NY Bill Proposes Fat Tax On Games, DVDs, Junk Food

eldavojohn writes "GamePolitics is writing about a proposal to tax things that make your kids fat. The logic from its author: 'Almost all experts agree that the primary reasons [for the obesity epidemic] are increased consumption of larger quantities of high calorie foods, snacks and sugar sweetened beverages... and lack of physical activity as vigorous play is replaced by sedentary activities such as watching more television, movies and videos and playing video games. This bill would raise revenues from modest surcharges on the very food products and sedentary activities that are linked to the lifestyle changes involved in the explosion of childhood obesity in the last 20-30 years.' Not as explicit as Japan's fat tax but we're getting there."

Comments

Also a tax on Health care premiums

[eht]

Got a letter from my company's health insurance yesterday.

"Health care premiums will increase as a direct result of the State Legislature approving the Governor's proposed increases in taxes, fees and assessments on your health benefits on February 4, as part of his Deficit Reduction Plan."

So they're taxing both ends.

Re:Also a tax on Health care premiums

[Red Flayer]

Yes, but the increase in health care premiums is an indirect result of the insurance companies protecting their margins at all costs. They pass on their increased tax expense, and you pay higher premiums, so that their profits are not damaged -- only yours are. And you know what? You (or your employer) are willing to pay the extra cost.

The answer is to jump ship for another insurer with lower premiums. Oh, they're all raising rates? That's the joy of oligopoly.

Note: at a previous employer, I was able to negotiate a higher salary in exchange for not receiving medical benefits. I self-insured, and made out pretty well (my total cost was around 60% of the company's premium, but they paid me 75% of their premiums over base pay -- so we both saved money, even after employment taxes on the salary difference). My current employer offers nothing of the sort, so they're stuck paying high rates.

Re:Money Grab

[digitalunity]

I don't applaud the effort.

Let's tax loan officers instead because their industry causes great financial harm to the country.

Don't agree? Maybe that's because neither of these makes a lot of sense.

Re:Money Grab

[rock_climbing_guy]

For those of you in the northeast, I recommend shopping at "Wegman's" if Whole Foods is too high for you. I've lived all over the country and I've never seen a place with such a great selection of unprocess, raw, whole foods for such a reasonable cost.

Re:Money Grab

[Attila Dimedici]

Yeah, except the last time a Democrat was President of the U.S. didn't they burn done some compound in Texas because they wouldn't let the ATF in on a "child abuse" warrant? (hint: the ATF doesn't have jurisdiction in child abuse cases)