N306 - Northern Soda Regulation Act

[Maxwell]

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Sponsor: Lt. Governor R2D2

72 hrs for debate, 48 hrs for vote

Explain yourself!

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Considering we are at a bit of an impasse to raise money for the regional budget, I think this is a good idea. Getting people away from drinking soda, and promoting healthy lifestyles to boot, is an earnest goal. While there may be backlash because people believe this is a tax on free choice, consider that we also tax cigarettes and alcohol, which are scientifically proven to be as bad for one's health as soda is.

[JGibson]

Based on what's in the bill, I am going to vote NAY on this bill.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Based on what's in the bill, I am going to vote NAY on this bill.

Care to explain why?

[JGibson]

Based on what's in the bill, I am going to vote NAY on this bill.

Care to explain why?

Why I will vote NAY: I am opposed to soda taxes on principle.

[Wells]

I have an issue with this bill, specifically the third clause. I'm all for promoting healthy habits, but banning certain purchases seems unnecessary. How would they be enforced? Perhaps a larger tax on those purchases would be more effective or generate more revenue.

And JGibson could explain his position a little better than "principle".

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Based on what's in the bill, I am going to vote NAY on this bill.

Care to explain why?

Why I will vote NAY: I am opposed to soda taxes on principle.

And...why is that? I'm looking for constructive criticism, not "I will vote nay."

I have an issue with this bill, specifically the third clause. I'm all for promoting healthy habits, but banning certain purchases seems unnecessary. How would they be enforced? Perhaps a larger tax on those purchases would be more effective or generate more revenue.

And JGibson could explain his position a little better than "principle".

I'll offer an amendment:

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[Maxwell]

R2D2's amendment.

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[JGibson]

I believe that this soda tax bill is adverse to the interests of this region's low-income residents.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

I believe that this soda tax bill is adverse to the interests of this region's low-income residents.

Now we're getting somewhere. Perhaps it's better to deter low-income residents from drinking soda, though, because of its ill health effects? It's not exactly rocket science to figure out why obesity is such a problem with lower income folks; unhealthy food and beverages are cheaper. What ever happened to just drinking good old-fashioned H2O?

[Wells]

I motion for a final vote on this bill.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

I motion for a final vote on this bill.

Accepted. Voting will last 48 hours. JGibson and I will record our votes.


Aye

[JGibson]

NAY

[Grumpier Than Thou]

There is a tie. I couldn't find any language in the regional Constitution about what procedure is when a tie arises. I'm motioning to suspend the vote, and allow us to vote again after Maxwell's seat is filled. Does that work for the Governor?

[Wells]

There is a tie. I couldn't find any language in the regional Constitution about what procedure is when a tie arises. I'm motioning to suspend the vote, and allow us to vote again after Maxwell's seat is filled. Does that work for the Governor?

That sounds good. We'll hold another vote next week.

[Drew]

Shall we simply revote, or reopen debate first?

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Shall we simply revote, or reopen debate first?

We'll reopen debate for 24 hours and subsequently hold another vote for 24 hours.

[Drew]

I do have concerns about item III, imposing an additional tax for purchases over a certain volume.  Enforcement and implementation of this provision could be difficult.  For one thing, computers and cash registers would have to be reconfigured to take this conditional extra tax into account.  Also, people will find ways around paying the extra tax by making separate trips or whatnot.  They'll feel like they're being policed on how much soda they're drinking.

Also, JGibson makes a fair point about this tax potentially hitting low-income Northerners harder.  Though on the other hand, the money goes toward a good cause as stated in item IV.

Overall, I'm afraid I cannot support this bill in its current form.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Taking into account the concerns raised by my colleagues, I have decided to withdraw this bill.

Debate is hereby tabled.