Although Gov. David Paterson and Mayor Michael Bloomberg support placing a tax on sugary drinks, the New York state Senate is unlikely to pass the bill.
Several Democratic lawmakers as well as the entire Republican caucus in the Senate are opposed to the bill, according to an Associated Press report. The vote needs a minimum of 32 votes to pass in the Senate.
The governor as well as the state’s Health Commissioner Dr. David Daines said the tax would combat obesity and obesity-related problems like diabetes.
If the bill is passed, the state would add a one cent per ounce tax to every sugary drink, which would generate a projected $1 billion annually as the state attempts to plug an over $8 billion budget gap.
Those who object to the bill say that it would cost jobs at soda plants and hurt middle-class businesses and families.
Several Democratic lawmakers as well as the entire Republican caucus in the Senate are opposed to the bill, according to an Associated Press report. The vote needs a minimum of 32 votes to pass in the Senate.
The governor as well as the state’s Health Commissioner Dr. David Daines said the tax would combat obesity and obesity-related problems like diabetes.
If the bill is passed, the state would add a one cent per ounce tax to every sugary drink, which would generate a projected $1 billion annually as the state attempts to plug an over $8 billion budget gap.
Those who object to the bill say that it would cost jobs at soda plants and hurt middle-class businesses and families.
