Senate committee considers soda tax to combat obesity

Another interesting article today is that a Senate committee considers soda tax to combat obesity. The Senate Finance Committee is looking to add a tax to all sugar-filled drinks and alcohol. Opponents of this tax say sugary sodas and juices are not the main culprits in America's obesity battle, and supporters believe that the taxes could reduce consumption while offsetting some health care costs.

While we generally don't like new taxes, this one is of interest. Taxing those industries that cause high health costs, and contribute to general ill health, is a good way to reduce consumption of those products and helps make the price of the item reflect the true societal costs of the items.