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Should Junk Foods be Taxed Higher to Bring Down Obesity Risks and Costs?

Governments have long taxed alcohol and tobacco to limit damage. Time for fat, sugar?

After the surgeon-general declared smoking dangerous to your health, steep taxes helped bring down U.S. cigarette use.  

Now comes the latest report on obesity, which suggests that 42 percent of Americans will be obese by 2030. The forecast by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says “32 million more people could be obese in 2030—adding $550 billion in health spending over that time span,” according to an Associated Press report.

We want to hear what you think: Is it time to slap extra taxes on foods high in sugar or saturated fat? Or should education and the marketplace handle what some call a public health crisis?

In 2010, Washington State voters passed Initiative 1107 to end new sales taxes on candy and soda pop, among other items. Do you think it's time to revisit this issue?

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Robin Hebert May 17, 2013 at 02:58 pm
No problem. Welcome Brent. By the way, I'm a graphic artist, have any need for ad design?
Brent Champaco (Editor) May 16, 2013 at 06:36 pm
Thanks for the info!
Brent Champaco (Editor) May 16, 2013 at 02:33 pm
Exactly. Heron's Key is a senior living community that's scheduled to open in 2017. Here's ourRead More story: http://gigharbor.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/gig-harbor-celebrates-the-launch-of-180-million-senio8a20f01358
David V May 15, 2013 at 08:36 pm
2006 as part of the Washington State Life project. Great opp for a tech savvy local.
Brent Champaco (Editor) May 15, 2013 at 05:45 pm
Wow. How old is it exactly?