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Soda Tax: Oregon



Where 'Yes! To Affordable Groceries' Really Means No to a Soda Tax

In Oregon and Washington state, several initiatives are up for a vote. These initiatives set out to preemptively ban any taxes on the food and drinks in these states. And while this sounds appealing to voters, there is a shadowy undercurrent- the soda industry. A growing movement for soda taxes across the country- and even internationally- has made many companies nervous, and as a result, they've taken action, insidiously inserting themselves into democracy. Obscuring the issue, and their involvement, millions of dollars in funding have been thrown at these causes. The industry can't stomach the idea of progressive states catching on, and losing huge portions of their market.

There's no excusing this lack of transparency, however. Especially in the face of the funding, where in Washington, those against the ballot initiative had raised a paltry $100,000 to the soda companies' $20 million. It is no secret that money talks, but this approach in the topic of public health is especially shameful. In a few days, we'll see if the citizens catch on.


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