Want to tax to pay for health care?
This article discusses potential legislation to increase taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and drinks over-sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and other sugars. It is in response to the need to extend health care to the uncovered and make the individuals that increase health care costs for all to proportionally pay more.
I think it's clear that we need to come up with funding somehow. I'm sorry but given the choice between an income tax (taxation without choice) and a tax on unhealthy products, I would 100% without a doubt choose the taxation on unhealthy products. That way it is my choice whether or not I get taxed.
People are going to drink & smoke regardless of how much it costs them, and that is their choice. It's easy to lie on an insurance form about your smoking and drinking habits but there is no escaping it when the cost is being taken at the source (direct purchases).
From my perspective, a potential optional tax is being proposed on something that would encourage me to lead a healthier lifestyle. I'm all for it. We aren't talking about additionally taxing video games, cars, or anything else that falls on the slippery slope fallacy. We are talking about clear and present dangers: alcohol, tobacco, and over-sweetened drinks.
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