Follies of Pittsburgh’s Beverage Tax

This week the student-run Publius Foundation think tank in Pittsburgh released their second study. Looking at the proposed Pittsburgh Beverage Tax, the brief concludes soda taxes harm the economy and fail to reduce obesity.

Demonizing sweetened-beverages with talking points that aren’t supported by science may fill city coffers, but it won’t positively impact the health of Pittsburghers or the fiscal health of Pittsburgh businesses. Rather than seek fast money by taxing tuition or soda, Pittsburgh politicians need to develop a serious plan to fund the city’s pension obligations.

This energetic group of young free market advocates is refreshing in a city where policy discussions are limited to new taxes or new fees to cover higher spending.

For a full copy of “Beverage Tax Follies” is available on PubliusFoundation.com.