Broken Promises

In 1998 the tobacco companies struck a deal worth $246 billion over the first 25 years with the states (U.S.). Sadly, public health organizations report that less than 2% of the $25.7 billion dollars states will collect next year from tobacco tax and settlement revenues will be used to fight smoking. Only two states--Alaska and…

Hiking Cigarette Taxes and the Federal Deficit

The United States Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released data demonstrating that raising the federal excise tax on cigarettes by 50 cents per pack (currently $1.01 per pack) would save lives and reduce the federal deficit even though people would live longer on Medicare. This increase would cause 1.4 million adults to quit smoking and…

Fat Tax in Denmark

Thinking of buying a hamburger in Denmark? You’ll pay extra because of a new tax based on the amount of saturated fat contained in the food. This Scandinavian country is the first in the world to do penalize all foods based on saturated fat content above 2.3% of calories. Will Danes lower their health risks…

Should There Be A Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax?

We all know too much sugar is harmful to us! Yet how many of us make conscious choices to reduce our intake of refined sweeteners? Did I see all hands raised? Good for you!