Theses famous words from Benjamin Franklin can ring true in a whole new way for Vermonters this year. Obesity has become an epidemic, and the health of our country is worse than it’s been before. But in Vermont, we can do something about it.
A two-cent-per-ounce sugary beverage tax will set us in motion to reverse obesity, especially in children, and help those less fortunate in our state live more healthfully. Every ounce a Vermonter doesn’t drink makes that individual healthier, and every ounce they do drink helps supports programs that make all of Vermont healthier.
Given that consumption of sugary drinks in the U.S. has increased 500 percent over the last five decades and one-fifth of the weight gained by American in the last 30 years has been from sugary drinks, a two cent per ounce excise tax on sugary drinks may be just what we need to start taking those pounds off.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It’s time for Vermont to end its addiction to sugar-loaded drinks one ounce at a time. It’s time for Vermont to help our children lead healthier lives and provide them with better health care options. It’s time to move forward with the sugary beverage tax.
Go to http://allianceforahealthiervt.org/ to learn more and sign our resolution.
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