Illinois sweetened beverage tax goes into effect July 1st 2017-moved to the 12th now

[pokoko]

palou said:

shikamaru317 said:
I don't believe in government regulation on this level. If people want to be unhealthy that's their choice, the government shouldn't be sticking their noses where it doesn't belong, trying to force people to be healthy.

These ARE habits that you take as a child, though, wouldn't it be fair to deincentivise families from preparing their children to an unhealthy life?

Where is the line?  The internet?  Video-games?  Red meat?  Potatoes?  Should the government simply apply a tax on anything that isn't good for you?

Local taxes are about money, anyway.  They don't care if they're hurting local jobs and retailers are long as more tax revenue is being generated.  Not only will surrounding areas see an increase in soda sales, they'll see an increase grocery sales, period, as people with cars abandon local shops.  Of course, those without cars--mostly the poor--will simply be the ones paying much of the tax.