Soda tax campaign fight costs at nearly $3.3 million; proponents operating in the red

[TexasTowelie]

SANTA FE — The American Beverage Association provided another big influx of cash to the political committee working against the proposed tax on sugary beverages in Santa Fe, while the group in favor of the tax is operating in the red.

As voters head to the polls today to decide the fate of the 2-cents-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks, the opposing sides now have reported investing nearly $3.3 million combined, with each side committing more than $1.6 million.

The tax would raise revenue — estimated at more than $7 million a year — for early childhood education programs.

According to campaign finance statements filed Monday — covering the period from April 25-30 — the ABA gave another $365,000 to Better Way for Santa Fe & Pre-K, increasing its total monetary contributions to $1.35 million. ABA previously provided $173,000 worth of in-kind services, bringing its total investment in the campaign against the tax to $1.52 million.

Read more: https://www.abqjournal.com/996467/soda-tax-campaign-fundraising-keeps-going-up-pro-tax-group-is-in-the-red.html

[Warpy]

1. They'd generate a lot more revenue from legal pot

but I guess the lege would rather punish poor folks, most of whose kids are lactose intolerant by the age of 8-10.

What soda companies need to be persuaded to do is ramp up the flavor and lower the sugar content instead of cramming as much HFCS as they can per ounce.

[Jno_Gilmor_]

2. I actually side with the soda companies on this one.

Sin taxes tend to hurt poor people disproportionately. There are better ways to target childhood obesity.

[fleabiscuit]

3. Good on them.

Advertising adverse health affects, enacting restrictive use laws, and raising taxes on tobacco worked to a great significance at reducing health ruining tobacco use in the U.S. It could work on children sugar pushers too.