There is all sorts of talk about a "sugar tax" coming to Portland. Seattle is in the throes of a "sugar tax" (sweetened beverage tax) that is the talk of the town. Portland is discussing doing very much the same thing. Question is, do we have to? Although many have expressed concern about the growing number of jurisdictions imposing taxes on sugary soft drinks in a effort to improve public health and reduce skyrocketing health care costs - e.g., $10 sugary soft drink tax on $15.99 case in Seattle - there is a simple and well tested alternative which appears to be equally effective, more precisely targeted as well as fairer, and one which avoids major arguments against the sugary soft drink tax.
That alternative - or, actually, a supplemental approach - is called "differential health insurance," says public interest law professor John Banzhaf, who helped develop and promote it.
Listen to Mark's chat with Professor John F. Banzhalf of George Washington University Law School. See if this doesn't make better sense.
