Fat Tax (layoffs, schools, allergies)

[ImCurlybelle]

How many fat people did you see today? Did your postman come waddling onto your property with legs that looked more like kabobs?

Well, help may be on the way if NY has its way ...

Fat tax, also known as "Twinkie tax", "junk food tax," and "snack tax," is a tax on calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods. The tax has been proposed as one means to address the obesity problem. The consumption of junk food is supposed to decline if it becomes more expensive. The revenue from the tax would be used to promote healthy nutrition and anti-obesity programs.

Now, in my honest opinion- This seems to be a violation of ones choice of freedom. Additionally, it could hurt the food industry and cause layoffs. If people want to eat, let them eat !

I do find this entertaining this story- And, doubtful it will pass.

[flik_becky]

Originally Posted by ImCurlybelle

How many fat people did you see today? Did your postman come waddling onto your property with legs that looked more like kabobs?

Well, help may be on the way if NY has its way ...

Fat tax, also known as "Twinkie tax", "junk food tax," and "snack tax," is a tax on calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods. The tax has been proposed as one means to address the obesity problem. The consumption of junk food is supposed to decline if it becomes more expensive. The revenue from the tax would be used to promote healthy nutrition and anti-obesity programs.

Now, in my honest opinion- This seems to be a violation of ones choice of freedom. Additionally, it could hurt the food industry and cause layoffs. If people want to eat, let them eat !

I do find this entertaining this story- And, doubtful it will pass.

As with one of our other "choices" of freedom, to spend way more of peoples taxes on medical bills from the multiple medical problems that arise from obesity.

Education, education, education. I think that it starts in schools, sharing with children a wider range of food, and getting rid of the junk food in them. Our grocery stores also have a minimal variety in the produce department with items that grow easily like tomatoes over priced. Then if they gave tax breaks to the junk food companies if they came up with truly healthy snacks, and tax breaks to companies who sell these products who sit out free samples, advertise the products heavily and balance the junk food with better choices. Problem is, with so many allergies out there, "healthy" isn't so easy for companies to do but if they had an incentive to try maybe they'd lay off soy and potatoes in everything.

[Minathebrat]

I'm not sure that:
a) anyone's fatness is the government's business
b) the government doesn't do such a great job on the many things it tries to accomplish now. Adding Empire State Fitness/Fatness Guru to the list - I'm sorry, it doesn't inspire much confidence.

Sounds like just another ploy to rake some dough into the black hole coffers of NY State. Getting trim is a great idea..they can start with the budget.