Paterson Admits His Soda Tax Is Fizzling

MORRISVILLE, N.Y. (AP) -- Gov. David Paterson admits one of his most talked-about tax proposals, an obesity tax on sugary drinks, is fizzling.
But he says it popped the right question.
In meeting with college students over his budget, Paterson told the young New Yorkers not worry about his soda tax because the Legislature won't go for it. But he says it has served its purpose of raising awareness of childhood obesity.
His proposal would put an 18-percent tax on soda and other sugary drinks containing less than 70 percent fruit juice. His analysis showed it would raise a projected $1 billion in revenue over two years and reduce use of sugary drinks by 5 percent.
The fat tax was the subject of articles, editorials, polls, talk radio and TV commentaries.