I pay 10% tax on soda and junk food. Well, actually I pay 10% tax on all groceries in Birmingham, AL. Whether I'm getting a 12 pack of our wonderful locally produced Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale or a pound of Chilton County peaches, the combined state, county, and city taxes total 10%.
So forgive me if I fail to muster sympathy for opponents of the "soda tax." I'd be thrilled if I had to pay taxes on only soda and junk food. Last time I checked, soda and junk food are discretionary purchases. Milk, bread, cheese, fruits and vegetables, dried legumes, etc. seem to be far more necessary. I can live without Coke and moon pies, but grocery staples are not optional.
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