Amanda Brown
abrown@newscenter25.com
Updated: 1/30 9:38 pm
Share
Soda Tax Bill
Would paying more help you to stop from drinking pop? A Texas law maker has introduced a controversial new bill that would tax sodas with sugar.
Doctor Manju Sachdev said over 25-million children in the United States have diabetes. One Texas lawmaker is trying to curb those numbers by taxing sodas. State representative Joe Farias of San Antonio introduced House Bill 735 in an effort to prevent children's diabetes and heart disease. The tax would charge a nickel extra for every 12 ounces that's in a soft drink container so the more that's in there the more you pay. The bill states that 40% of the tax money would go towards a children's health promotion account to pay for things like hiring qualified physical education teachers and incorporating nutrition and health into standard education curriculum and 60% would go into a general fund. The bill does not include drinks that are sweetened by a sweetener that doesn’t add calories.
If passed, the tax would take effect September first. Doctors said better alternatives to soda are water, milk and juice. They said if you have any questions about your child’s diet consult with a physician.
Copyright 2013 Saga Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
