ALBANY -- Proponents of New York's proposed "soda tax" have stepped up their multi-media campaign.
The Alliance For A Healthier New York has begun airing television spots statewide in which health experts discuss the problem of child obesity. The ads direct viewers to a website which features an on-line petition to convince legislators in Albany to support the soda tax of a penny per ounce on sugary drinks.
The beverage industry and its supporters also have an on-line petition to oppose the tax through New Yorkers Against Unfair Taxes.
Governor David Paterson hopes the soda tax will not only combat obesity, but also raise $465 million to help balance the state budget by offsetting his proposed cuts to health care.
The public relations campaigns have apparently divided voter in the New York City area. On February 4th, a Quinnipiac University poll found 50 percent support for the tax, while 47 percent opposed it. Two weeks later, when asked if they'd support the tax if it helped balance the budget, Quinnipiac found 76 percent would support it, while 22 percent said no.
