SHOCKING TURN OF EVENTS! Santa Cruz Declares War on Sugary Beverages!
Sweet Revenge: Santa Cruz Unleashes a 2-Cent Tax on Sugary Drinks!
In an electrifying twist, the beach paradise of Santa Cruz has unleashed a ground-shaking 2-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks, starting Thursday! This bold move comes seven years after California’s deal with big beverage moguls put a stranglehold on local grocery taxes.
David vs. Goliath: Santa Cruz Takes on Beverage Giants!
The ballot measure was a political David slingshotting against Goliath, fueled by the mighty American Beverage Association, which threw buckets of cash into an effort to crush this tax. Despite their attempts to label it illegal and a potential disaster for the city, the resilient residents of Santa Cruz stood firm!
Game On: Legal Battle Looms!
City officials are revving up to battle the state’s preemption law in court, holding onto hope that their sugar tax will light a fire under other cities to follow suit! They aim to tackle sugar consumption, especially among kids, while raking in funds for essential health programs.
“A Stand for Democracy!” says Vice Mayor!
“This is about democracy and kicking special interests to the curb!” declared Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, Santa Cruz’s Vice Mayor, echoing the community’s thirst for independence and revenue generation!
Beverage Titans BACKLASH!
In a nail-biting response, the beverage industry, represented by the likes of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, is now weighing its next move. Kicking up dust, they argue this tax is an unfair burden on working families, according to a spokesperson for the American Beverage Association.
Health Advocates CHEER: A Long-Awaited Victory!
For over a decade, health advocates have been on the front lines fighting for taxes on sugar-laden drinks, claiming that sky-high prices could finally put the brakes on this obesity epidemic! Yet, opponents decry it as a burden on low-income families who already feel the squeeze.
Berkeley Sparks the Sugar Tax Revolution!
Berkeley kicked off the sugary beverage tax game way back in 2014, igniting a trend with other cities like San Francisco and Philadelphia joining the fray. But hold on—no state has dared to follow suit at the state level.
Epic Battle of 2018: California’s Grocery Act Rattles the Stage!
In a dramatic standoff, California lawmakers had previously voted for the Keep Groceries Affordable Act, placing a ban on local sugary drink taxes until 2031. But Santa Cruz leaders? They weren’t backing down!
Courtroom Drama Unfolds!
A groundbreaking court decision in 2023 declared a penalty provision unconstitutional! The revolutionary tax was narrowly approved by nearly 32,000 voters—talk about a nail-biter!
Brace for Impact: Tax Affects Your Favorite Drinks!
This new tax hits sodas, iced teas, and sports drinks that clock in at 40 calories per 12 fluid ounces! Small businesses? They might catch a break—if they rake in less than $500,000 annually.
Local Restaurant Owner FUMES!
Carina Moreno, owner of Tacos Moreno, is fuming at the new tax and warns she’ll have to raise her prices. “I was devastated when the results came in! We already shell out big bucks for sugary drinks!”
Victory for the Little Guy: A Call to Arms!
Tax advocates are celebrating this triumph against all odds, proving that grassroots movements can spark colossal change. Dr. John Maa, a San Francisco surgeon, sees hope for the future of sugar taxes in small communities like Santa Cruz.
“This is a monumental week for the soda tax movement!” he declared.
Stay tuned, folks! The battle against sugary drinks is just heating up, and Santa Cruz is leading the charge!
photo credit: fortune.com
