THE CARROT OR THE STICK?
A state legislator* has proposed instituting a "fax tax" here in New York state. An article in our local paper noted that the tax would amount to an extra one percent on "junk foods, video games and television commercials."

I'm afraid this is a bit ridiculous. Even if it were a good idea, the tax is so small as to be irrelevant; it's only 1 pecent. Do you seriously think that anyone is going to be deterred from buying a candy bar because it costs $1.08 instead of $1.07? It's nothing more than a money grab.

And it's simply absurd on its face. The principle of informed consent dictates that people should be allowed to make personal choices for themselves, after given sufficient information. Everyone knows that junk food is bad for you... thus the name JUNK food. It's different if your actions might affect others. Getting drunk is not illegal; getting drunk and then driving a car is against the law. If I eat a Big Mac, I am not risking harm to anyone but myself. The government doesn't provide me (nor most other people) with health care so if I get a heart attack, I pay the bill.

There is a legitimate public interest in promoting good health, but a punitive (and miniscule to the point irrelevant anyway) tax is not the best way to do so. The carrot is almost always a better option than the stick... even if the stick has a lot fiber. :-)

NYS Assemblyman James Tedisco seems to agree with me. Rather than punishing people for hurting themselves, Tedisco wants to encourage people to be healthy. To that end, he has proposed a bill that would give "residents income tax credits for making healthy lifestyle decisions," reports The Post-Star. "[T]axpayers could receive as much as $500 in income tax credits for joining health clubs, purchasing fitness equipment or enrolling their children in a youth sports league."

I've long called for some sort of incentive to encourage people to use public transportation, to walk or to bike to work, as a means of enhancing air quality and reducing congestion. But the latter two would also encourage healthier lifestyles. I walk or bike to work most of the time, even in winter. I don't like heavy traffic or dirty air, but public policy choices have made driving to work an imperative for some people. We shouldn't punish those who have no choice, but we can encourage those who could go either way.

Encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles is a noble and important goal. But a punitive, but too-miniscule-to-have-an effect, fat tax is not going to make a bit of difference. Giving people a positive incentive just might.


*-Incidentally, this is an example of media carelessness not boding well for its credibility. The AP article refers to sponsor of the fat tax bill as state Rep. Felix Ortiz. New York state does not have a House of Representatives. Its lower house is called the Assembly thus it should've read Assemblyman Ortiz.