Over the past few years, several cities and states have proposed taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.  This year is no different: Connecticut and Vermont have introduced tax bills that would raise the price of beverages as much as 50 percent in one case.

Lawmakers who propose these taxes keep ignoring that voters continue to send the message year after year that they do not want their shopping bills to go up or the government telling them what they should put in their grocery carts.

It’s no secret that these taxes are unpopular with the general public: more than 30 proposed soda taxes have failed in recent years. So why do politicians keep trying? Some say it’s to lower obesity rates. But it appears these taxes are more about demonizing one product to avoid budget cuts rather than helping reduce obesity.

A tax will not help make people healthy.  Real and lasting solutions start by providing people with the information and options they need to achieve a balanced lifestyle.  That is why just last year America’s leading beverage companies set a goal to reduce beverage calories consumed per person nationally by 20 percent by 2025 through our Balance Calories initiative.

To learn more about why taxing soda is not the answer to complex issues like obesity visit YourCartYourChoice.com.