We've noted on several occasions that the American public simply doesn't want a soda tax - for a number of reasons.  Just yesterday, an Adweek/Harris Poll conducted by Harris Interactive confirmed this once again.  In fact, the poll's findings show that 56 percent of Americans are opposed to a tax on soft drinks, with less than a third supporting the idea.  And it's not the only poll with such findings, rather it is the latest in a national trend of independent public opinion research that reinforces what we've been saying:  Americans are tired of new taxes and don't want the government using the tax code to dictate what they eat or drink.

A few months ago, a national poll released by Rasmussen Reports also found that a majority of Americans oppose a tax on soft drinks.  And respondents strongly believed that lawmakers are far more interested in raising money for more government than in using tax revenue for public health.

Across the board, respondents have clearly stated in no uncertain terms that they do not support a tax on soft drinks that will inevitably go to paying for more government.

The facts remain that taxes such as those being talked about by some activists and policymakers are highly regressive, hurting the most those who can least afford it.  As lawmakers look for ways to address public health issues like obesity, we encourage them to focus on meaningful and lasting solutions - not simplistic solutions that will only fill budget gaps on the backs of their hard-working constituents.