Enid News Editorial
July 29, 2009

Are you ready to start paying a slew of new “fat” taxes for certain foods or drinks you consume that some think tank somewhere considers a poor health choice?

Get ready, because that’s exactly what many lawmakers and advocates of health care reform have in mind to help pay for the massive health care reform being considered in Congress. Senate leaders are considering new federal taxes on soda and other sugary drinks. Other watchdog groups are busy identifying other food items they believe are too high in sugar or fat content to tax as well.

The idea is twofold. First, even lawmakers in favor of this overhaul realize the cost is going to be enormous, and a few millionaires won’t be able to foot the bill. So, there goes the idea only the rich will be taxed for health care reform. Taxes on these items will go toward funding the plan. Second, proponents say taxing these items will discourage people from consuming them and to make healthier choices. Advocates for this point to the massively high taxes now levied on cigarettes and recent statistics that show smoking is declining.

Both ideas are right. Yes, a tax on these items will raise a lot of dollars. Advocates say it will raise $530 billion in 10 years. And, yes, if you tax something high enough, people may quit buying that item.

Yet, there’s big gap in reality here. First, the poorest will be hit the hardest in the short-term by these new taxes. Unfortunately, many of our nation’s poor live in areas where they don’t have access to large supermarkets that offer fresh produce and other healthy items. What is being done to provide more produce and healthy food access for these people?

Second, purchasing healthier items is often more expensive for consumers. In many instances, fresh and organic items cost more than packaged or prepared foods.

If we’re going to start taxing foods deemed “unhealthy,” how about giving a break to those who purchase healthy foods? If we’re going to get in the business of financially punishing bad behavior, how about financially rewarding good behavior?

Taxes on unhealthy food items should be offset by tax exemptions on items considered healthy. It only makes sense, if we’re really trying to alter behavior, to reward good decisions with tax incentives.

Unfortunately, government officials don’t always think about rewarding positive behavior. Our government seems to be in the business of penalizing, wherever it can.