Tuesday, February 16, 2010

"Sin taxes" may be New York State's way out of its deficits

New York State is hurting for tax revenue right?

Soft drinks, loaded with sugar and few to no nutrients, contribute to obesity and other health problems, right?

Alcoholic beverages also contribute to many social problems from DWI deaths to rape, assault, property damage, etc.

Why not tax them to help cover the social costs which these substances incur to taxpayers in our health care and criminal justice systems?

Legalizing and taxing marijuana is a good idea too.

And while we're at it, let's increase the taxes on gambling.

If you want to play, you have to pay. Pay for the negative social consequences which such indulgences has on your fellow citizens.

Here is a neat advertisement which appeared in the Winter, 2009, issue of the Erie County Council For Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Newsletter.

Click on image to enlarge for easier reading.

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