Soda Tax Differences

For John, BLUF:  This isn't a deposit, but a tax.  If you are living on $30,000 a year this is a big deal.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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From Nation of Change, a Progressive publication, and Reporter Andrew Emett, we have the story of a difference between, a fight between, the Democratic Party candidates, former Secretary of State Hillary Clintona and Senator Bernie Sanders, over a tax on soft drinks.  The headline is "Sanders and Clinton Clash Over Soda Tax"

Here is the issue in a nutshell:

Despite the fact that Clinton pledged not to impose any new taxes on households earning under $250,000 a year, she recently broke her promise by supporting Philadelphia’s proposed soda tax.

Here is the lede plus one paragraph:

In response to Hillary Clinton’s recent endorsement to tax sugary drinks, Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke out against the regressive tax on Friday, asking why low-income families should be forced to pay more while large corporations continue to hide trillions in offshore tax havens.  Although Sanders supports the mayor’s goal to pay for universal preschool in Philadelphia, he does not believe that the funds must be derived from a tax targeting impoverished people.

On Wednesday, Clinton announced that she is “very supportive” of a soda tax proposed by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney last month.  Under the proposed tax, a 12-pack of soda would cost an additional $4.32 despite the fact that it typically costs between $3 and $6 at the grocery store.  Besides soft drinks, the tax would also include juice drinks, sports drinks, and teas.

I think I am with Bernie on this one.

Regards  —  Cliff