Doctors against tax exempt soda & candy

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A coalition of Massachusetts doctors is launching a campaign against sugary sweets and drinks.  With 30 to 40 percent of Massachusetts children overweight or obese, they’re looking for ways to discourage families from maintaining unhealthy diets.  They are thus leading a legislative effort to end the 6.25 percent sales-tax exemption on soft drinks and candy.

“Currently the tax exemption for food is enjoyed by these items which are actually not food, not nutritional and as we heard today from the doctors, very injurious to health, particularly the health of children,” said Boston Foundation President Paul Grogan.   

As part of an education campaign, they’ve printed up to 5,000 prescription pads showing soda bottles with a line crossed through them, which they plan to give to patients.

“We hope that his acts as a visual for our patients and our families and our children to help them reduce their consumption and therefore reduce the health effects that sugar has and overall reduce childhood obesity,” said Dr. Natalie Stavas, a pediatric resident leading the campaign.

The bill has been included in Governor Deval Patrick’s state budget proposal for the last three years and has been three times rejected. 

An American Beverage Association spokesperson said they are neutral on broad-based taxes, but criticize any excess taxes that single out soda.

The president of the Massachusetts Medical Society insists the focus should be on making children, who struggle with weight, healthy. “Sometimes I’ll say to them, you know, just do me a favor, for two months don’t drink any soda, just drink water, and then come back in and see how you’re doing.  And the majority of these children actually lose weight,” said Massachusetts Medical Society President Lynda Young.

Supporters of the bill said that by removing the tax exemption on sugary sweets and drinks, the state could generate $50 million dollars in revenue that could go toward public health efforts.