Junk Food Tax

Author: Club
Health
Taxation

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Total: 43
#31
oromagi
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@Vader
Not to mention Cook County is the county in Chicago. It is Chicago


I'm aware of the contiguity but we are talking about law and public policy which means getting the relevant jurisdiction correct.  Seems to me that the Cook County legislation failed on a number of counts-

  • tax proceeds did not go to health or education but just to service debt
  • food stamps were exempted and so no economic pressure was applied to poorest fifth of Chicagoans who are most impacted by obesity and diabetes
  • fruit drinks were exempted which represent close to half of sugary drinks given to kids
  • insufficient public relations for the legislation, and so
  • not representative of popular opinion, but also
  • moral cowardice on the part of some politicians
#32
3RU7AL
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@Club
I absolutely hate the idea of a Junk Food Tax.
The hypothesis is the same as taxing cigarettes (often at 500%).

Unhealthy consumption increases heath insurance prices for everyone, including the state (emergency services/emergency room visits).

The tax would, presumably, compensate the state to help cover the cost of these inflated healthcare expenses.

Not necessarily to decrease consumption.
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#33
Club
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@3RU7AL

Of course its to decrease obesity... one of the main points of the tax is to decrease obesity, I mainly focusing on how that WON'T WORK.
#34
3RU7AL
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@Club
Of course its to decrease obesity... one of the main points of the tax is to decrease obesity, I mainly focusing on how that WON'T WORK.
I'm pretty certain the "main point" is to generate revenue...
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#35
Club
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@3RU7AL

I'm pretty certain the "main point" is to generate revenue...
Notice:"pretty"
Which means that you are not sure... the main point is to stop obesity, most of pro's main points are about obesity.
#36
zedvictor4
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@Club
The major cause of obesity is laziness and stupidity.
#37
3RU7AL
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@Club
Notice:"pretty"Which means that you are not sure... the main point is to stop obesity, most of pro's main points are about obesity.
TAX:

A contribution for the support of a government required of persons, groups, or businesses within the domain of that government. [LINK]
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#38
Club
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In this case that definition is not valid...

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#39
Club
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#40
Club
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Reliability of Article:
#41
zedvictor4
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@Club
The main purpose of tax is to raise revenue.

So you hit the things that people are not prepared to do without.

How many people actually care about another persons weight and health issues?

In a capitalist society, the obesity industry is fair game.
#42
dustryder
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@Club
Essentially that author is saying that simply by raising the prices of junk food won't change eating habits. 

However I would argue that a properly implemented junk food tax that is focused on citizen health instead of additional revenue. And this can be seen in the various soda taxes that do just that

7 days later

#43
3RU7AL
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@dustryder
However I would argue that a properly implemented junk food tax that is focused on citizen health instead of additional revenue. And this can be seen in the various soda taxes that do just that
Citation please.