Taxing cancer-causing products is a win on all sides

Saturday, March 27, 2010
Online Letter to the Editor
Daily Gazette

The March 21 Viewpoint by Jo Ivey Boufford, “Tax on sugar-sweetened drinks would help curb obesity epidemic,” was a great summary on the benefits of such a tax for New Yorkers.

New Yorkers are already paying dearly for the medical costs associated with treating obesity, diabetes and tobacco-caused disease. The portion of our state and federal taxes that goes to pay for treatment of obesity-related diseases is estimated at $771 per New York household, and for treatment of smoking-related diseases is $822 per New York household.

An estimated 15 percent to 20 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States can be attributed to overweight and obesity, and overweight is the most important risk factor for the development of Type 2 diabetes in youth.

In national and state polls across the country, there is overwhelming public support for tobacco tax increases and for taxes on soft drinks, especially if those funds are used to help prevent youth from smoking and reduce childhood obesity.

Levying taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages is a win, win, win solution for New York — a health win that reduces smoking, decreases obesity and diabetes, improves health and saves lives; a fiscal win that raises revenue and reduces health care costs; and a political win that is supported by New York citizens.

Lisa Currin

Albany

The writer is a member of the Capital District Tobacco Free Coalition.