The Candy Tax
Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2004 4:16 pm
CHICAGO - The tax police are planning a major snack attack. Potato chips, cookies, sodas, candy--a $30 billion-a-year business--are being targeted by more than a dozen revenue-starved states under the misguided impression that by charging a few extra cents per can or bag they can trim their budget deficits and encourage the rest of us to slim down. Fat chance-- two-thirds of Americans are now overweight or obese. Obesity rates have doubled for adults and tripled for children in their teens over the past 20 years.
Grocers, snack-food makers and soft drink companies are opposed to the taxes, arguing they are unnecessary, burdensome and impossible to collect.
Grocers, snack-food makers and soft drink companies are opposed to the taxes, arguing they are unnecessary, burdensome and impossible to collect.
Oh Great!! Now they're going to be taxing my Taffy Sticks!