Will Santa Fe Be Soda Free Next?

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Now that as many cities across the nation have voted in favor of reducing sugary beverage consumption with a soda tax policy, other cities are discussing policy options as well, first up, Santa Fe, New Mexico (51.2% Latino).

Mayor Javier Gonzales introduced a resolution on November 10th 2016, for the city staff to find “active ways” of reducing the sugar for many of the residents of Santa Fe. Gonzales proposed a 2 cent-per-ounce tax would he hopes would help the city to provide more jobs and  bring in over 10 million dollars to help fund Pre-K for all children ages three to four.

Many communities are educating consumers about the dangers of sugary beverages, which are linked to diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, obesity and more, but few have stood up to the millions of dollars spent by the American Beverage Association to keep these initiatives out of all cities.

“No matter what neighborhood you’re born in, what your social or economic background might be you will have and should have access unlimited access to the American dream,” said Mayor Javier Gonzales in a report from local news station, KRQE news.

Public hearings are reported to be in January of 2017, as for now, the Mayor’s office is working on developing an ordinance to be presented to the council.

The New Mexico Beverage association, are working against the tax, stating that since soda consumption has decreased, the funds would be unreliable and unsustainable, however, Forbes reported that Berkely soda tax has not only dropped consumption of soda’s in the low-income areas of the city by 21% but reports also show over one million dollars have been raised since the tax was implemented in March of 2015.

Latino kids often drink more sweetened beverages than their peers and often deal with higher risks of type two diabetes and obesity. Having ways to decrease sugary beverage consumption and increase water consumption for Latino kids has been shown to help reduce body mass index and encourage their chances of a healthier future.

To learn more about Latino kids and sugary beverages, click here.