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After many cities, including Cook County, Ill. have passed a sugary beverage tax, other cities are introducing the idea to their city council.
Recently, Mayors Javier Gonzales proposed a tax sugary beverages as an “active way” to help fund and support early childhood education initiatives.
However, according to the local Local News Santa Fe, New Mexican, the City Council has requested more information. The council is wary of the tax plan, where the Council’s Finance Committee was concerned on how the public would just change their buy habits.
The Council also commented on how the city’s finances remain fragile, and how they do not see how the tax would generate the projected goal to collect around $10million a year for municipal grants to help fund pre-K programs.
However, Councilor Signe Lindell explained in the article, that everyone supports the goals of the tax.
Some of the goals of the tax include plans to support public and private programs that help low-income children with early brain development, education, and well-being.
Education is vital for all kids, and consumption of sugary sweetened beverages are linked to unhealthy risks in children, including cavities, fatty liver disease, metabolic illness and growing up to be at unhealthy weights.
The American Heart Association recommends children consume less than six teaspoons of added sugar a day. A 12-ounce can of regular Coca-Cola contains nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar and 140 calories.
Latino kids, who are more likely to consume sugary sweetened juices and sports drinks are also more likely to develop diabetes or other health risks, studies show.
Encouraging Latino families to consume healthy beverages and decrease consumption of unhealthy beverages may help Santa Fe support overall healthier lifestyles and decrease health risks for the community.
See how even some Latino teens helped bring awareness about not being targeted to drink sugary beverages here.
To learn more about the dangers of sugar-sweetened beverages and Latino kids, click here.
By The Numbers
74
percent
of Latino kids have had a sugary drink by age 2 (vs. 45% of white kids)
