.png)
Bloomberg To Back Soda Tax In Berkeley
LOS ANGELES — In Berkeley, Calif., where a campaign is on to persuade voters to impose a 1-cent-an-ounce tax on sugary drinks, the spending fight has been lopsided indeed: Proponents of the tax had raised $135,000 as of last week, compared with $1.4 million spent by the beverage industry, which has successfully blocked just about every attempt nationally to levy such a tax. In Berkeley, a city of 117,000, that amounts to nearly $12 per resident spent to defeat the ballot measure.
Now, Michael R. Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York who has made a campaign of trying to curb consumption of sugary drinks, is throwing in some financial weight. Aides said that he had decided to spend money in Berkeley to help counter the beverage industry, most likely by paying for mailings and get-out-the-vote efforts. His first contribution was $85,000, but the aides would not say how much he intended to donate over the course of the campaign.
“We want to come in and try to equalize the spending disparity, which is enormous,” said Howard Wolfson, a senior adviser to Mr. Bloomberg.
As mayor, Mr. Bloomberg tried to impose a ban on the sale of large soft drinks in New York City and to persuade the New York State Legislature to impose a statewide soda tax. He was defeated on both counts. But he contributed close to $10 million to a successful campaign to impose a heavy tax on sugary drinks in Mexico last year, and there has been a notable dropin soda consumption since it went into effect this year.
By Adam Nagourney, Oct. 17, 2014, Nytimes.com
LOS ANGELES — In Berkeley, Calif., where a campaign is on to persuade voters to impose a 1-cent-an-ounce tax on sugary drinks, the spending fight has been lopsided indeed: Proponents of the tax had raised $135,000 as of last week, compared with $1.4 million spent by the beverage industry, which has successfully blocked just about every attempt nationally to levy such a tax. In Berkeley, a city of 117,000, that amounts to nearly $12 per resident spent to defeat the ballot measure.
Now, Michael R. Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York who has made a campaign of trying to curb consumption of sugary drinks, is throwing in some financial weight. Aides said that he had decided to spend money in Berkeley to help counter the beverage industry, most likely by paying for mailings and get-out-the-vote efforts. His first contribution was $85,000, but the aides would not say how much he intended to donate over the course of the campaign.
“We want to come in and try to equalize the spending disparity, which is enormous,” said Howard Wolfson, a senior adviser to Mr. Bloomberg.
As mayor, Mr. Bloomberg tried to impose a ban on the sale of large soft drinks in New York City and to persuade the New York State Legislature to impose a statewide soda tax. He was defeated on both counts. But he contributed close to $10 million to a successful campaign to impose a heavy tax on sugary drinks in Mexico last year, and there has been a notable dropin soda consumption since it went into effect this year.
Read the full story: www.nytimes.com
Follow Larry Elder on Twitter
"Like" Larry Elder on Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment Policy:
The author of this blog will attempt to engage in conversation via the comments section whenever possible and recognize the 24/7 nature of the internet. Moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular operational hours Monday through Friday. Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible, however admins and/or the author is unable to commit to replying to every comment posted.
This is a moderated blog. That means all comments will be reviewed before posting. In addition, it is expected that participants will treat each other, as well as the author and admin, with respect. Comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind will not be posted. Comments that are spam or that promote services or products will not be posted. It is requested that all comments remain on topic.
The Elder Statement blog does not guarantee or warrant that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. The Elder Statement blog may not be able to verify, does not warrant or guarantee, and assumes no liability for anything posted on this website by any other person. The Elder Statement blog does not endorse, support or otherwise promote any private or commercial entity or the information, products or services contained on those Web sites that may be reached through links on our Web site.
To protect individual privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include phone numbers, addresses or email details in the body of a comment. Such information will result in removal of a comment.
Thank you for your attention.
The Elder Statement