Should state or local governments tax sodas to fund health care Research Paper

Should state or local governments tax sodas to fund health care - Research Paper Example There is a debate on whether the state government should tax sodas and use the proceeds in health care initiatives. There are many health issues that are related to the intake of sodas in the United States of America. Issues like tooth decay, diabetes and obesity are on the rise among the teens. The contribution of soda to the health care expenses is already high and continues to increase at an alarming rate as depicted by the expenditure on health related issues. It is estimated that $79 billion is spent yearly on obesity and overweight related issues (Lohnes, 2006). The proponents of the tax levy on sodas argue that the taxation of these sodas will help in reducing heath related illnesses like obesity diabetes and tooth decay. The acids that are contained in the sodas breaks up the tooth enamel thus destroying it. The Sodas are known to contain a high level of sugar which is harmful to the health of the people. Various proposals have been put forward regarding the taxation of sodas; the mayor of Philadelphia Michael Nutter proposed a tax on all beverages with added sugar, putting a two-cents-ounce levy on the sugar added drinks. The overall effect of the taxation is that an estimated $ 77 million per year would be generated and directed towards health care programs (Nolan, 2009). Sodas are considered as diuretics implying that they have the ability to dehydrate the body. In places like South Texas where the temperatures are extremely high during summer, the continuous consumption of sodas will cause serious dehydration to the body thus leading to complicated health issues since dehydration causes headaches and heat exhaustion. Nolan (2009) states that the government should impose a tax on the sodas in order to discourage the consumption of sugar added soda. When a tax is levied on soda, it implies that the price of the product will go up meaning that many people will not be able to afford buying the product. This will shift the preference of the people