Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is pushing a tax increase on citizens who consume soft drinks. Using the well-worn "public health" argument, Democrat Preckwinkle argues that Blacks are are unable to make wise choices, which has resulted in larger waistlines and rising obesity among African-Americans.
Preckwinkle has proposed a penny-an-ounce sweetened beverage tax for consumers in Cook County. She said the plan could help Cook County and thousands of Blacks who struggled to stay healthy and in shape. However, in a phone interview with the Chicago Defender on Oct. 27, Preckwinkle admitted the real reason for the proposed beverage tax is to close a $173 million deficit in Cook County’s $4.4 billion budget for 2017.
“I don’t want to mislead you. This is a revenue-generating idea…,” Preckwinkle said.
The tax, which would be aimed primarily at the poor, would generate $74,000,000 and increase the cost of pop by about 72 cents for a six pack of soda, and about 68 cents for a two-liter bottle. The tax would be applied to fountain drinks and beverages that include artificial sweeteners.
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