Governor David Paterson and Mayor Michael Bloomberg made a joint statement expressing that beverages sweetened with sugar are "the largest single contributor to the obesity epidemic." The statement continued, "The use of food stamp benefits to support the purchase of sugar sweetened drinks not only contradicts the intent of this vital program, but it also subsidizes a serious public health epidemic."
"Obesity-related illness costs New York State residents almost $8 billion annually, or $770 for each household, according to city and state health officials. Overweight or obese adults comprise 57 percent of the city's population, they said. Almost half, or 46 percent, of the 22,300 people hospitalized for obesity-related diabetes each year live in low-income neighborhoods, the statement said."
Previously, "Paterson proposed, and Bloomberg supported, a half-cent per ounce tax on sugared drinks as a health initiative and as a revenue source to help close a budget deficit. The governor abandoned the effort after beverage industry lobbyists persuaded legislative leaders to oppose it."
To read the Bloomberg story, click here.
Posted: 10/07/2010
