04.22.2009 4:13 pm
Illinois dentists pushing 5-percent tax on softdrinks
Post-Dispatch Springfield Bureau
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - About 200 dentists were in Springfield today, pushing legislation to increase state funding for dental care around Illinois.
How would they pay for it? You guessed it: A soda-pop tax.
The legislation they’re seeking would tack a 5 percent tax onto softdrinks sold in Illinois. They’re defining “softdrink” as just about anything that except coffee, milk products and any drink that contains more than 50 percent natural fruit or vegetable juice. They say the tax would raise about $94 million a year to increase state funding rates for dental clinics.
If that new toothpaste gets approved (the one that removes harmful bacteria that causes cavities) these guys are going to be making a whole lot less.
The Socialist States of Amerika…It’s coming, hell, it’ probably already here, I’m just still in denial. Geez, I wish people would stop relying on government and government would quit trying to solve problems. Both of those coupled with the apathetic masses have destroyed this once great country. R.I.P. America
Saw this coming a mile away New York already does it for regular soda, wont be long before they try to push it nation wide.
I think the tax is a great idea. They should also use some of the money to educate the morons who give their toddlers baby bottles of Mountain Dew.
Also, low-income people or people without dental insurance should check out the local Dental School in Alton, they do a great job and it is very reasonable (just takes alot of time).
another dumb idea from stupid politicians.
The folks in the capital need to work on creating an environment that helps people prosper so they can pay they’re own way. Socialist programs such as this does nothing to build self worth and independence.
Where do we stop? what are we going to tax next.
Govt. is completely out of control.
I think this is a FINE IDEA! With ONE little modification…
Pass the 5% soda sin-tax, with the money to go for dental care for poor people, with the stipulation that the dentists will be reimbursed for the COSTS ONLY! ZERO PROFIT!
I’ll bet the dentists don’t like my little modification. Oh no, the do not like it even one little bit!
Just tax high fructose corn syrup. It’s turning this nation into a bunch of Rush Limbaughs.
Why limit it at 5%, why not up it to 150% like the Current President of the U.S. did on cigarettes?
What’s so sinful about diet soda? No calories, no sugar, no tooth decay…