Foto: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan is calling for a public hearing to discuss taxing sweetened beverages and using the money from the tax to help fight health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
This would include a tax on soda, sports drinks, and tea.
In her formal request for a public hearing, Durkan said research shows that consuming 'sugar-sweetened beverages' (SSBs) contributes to diseases, while other cities with SSB tax revenues are effectively using that money to reinvest in public health initiatives.
She wrote in Substack that it's time to consider different approaches to preventing and treating diseases. "Boston needs to look at additional revenue sources, and with rising rates of chronic diseases, the time has come to explore innovative ways to address these challenges. That’s why this Wednesday, I’m filing a hearing order to explore the idea of a sugar-sweetened beverage tax (SSBT) in Boston, and I’d love to hear your thoughts."
Boston resident Erin said she stopped drinking soda a few years ago and thinks a soda surcharge would be effective.
"It's a really great idea," she said. "I've cut it out and I don't drink soda anymore. I've actually lost a lot of weight."
Another resident agreed with the proposal. "Putting out stuff that's bad for us for a long time, so I think it's time for them to pay back."
But Leroy said he doesn't like the idea of a beverage tax.
He said it's just another example of living in a state that already has high taxes.
"They ... tax for everything," Leroy said. "We're being taxed out of our income."
The City Council will discuss Durkan's request during its meeting on Wednesday.
Other cities that already have a similar tax in place include San Francisco, Seattle, and Philadelphia.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.
