By Buffalo, NY
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-891979.mp3
Eileen Buckley – State Health Commissioner Richard Daines has been conducting a state-wide push to promote a proposed tax on sugary beverages.
Governor David Paterson proposed a penny per ounce tax on sugary drinks that contain more than ten calories per eight ounces. That would affect sodas, sports and energy drinks. Daines says the proposed tax would help reduce high rates of obesity.
New Yorkers Against Unfair Taxes is fighting the tax. Here in Western New York Budwey's supermarket owner Frank Budwey appears in television ads saying the sugar soda tax would hurt consumers.
A similar proposal was rejected by the State Legislature last year and could be headed in that same direction. The bill is not expected to pass in the State Senate with several Democrats joining Republicans who oppose it.