SALTER – Soft drinks the new ‘sin’ tax in Miss.?
Even leading Democrats in the Mississippi Legislature like state Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, take a look at the current stagnant economy and admit that there’s “no stomach” at the Capitol for any general tax increases in 2010.
But with the state’s revenue situation in dire circumstances and deep state budget cuts already anticipated, it’s likely that some fee increases may well come down the pike. It’s also likely that some new “sin” taxes could be explored.
The most likely target for any new “sin” taxes in Mississippi will be the lowly soda. “Sodas” are what Yankees call “Cokes,” which is what Southerners call any soft drink regardless of brand.
After months of talking about raising federal taxes on sodas as part of the federal public health reform bills, the Senate Finance Committee version of the bill contained no new taxes on sodas or other sweetened beverages. The House version also doesn’t contain a soda tax. And the White House said last month that President Barack Obama is not going to ask for Congress to put a soda tax in the final legislation.
The Clarion-Ledger
10/21/9
Magnolia Tribune
