Ortiz plans penny surcharge on sugary drinks
Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, D-Brooklyn, plans on introducing a bill that would force consumers to pay a tax of one penny per ounce on sugary drinks containing more than 25 calories. The funds collected by the 'fat tax' would be invested in childhood obesity prevention programs, physical education and health programs in schools.
"Over the past 30 years, consumption of sugary beverages in the United States has more than doubled," Ortiz said in a statement announcing his planned legislation. "This trend will increase cases of diabetes and catastrophic disease; as we create a healthy nutritional environment for our children, we secure their health and future."
This is the latest in a long line of legislation championed by Ortiz aimed at raising health awareness among consumers. Ortiz penned legislation that would prevent fast food restaurants from providing toys in kids' meals that did not meet certain nutritional standards. In 2010 Ortiz tried to pass a bill outlawing the use of salt in New York restaurants. Last March Ortiz introduced legislation banning establishments from serving food containing artificial trans fat.
Ortiz has also established the New York State Childhood Obesity Program in 2003. He also proposed a bill that would add a state surcharge to video games and video game consoles. The surcharge would have raised revenue for the Childhood Obesity Program.
http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2013-05-14-83777.113122-Ortiz-plans-penny-surcharge-on-sugary-drinks.html
