesity. While this subject is the topic of much discourse in health policy today, it is not a new concept. I tend to agree with Adam Smith, as he said in The Wealth of Nations (1776) “Sugar, rum, and tobacco are commodities which are nowhere necessaries of life, which are become objects of almost universal consumption, and which are therefore extremely proper subjects of taxation.” Gina Gessner HESY 621- 02 References Brownell, K. D., Frieden, T. R. (2009) Ounces of prevention. NEJM (360),1805-1808 Brownell K. D., Farley T., Willett W. C., Popkin, B. M., Chaloupka, F. J., Thomspson, J. W., Ludwig, D. S. (2009) The public health and economic benefits of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages. NEJM (361),1599-1605. Mangu-Ward, K. (2009, September 27) 5 myths about sin taxes on soda. Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp- dyn/content/article/2009/09/25/AR2009092502015.html Marr, C. & Brunet, G. (2009, May 27) Taxing high-sugar soft drinks could help pay for healthcare reform. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. http://www.cbpp.org/files/5-27-09health2.pdf Martens, K. (2010, April 1). Study: Small soda taxes don't dent child obesity. USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-04-01-soda-tax_N.htm?csp=obinsite Rampell, C. (2010, April 17) For cash strapped states, sin sure is lucrative. The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/weekinreview/18rampell.html?_r=2 Rasmussen Reports (2010, March 19) 56% Oppose „Sin Taxes‟ on Junk Food and Soft Drinks http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/business/taxes/march_2010/56_oppose _sin_taxes_on_junk_food_and_soft_drinks Trinko, K. (2010, September, 20) Political cowards love the sin tax. USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-09-21-column21_ST_N.htm .