Editorial Argues Soda Tax Should Have Broader Scope

A San Jose Mercury News editorial argues that a proposal (SB 622) by state Sen. Bill Monning (D-Monterey) that would levy a penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages is too narrow in its focus. The editorial states, "To really make a difference in the obesity trend, lawmakers need to look more broadly at its causes and the public cost of unhealthy diets," noting that junk food is "every bit as bad for people" as soda.

• "Mercury News Editorial: Sin Tax Unfairly Targets Soda Manufacturers" (San Jose Mercury News, 1/6).