I don't understand why the knee-jerk reaction to funding something is always to create a tax as a penalty. This suggested tax increase on beer and other alcohol to fund health care initiatives is punitive and misguided. You think the health problems most people face in this country are because of beer and wine? Why not got to the heart of the problem and levy a sin tax on potato chips, beef jerky and candy bars? Where is the doughnut and milkshake tax? From Metro:
As members of the Senate Finance Committee met behind closed doors yesterday to discuss health care, one of the measures they are considering is a tax on alcohol, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press.
In addition to taxing beer, hard liquor and wine, other drinks targeted as contributors to rising obesity, like sodas, might also be taxed.
If implemented, the tax increase on alcohol might affect consumer behavior, but many say that a few more dollars per six-pack won’t deter drinking.
“The hops shortage didn’t do it, which sent prices up extremely,” said Greg Everhan, 26, a salesman at a Philadelphia beer distributor. “They’ve tried to do this stuff in the past, but if the brewers aren’t afraid, why should we be? It’s a joke.”
Everhan’s co-worker, Dewi Artha of South Philadelphia, 26, agrees, adding, “customers would be mad, but they’d still be drinking.”
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