A tax on soda, an idea being considered by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3), isn’t going down smoothly with voters in Central Connecticut.
That’s the consensus of an article published by the New Britain Herald. “Don Toewz, of Bristol, opted for a healthier drink with his lunch at the Super Natural Market & Deli in Bristol on a recent day, but said he occasionally likes to have a soda with his meal. Toewz said a soda tax will not make a dent in obesity, just in taxpayers’ pockets.”
According to the state’s Department of Public Health, the article said, obesity is the second-leading cause of preventable death in the United States after smoking, and in just over one generation, U.S. rates of obesity have approximately tripled among preschoolers and adolescents, and quadrupled among children aged 6 to 11 years.
“We need to do more to improve access to affordable, healthy foods and to make healthy choices easy choices for everyone,” said DeLauro, who said the sugary drink’s low prices make the choice easier for low-income families looking to “stretch” a dollar. “A comprehensive approach is necessary, including supporting the production of fruits and vegetables, encourage marketing of nutritious foods to kids, and addressing the situation in the marketplace.”
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