Repeal Candy Tax-Exemption to Promote Health Lifestyle04-22-2009
To the Editor:
Northern Berkshire Healthcare and its subsidiary, North Adams Regional Hospital, are in favor of repealing the sales tax exemptions for candy, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (House Bill 101), and in favor of instituting a Commonwealth Wellness Fund using revenues generated by this repeal (Section 13, Chapter 29, Section 2ZZZ of the General Laws).
The best public health policy ensures that the healthy lifestyle choice is the easiest and lowest-cost choice for citizens. Medical research for the past several years has overwhelmingly shown that consumption of non-nutritive foods and beverages can lead to obesity and the resulting chronic health issues of heart disease and diabetes, not to mention alcohol addiction. Exempting non-nutritive foods and beverages from sales tax creates a false illusion among citizens that these items may be consumed freely and without forethought.
Through the hospital's community health education department, Reach for Community Health, we strive to help residents in our area make sensible decisions to avoid chronic diseases that are related to lifestyle choices. As you may know, North Berkshire has a higher incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and alcohol use than the state average, so there is much work to be done. This repeal would clearly support Reach's efforts.
We have appealed to our legislators to help get the message across by working to repeal sales tax exemptions for candy, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. This will encourage consumers to re-examine the proportion of their budget that they are willing to devote to the purchase of these items. It is likely that this action will result in a reduction in consumption, similar to the reduction in tobacco consumption that results from an increase in tobacco purchase prices.
The repeal of HB 101 and the institution of Section 13, Chapter 29, Section 2ZZZ will encourage healthier consumption levels of non-nutritive foods and beverages, and will place revenues in much-needed state-funded programs. Northern Berkshire Healthcare supports these anticipated outcomes, to improve the health status of our local community.
Sincerely,
Deborah Simmons, executive director, Reach for Community Health
Jennifer Munoz, Get Fit Program Manager, Reach for Community Health
April, 20, 2009
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