Rep. John Velis
WESTFIELD – Representative John Velis has denounced a proposed surtax on sugary-drinks as harmful to middle-class taxpayers and small businesses. The bill in question, proposed by Senator Lewis of Winchester, would put a tax on drinks with high levels of sugar- up to $0.02 per ounce on drinks with more than 20 grams per 12-ounces. It would be the first statewide legislation of its kind meant to reduce sugar consumption and obesity by making consumers think twice before purchasing a soda or juice with added sugar.
“I support the overall intent of the bill, but I can’t support a new tax that would take more money out of the pockets of hard-working taxpayers and the small business community. Two cents doesn’t seem like much these days, but when you add it up, the cost of your average 20-ounce Coke will increase by $0.40,” said Representative Velis. “If taxpayers still choose to drink it, they’ll pay more, but if they opt out because of the tax, the business has lost a sale. It’s no good for anyone.”
The tax is largely considered to be regressive, meaning that it will hit those on the lower end of the income scale more. For example, where a wealthier family may choose to drink fresh juice, a middle-class family will usually opt for the less expensive option with added sugar. Additionally, a tax of over a dollar on a jug of lemonade would hit the wallets of middle-class families harder. Velis also believes that the excess sugar tax on drinks will start to cut into profits for small businesses if people opt out on their regular soda because of the price increase.
“Obviously the public health of our citizens, especially children, is incredibly important, and not only because there are lives at risk. The taxpayer cost associated with covering obesity-related conditions for those on MassHealth is huge, but punishing our middle-class taxpayers and striking at the livelihoods of small business owners isn’t the answer.
“This tax is only going to hurt families and businesses who are struggling financially. Increasing the price of these drinks will do very little to address the underlying problem. Most people aren’t going to stop drinking Coke because of forty cents, but they will have that much less money to spend on fruits and vegetables.”
