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Former Mayor’s Sugar Tax Idea Hits West Coast

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About four years ago the Mayor of Pittsburgh floated the proposal to levy a tax on sugary drinks, most likely to affect soft drinks, what us Pittsburghers call “pop”.  That idea came on the heels of his proposal to tax college tuition—a “tuition privilege tax”—but the sugary drink tax, like the tuition tax, never got off the ground, and for good reason, as a 2010 blog on the topic explained.

The idea has not been raised since for Pittsburgh, but two California cities—Berkeley and San Francisco—are putting the idea of a soda tax on the ballot today for voters to approve or disapprove.  Those in favor say the tax will deter consumption and act against the obesity crisis, those opposed say the industry is being singled out unfairly.   The former Mayor may have briefly alluded to the public health angle of the tax, but the motivation was revenue pure and simple, specifically for the City’s pensions.

So did San Francisco borrow the sugary drink tax idea from Pittsburgh’s failed attempt?  It is doubtful, but it is worth noting that Pittsburgh may have got the idea for a payroll preparation tax from the City by the Bay.

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Allegheny Institute
Allegheny Institute

The Allegheny Institute is a non-profit research and education organization. Our mission is to defend the interests of taxpayers, citizens and businesses against an increasingly burdensome and intrusive government.

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