Senate Proposes Tax Increase on Alcohol in the Name of Health
By Anita Gutierrez-Folc 2009-5-24 18:39:46
The proposed beverage tax would help provide an estimated 50 million Americans with health insurance. But manufacturers, small businesses and consumers aren’t happy about a possible increase in price.Proposed Taxes Take Aim at Unhealthy Beverages
Earlier this week, the Senate Finance Committee met to find ways to pay for health insurance coverage for America’s estimated 50 million uninsured, an endeavor that could cost approximately $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years, the Associated Press reported. In addition to spending cuts, the Committee is considering increased taxes on beer, wine, hard liquor and possibly even “a new tax on soda and other sugary drinks blamed for contributing to obesity,” according to AP.
A Senate Finance Committee document describing the details of the proposed tax increase states that beer taxes would increase by 48 cents per six-pack (from the current 33 cents), wine taxes would go up to 49 cents per bottle (from the current 21 cents) and taxes on hard liquor would rise by 40 cents per fifth (from the current $2.14), according to AP. “The idea behind the proposed increases is to tax lifestyle choices that contribute to rising medical costs,” AP reported.
Earlier this week, the Senate Finance Committee met to find ways to pay for health insurance coverage for America’s estimated 50 million uninsured, an endeavor that could cost approximately $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years, the Associated Press reported. In addition to spending cuts, the Committee is considering increased taxes on beer, wine, hard liquor and possibly even “a new tax on soda and other sugary drinks blamed for contributing to obesity,” according to AP.
A Senate Finance Committee document describing the details of the proposed tax increase states that beer taxes would increase by 48 cents per six-pack (from the current 33 cents), wine taxes would go up to 49 cents per bottle (from the current 21 cents) and taxes on hard liquor would rise by 40 cents per fifth (from the current $2.14), according to AP. “The idea behind the proposed increases is to tax lifestyle choices that contribute to rising medical costs,” AP reported.
From findingdulcinea