Seattle's New Sugar Tax

Seattle recently got a new law that now adds tax to sweetened beverages, and you could say that the majority of the population it affects, or might possibly affect in the future, is not happy. Although the law is just for Seattle at the moment, many other people living in the areas around Seattle are starting to worry about having to start paying so much extra, just for a sweet carbonated drink. Despite multiple store owners and consumers being opposed to the new tax, the City Council approved it in June.

One of the main and important reasons for this new tax to be implemented is because of the concern for the health of the citizens. It is proven that those who drink sugary drinks more often are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and dental decay. If you put a higher tax on something popular and also harmful while raising its price a decent amount, then the chances are and the hopes are that people will stop drinking soda or at least slowly come to a stop. Hopefully people will start to realize that the money they waste on it could be put towards something healthier and less harmful.

Another opinion of the law is that it is essentially “punishing the poor.” I personally disagree, because I don’t think that the poor would be personally attacked because they might not be able to afford soda anymore. Soda isn’t something you necessarily need, so the added on dollars shouldn’t be the end of the world for anyone it affects. In the first year, Seattle Officials expect to earn $15 million from this, and a good amount of it is going to the Fresh Bucks program. This is a program provides families with low-incomes with vouchers so families with less money can still get fresh fruits and vegetables.